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, MACH2 Suni ADCH, 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) numerous times since 1998.
Elicia, who has a BS in engineering from Cornell University, currently owns and operates Waltzing Paws Agility in Sumner, Washington. 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 and positive training techniques 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 has since worked with over 50 different breeds of dogs, including Cairn Terriers, Llhasa Apso’s, to Bearded Collies and Great Danes. Her clients have qualified, competed and won regional and national tournaments, participated in AKC World Team Selection, and received countless titles including Championships in the various organizations, along with ranking nationally in their respected breeds.
Working full time operating Waltzing Paws, Elicia teaches private, group lessons, workshops, seminars and camps both nationally and internationally. She also lectures at nationals events, organizes and participates in agility demonstrations for local charity events, and develops Agility curriculums and Instructor Training Programs for all levels. Although a certified USDAA judge, Elicia spends the majority of her time teaching and competing.
Elicia owns five dogs, Suni, Leg-O, Iceman, Nika and BreeSea. When at home, you will find her working on agility projects such as a book/video called ‘Two Bodies, One Mind’. She has written articles for national and international agility publications and has been published and featured numerous times in the agility magazine "Clean Run". She recently served as the Agility Editor for the Australian Shepherd Journal magazine for two years, and is keeping her eyes on the future by training her young Border Collies Iceman and BreeSea, and her tailed Australian Shepherd Nika.
Elicia may be contacted by telephone at (281) 755.2803 or through email at wpagility@aol.com
