08/23/2024
ISO: TEAMS
Late as usual.... This guy is looking for a team for Cynosport, 16".
Betel and Pamela Reid and Tweeker (12") are looking for a third for the US Open.
Feel free to PM me.
DogStar Performance Dog Sports with Bridget Thomas
- Home
- United States
- Alachua, FL
- DogStar Performance Dog Sports with Bridget Thomas
Do fun stuff with your dog! We specialize in agility training, from beginner teams through coaching teams with international ambitions.
(14)
DogStar LLC is owned and operated by Bridget Thomas. Bridget teaches group classes, private lessons, workshops and seminars locally in central Florida, and seminars nationwide by request. Agility, scentwork, K9 fitness and conditioning, and more for all levels of dogs and their owners.
08/23/2024
Late as usual.... anyone looking for a team for Cynosports???
08/22/2024
Another KineticDog UKI Northeast Cup in the books! Huge thank you to everyone involved in putting on this event. It runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to Mary Ellen Barry and her team. I appreciate the civilized hours, and this year even pretty good weather!
The courses were awesome! Thanks McKenzie Minto and Marco Magiolo.
I can be very critical of myself and my results were not what I'd hoped for. We made some podiums, and my dogs were, as always super stars and ran their little hearts out for me. But, I made lots of little errors (like getting through a tough snooker run only to take the finish jump the wrong way), and that drives me crazy. So many good things with one little blip resulting in a big, fat "E"....
Grapers -
🥈Speedstakes Challenge
🥇Games Challenge
🥇Biathlon Agility
🥇Masters Agility
🥈Reserve Cup Champion
Betel -
🥇Biathlon Champion
🥉Third place Overall (but I'm pretty sure it should have been Lisa Topol. She was kicking our butt, but had to leave due to an emergency at home)
Kepler - Two respectable "E's" and a set of weaves on the first try!
Ursa - A couple of "big girl" moments and some baby dog stuff.
But, the best part of the weekend was getting to watch our buddy, Megan Quinn and her best girl Nova crush it all weekend and win the Cup!
Congrats to all the winners and all the PBs this weekend! Onward and upward.
08/22/2024
Quick trip to Maryland. Huge thank you to Oriole Dog Training Club for hosting me for a fun day of workshops and a super group of participants. It was great seeing old students and friends, and lots of new faces too. Even after all these years I still get excited when I get to work with a "new to me" breed. This week it was the Norwegian Lundehund, the Puffin dog. Anja even has her own trading cards, and so many toes!
Many thanks to Judy Whitbred for the invite and all my many "handlers", Terry Herman, Lorinda McKisson, and Cindy Deubler. ;-)
And thanks to my bestie Sheila Franklin for always putting up with me and giving me and the pups a place to crash. So happy I got to meet the cutest, scruffiest puppy ever. ❤
08/17/2024
FYI…. Fun little agility history lesson!
08/13/2024
Spent a beautiful evening playing agility with a great group of juniors. This 4H group is desperately searching for someone to help coach them. They are in Clayton NY but willing to travel a bit. Anyone in upstate NY or Canada that could help these kids out?? They are working really hard and have some pretty good skills already
08/10/2024
Fun day teaching pups/youngsters today at Fleischmann Field. Thank you Christine Shortslef Fleischmann for the invite!
08/09/2024
Good luck to everyone headed to Perry this weekend for the USDAA Regional!
Have so much fun!
08/06/2024
Super Grapers wins the UKI ICE event with two clear rounds and not a scruffy little paw out of place! She is just perfect! 💜
07/31/2024
ISC "curious"?? Here's your chance to check it out in north Florida!
Join Pals and Paws at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center! Entries are open! Paper only for ISC.
Friday Sept 20th:
End Of Summer ISC Cup
Prizes for the combined winner (agility and jumpers) of each level and height (regular and preferred combined)!
Amazing prizes donated by Lucinda Chapin Saint Rocco's Treats Maxie Chapman Maureen Setter Purina Pro Plan Zuke's Natural Dog Treats
Saturday and Sunday Sept 21st and Sept 22nd:
Novice and open trial with all levels of fast!
