Bonjon
Shepherd Ranch
Home of Bonjon Training School
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Home of Bonjon Training School |
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Daniel McDonald
Daniel McDonald has been active in Agility and in Dog Sports for most of his life! He was eight years old when he entered his first competitive event! At the age of 21, Daniel has already accomplished what many only dream about! He has competed in the last six AKC Agility Nationals. In 2002 he finished 9th in the large & very competitive 12" class. In 2003 he finished 7th against an even larger field of world-class competitors. In 2004 Daniel became the youngest male to complete all requirements to become a USDAA Judge in Agility. He has had many assignments, even judging a Regional. In June of 2007 Daniel will attend the AKC Judging seminar adding that to his ever growing resume.
Daniel's early Agility experiences were running German Shepherds. His first dog was retired early due to hip dysphasia. In addition to his sheltie, German Shepherd, Cleo & Border Collie, Hailey, Daniel has a young sheltie he is just starting in Agility & Herding. "Riff" will be a 16" dog and is already on his way to greatness! In addition Daniel has handled many other dogs to multiple qualifying runs including helping to finish a MACH on a Ch Corgi in 2002. He has also shown dogs in Herding, Conformation, Rally and Obedience but Agility is his true passion.
Training primarily with his mother Bonnie, Daniel also attends
seminars and takes occasional private lessons from some of the agility greats.
Major influences include Stuart Mah, Ann Brau and Chris Parker. To be the best,
Daniel realizes he must be current on the latest techniques and learn from those
that have more experience and time in the sport. It is constantly evolving,
never static. Daniel also realizes that Agility is not a "one-size-fits-all"
sport and that training programs and techniques must be tailored to fit the
individual and their dog. With his youth & quick wit Daniel is also fun to train
with and his energy is contagious. He'd love to meet you and your dog in class
to help you achieve your Agility goals!
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In
addition to Daniel's phenomenal success in AKC Daniel has earned an ADCH with
Gabe and is currently well on his way to his MAD with Hailey. Daniel qualified
for Grand Prix and Steeplechase his first year out in 2003 with Gabe (now
retired from USDAA) In September at the "Cool Critters" trial the Dam team of
Daniel & Hailey, Wendy Pape & Surf and his mother & sheltie Speed won the Gold
out of 26 teams! Several years ago he also qualified for the Dam Team Finals
with his mother's Malinois "Jazz" and his sheltie "Gabe" running on two
different teams! Daniel is a flexible handler in addition to being a talented
and knowledgeable Instructor.
Like
his mother, Daniel's early start was with horses. He was riding before he could
talk well at the tender age of 18 months. His balance and timing even at that
age were remarkable! Daniel also enjoys music, artistic endeavors including
photography, is an advanced/nitrox certified scuba diver, enjoys sailing, body
building, hiking, roller blading and kayaking. Daniel graduated from High School
at 16 with an "A" average. After graduating from High School Daniel completed
two years of the Culinary Arts Program at HCC before deciding that at least for
now, he wants to devote full time to teaching Agility, training and showing his
own dogs.