Local dog agility trainer Heather Witt-Sullivan of Easton and her Shetland Sheepdog, Rowan, earned two medals at the 2024 World Agility Championship in France as members of Team USA for the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the world’s largest independent authority for the sport of dog agility. Competing at the 250-mm (approx. 10”) height, the pair brought home a silver medal in team competition and bronze medal in individual competition at the prestigious event.
The exciting sport of dog agility showcases talented dogs performing against the clock over hurdles and A-frames, through tunnels, hanging tires, weave poles and even the see-saw. Easy for spectators to understand, the objective is to score the fastest time with the least penalties. Dogs of all breeds and sizes compete in various classes where obstacles are set based on the height and experience of the dog.
The annual International Federation of Cynological Sports (IFCS) World Agility Championship (WAC) is an elite competition showcasing more than 200 top competitors from more than a dozen countries. Any country is eligible to participate. The 2024 event was co-hosted by IFCS and Fédération Française des Activités du Chien de Sport (FFACS), April 30 to May 4.
The 2024 WAC marked Witt-Sullivan’s third time competing internationally with Rowan, having earned an individual gold medal (Gamblers) in 2022 and individual bronze (Standard) and team gold in 2023. This year, the duo added an individual bronze medal (Biathlon) and team silver to their collection.
Witt-Sullivan traveled to the Ecurie De La Vayrie in Bourgbarré, France, with 19 other Team USA competitors and their canine teammates. Members were selected by the USDAA through a points system based on their performance in a World Team selection event. Team USA earned a total of 12 medals at this year’s event.
“It is always a privilege and an exhilarating experience to represent the USA,” Witt-Sullivan said. “Competing against teams from all over the world is so rewarding. France did a wonderful job maintaining the footing and equipment, which is so important for the dogs’ safety. The courses this year were the best I’ve experienced at WAC. The judges were so conscientious about creating fun and challenging designs.
“My dog, Rowan, did wonderfully at the competition,” she added. “I’m so proud of her. She gets very excited at big events (she loves a crowd) and struggles with staying at her start line. She was perfect this year. Her drive and enthusiasm for the game are contagious.”
Witt-Sullivan has been training dogs for more than three decades and has been teaching agility for four years. She began her competitive agility journey in 2014 when she brought home her tiny Shetland Sheepdog, Rowan. Witt-Sullivan is happy to play agility anywhere in the world and often focuses on being the best partner she can for Rowan.
For more information about USDAA, visit www.usdaa.com. More information, including details on the event livestream and full competition schedule, can be found at www.cynosport.com.