And last but not least
Updog Triple Crown on Saturday and you pick games on Sunday courtesy of Jax Disc Dog League
Agility 📸 by BJC Photos
Updog 📸 by Bluepoodlestudios
Updog Saturday form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qVtWuqqowe8dXiXeXFL8go10KBiu-QHzlXg9i9ZMYLA/viewform
Sunday:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_N2ajfseIcXelgQGi_SMLJJc_94bfbZAkPffv5w5sBM/viewform
Premium https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/eventplans/eventsearch/blocks/dsp_generate_pdf.cfm?KEY_BINARY_CONTENT=83158
07/25/2024
LOOKING FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: ELECTRONIC TIMERS
For those that host trials, I'm starting to think about a set of electronic timers. Looking for input! Tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly... TIA!
07/18/2024
This happens so much in our dog breeds too….
Where entire breeds can go off track is when some one feature becomes so popular that breeders get so focused on that single piece to the neglect of the real deal basics such as soundness, temperament and general athletic ability.
Examples might include the way some Arabian breeders focus on a distorted looking dish face, some Quarter Horse breeders on extreme musculature, some race horse breeders on intense early speed, some Morgan breeders on a high knee action trot, some color breeders on specific color, any one piece of the whole that leaves other more important features neglected when decisions are being made about which stallions to breed to which mares.
Why does this happen? Probably because of ignorance about overall horsemanship that fails to take into account that horses should be sound, sane and athletic if they are to be useful to the average rider or driver.
But fads have a life of their own. One breeder produces it, some judge rewards it, and before you know it the aberration has become so popular that that’s where the money goes, and we all know the saying, “Follow the money.”
And once that starts it can so easily become a runaway train, and another breed is in trouble. And it started with some fad made popular through ignorance of basic horsemanship.
07/05/2024
SEMINAR/WORKSHOP AVAILABILITY
NY state (and surrounding areas), I'll be in the Syracuse area for the summer and have some free weekday/weekend times available. If you, or your club might be interested in hosting me for a workshop/seminar/lessons/etc please feel free to PM me. Handling, training, or behavior issues, I am happy to customize to your needs.
07/05/2024
Happy 4th everyone!
06/30/2024
Fun first day at DACOF! So proud of everyone. So many great runs! DogStar peeps had a great showing and brought home lots of bling.
06/28/2024
That's a wrap! My 2023/2024 agility season at DogStar has come to an end. We were running on fumes these last few days between the heat and the rain, but we did it! Thank you to everyone who came out for lessons, classes, workshops and UKI agility trials. I appreciate each and every one of you. See you in the fall!
06/28/2024
Congrats to Kathi Lehman and Vera on earning their AKC Novice Trick Dog title!
06/28/2024
The "littles" were on fire at the Rising Star Canine Ranch UKI Classic last weekend in NC.
Huge congrats to Sharon Will. Timmy had some of his fastest runs ever and ended up with 2nd place in Masters Series! Mickey ran happy and brave!
Gia Arney managed multiple top boxes with both Dodger and Pippa! Dodger continues to surprise me, running better and better as the weekend goes on, always saving the best for last. And Pippa, what can I say? She is going to be a force!
Well done ladies!
06/24/2024
UKI Rising Star Classic!
At 3 am when I was just crawling into bed I thought "hmmm.... was this really worth it", but of course it was! Thanks Ashley Deacon for the super courses. I'm so proud of Betel. We are really starting to put it together and our bobbles were few and far between, and always caused by me.
I hate second place. ;-). Sometimes I think I'd rather E than get second, but I guess it's ok when you share the podium with your interchangeable brother, Ernie. They are usually within .05 of each other's times. Dudley Shumate and I do not usually have the same handling plans but they still manage to be within a step or two of each other. One run was a .01 difference!
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Betelgeuse!
- Speedstakes Challenge - 🥇🏆
- Biathlon Agility - 🥉
- Pentathlon Finals - 🥈
Melissa Tiedemann Rising Star Canine Ranch is the bomb. If you have a chance, GO. The footing is Betel's favorite part, and not necessarily for running.
06/23/2024
Look for Betel and I on the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Sunday at 1 pm on NBC!
06/13/2024
Working Spots Available!
Young/Green Dog Handling and Skills Workshop
with Bridget Thomas
DogStar Farm, High Springs, FL
Sunday, June 16th
830-1130 am
$75 per team
Everything young dog! Build speed, confidence, enthusiasm, and skills! Challenges appropriate for the age and skill level of each team with tailored instruction.
