Elicia Calhoun is a top National and International Trainer,
National Champion and World Champion, Lecturer, Professional
Agility Instructor, and Author. A World Champion Team member
in 2001 and Bronze Medal Team member in 2003, Elicia has
represented the United States for an unprecedented five consecutive
years with the same dog, Suni. She and her Aussie, ADCH
MACH 2 Suni, also have the top individual Maxi dog placement at
the World Championships, and are nationally recognized icons,
having been featured competing at large televised events on
Animal Planet (AKC and USDAA National Championship) and ESPN
(Great Outdoor Games) and numerous times since 1998. Elicia,
who has a BS in engineering from Cornell University, currently
owns and operates Waltzing Paws Agility in Houston, TX. She
has served as Agility Director for the St. Hubert’s Dog Training
School in New Jersey. In each position she utilizes her analytical
engineering skills to design and develop a training program
that pinpoints each team’s needs in an enthusiastic and effective
manner. Elicia began agility in 1994 with her Lab/Greyhound
mix Jettie and within 2 years Jettie had earned her Agility Dog
Championship title. Elicia’s training methods that she developed
with Jettie and Suni are effective for all sizes, breeds and speeds
of dogs. She builds upon the team relationship using her clear
handling system and customizes training plans that best suit
each dog/handler team. Elicia challenges all levels of dog/handler
teams to reach their full potential with her innate ability to
identify issues and problem-solve. Her versatile abilities include
everything from helping to build drive and focus, to thinking on
her feet to handle fast dogs. Elicia specializes in Course Analysis,
developing the best handling plan for your team, and Mental
Preparation, helping you to synchronize with your dog prior to
entering the ring.
Elicia using cones to enhance her point about the importance of body position
(taken at NOMAD Camp 2009)
Elicia and BreeSea Doing a Demo at NOMAD Camp on August 24, 2009