Plenty of shade and hose/pool for the dogs. Please contact Bridget at dogstar.fun .com for more information or to reserve a spot.
06/11/2024
Lol, don't ever casually tell Stacy Hudak that you could do some fostering. She will literally reach into her car and pull out some animals.... ;-)
These two little guys will be looking for homes soon, and I get my kitten fix.
06/06/2024
Working Spot Available!
Starting early to beat the heat!
Friday, June 7th
8 am-11 am
DogStar Farm, High Springs, FL
$75 per team
Please contact Bridget ASAP at dogstar.fun .com for more info or to grab the spot.
05/29/2024
Wow! A super successful "quick" road trip to Texas for the UKI Classic at Dog Gone Fun Agility, LLC with Megan Quinn. Our dogs were amazing!
Grape🍇:
🥉Pentathlon Snooker
🥈Pentathlon Agility
🥇Pentathlon Jumping
🥇Biathlon Jumping
🥇Biathlon Agility
🥇Biathlon Overall + a Round 2 bye to the Open
🥈Pentathlon Speedstakes
🎖 IAC4
Betelgeuse⭐:
🥇Pentathlon Gamblers
🥇Pentathlon Agility
🥇Pentathlon Jumping
🥈Biathlon Agility
🏆Pentathlon Speedstakes & a bye to Speedstakes Finals at the US Open
It was so fun to see my travel buddy Megan Quinn and Nova crush it and also win their way to Speedstakes finals at the Open! Fastest time of all heights!
Thank you to Dog Gone Fun Agility, LLC for the *amazing* swag. I don't think I've ever come home with so much bling and goodies. It was so appreciated, and you all went above and beyond. Thanks to Claudette Mo and Mike Murphy for the challenging, and super fun courses this weekend. I enjoyed running all of them and as always, I'm coming home with some homework too. Thanks to GreatDanePhotos for all your hard work too, can't wait to see the results.
Congrats to Pentathlon Speedstakes podium-mates, Kerry Smith and Taylor Meyer on your great runs! And congrats to everyone on a great weekend with so many exciting runs, showing off skills on really challenging courses!
05/27/2024
Today was Grapers day! She won Biathlon Jumping, Pentathlon Jumping, ram amok in MS Agility, earned her IAC4 on a really challenging and fun course by Claudette Mo, got to go swimming, and is seeded in first place going into tomorrow's finals. And, we caught her *almost* looking at the camera.
Thank you to Dog Gone Fun Agility, LLC for all the amazing ribbons and hospitality!
Address
24518 Nw 110th Avenue
Alachua, FL
32615
Website
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when DogStar Performance Dog Sports with Bridget Thomas posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to DogStar Performance Dog Sports with Bridget Thomas:
Videos
This week at DogStar.... water work training with PWD, Murphy and his mom Elayne. I love getting to tackle new training projects!
JANUARY SCENT WORK AT DOGSTAR FARM: For the month of January we will have several different scent work options.... Scent Work Classes with Beth Jernigan: Sunday, January 15th, 9-12 pm, $75 Friday, January 27th, 9-12 pm, $75 You can attend one or both classes. If you are new to scent work you must attend the 9-10 am lecture hour. If you have already participated in the lecture you are welcome to attend again, but it is not mandatory. Pop-Up Scent Work Practice with Bridget Wednesday, January 11th, 11 am, $25 Thursday, January 19th, 9 am, $25 The practice sessions will be roughly an hour and a half long and are currently geared towards beginners. Each session will include two "turns" where each dog will get to do several searches on each turn. This is appropriate for students that attended either of the workshops with Beth Jernigan. It is also appropriate for folks interested in getting started in scent work with their dog. If you are curious about scent work please check out the NACSW website... https://www.nacsw.net . Please contact Bridget asap to reserve a spot or with any questions, dogstar.fun @ gmail.com.
SCENT WORK AT DOGSTAR FARM! ONE WORKING SPOT AVAILABLE! December 23rd, 9 am-noon We are pleased to offer classes in K9 Nose Work by CPE Canine Scent Sport judge and K9NW associate instructor, Beth Jerginan ANWI at DogStar Farm in High Springs, FL. These classes are for: Just about every dog loves using their nose! This is a fun and rewarding game for big, small, old and young alike. If you are brand new and would like to learn more first please follow the link below to the K9 Nose Work website…. https://k9nosework.com/ We will send a “what to bring” list prior to the first workshop, along with any other important info. The workshop will consist of “floor time” for the dogs as well as lecture/note taking for handlers. Dogs should be comfortable being crated out of sight while other dogs are working. There is plenty of shade in the parking area. We will be working in a fenced area. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a spot please contact Bridget asap at dogstar.fun @ gmail.com
Small Business Saturday Holiday Deals at DogStar! Deal #1: If you are a new student, or have not taken a private lesson from Bridget in 2022 DogStar is offering BOGO FREE! Purchase either one sixty minute lesson or one thirty minute lesson and get one of the same value free. Lessons must be paid for upfront and lessons must be completed by January 31st 2023. Deal #2: Private Lesson Package - Purchase a package of four lessons and receive a 25% discount. Limit one per student. Package must be paid for upfront and lessons must be completed by March 31st 2023. Please contact Bridget at [email protected] to book or with any questions. Offer is good until midnight on Monday, December 28th.
SCENT WORK AT DOGSTAR FARM! We are pleased to offer classes in K9 Nose Work by CPE Canine Scent Sport judge and K9NW associate instructor, Beth Jerginan ANWI at DogStar Farm in High Springs, FL. These classes are for: Just about every dog loves using their nose! This is a fun and rewarding game for big, small, old and young alike. If you are brand new and would like to learn more first please follow the link below to the K9 Nose Work website…. https://k9nosework.com/ The format will be a one hour lecture followed by a two hour class. Once you have attended the initial lecture and two hour class you are free to sign up for whatever dates you like (you can skip or attend all), and Beth will work with you at your current level. . The November/December dates will be… Sunday, November 20th, 9-10 am lecture, 10-12 pm class, $75 Sunday, December 11th, 9-10 am lecture, 10-12 pm class, $75 Friday, December 23rd, 9-10 am lecture, 10-12 pm class, $75 Additional 2023 dates will be posted as they come available. We will send a “what to bring” list prior to the first workshop, along with any other important info. The workshop will consist of “floor time” for the dogs as well as lecture/note taking for handlers. Dogs should be comfortable being crated out of sight while other dogs are working. There is plenty of shade in the parking area. We will be working in a fenced area. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a spot please contact Bridget asap at dogstar.fun @gmail.com.
Congrats to Lisa Glick and Dodger on a happy, confident, focused JWW run at a recent AKC trial! Dodger doesn't weave yet and has struggled with focus in a trial setting, but this speedy guy is starting to show some really good stuff!
SCENT WORK AT DOGSTAR FARM! We are pleased to be hosting presenter Beth Jernigan CNWI for scent work training geared towards teams just starting their sniffing journey. Each workshop consists of two, three hour mini-workshops, one in November and one in December. Workshop dates.... Fridays: 11/4 and 12/23 - $150 Sundays: 11/20 and 12/11 - $150 Each workshop runs from 9 am to noon. Please contact Bridget asap for more info or to reserve a spot, [email protected].
ONE SPOT LEFT! US Open Prep workshop Sunday, October 2nd 9 am - noon six team max, $75 per working spot DogStar Farm, High Springs, FL Coursework and drills on a US Open style course to help prepare you for the skills you’ll need in November! For teams preparing for the Open or EOTT, or teams that just want a fun challenge. Please contact Bridget at [email protected]. Grape's 1st US Open 2021 Snooker!
Check out my new virtual summer classes! Something for everyone with three different choices. Contact me with any questions or to reserve a spot, [email protected]. https://www.floridadogagility.com/workshops-seminars
UKI US Open National Champion, Grape
Letty and Indy's Debut Run!
CC and Bowser CPE
She's a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World.....
US diving team, lookout!
Shortcuts
Share
Category
Our Story
DogStar LLC is owned and operated by Bridget Thomas. Bridget teaches group classes, private lessons, workshops and seminars locally in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and seminars nationwide by request. Agility and K9 fitness and conditioning for all levels of dogs and their owners.
