The right Stuff
wHETHER you plan to compete or not…
The concept for our company was a team effort. After chatting with local competitors , Madison needed a trial and training facility where dog owners could work together to create an environment everyone could genuinely get behind all while having FUN with our dogs!
Build it, and they will come! We are thrilled with the multiple types of dog sports Canine Sports Zone can facilitate. Regardless whether people wish to compete or not, Canine Sports Zone is excited to work with ALL teams, of all ages, to be the best they can be, while keeping it a joy for both the Handler & Canine!
Shawna Richgels
founder/Owner/director
With a natural eye for understanding each individual team, and drive to see each team teach their own goals, founder Shawna Richgels had over 20 + years in the dog training business before forming Canine Sports Zone.
Shawna started taking agility classes with their Boxer, Lexie in order to find something active to do together. Loving the “Ah-ha” moments she was having and seeing those in her Boxer, Shawna began competing and earned Top Awards with the American Boxer Club. She and her husband Pat, fostered Boxer’s with Green Acres Boxer Rescue where she served on the Board. Shawna is a multi-finalist at AKC Nationals, and won at Cynosports World games in multiple events.
She is known for her serious training eye, and fabulous sense of humor. Her students range from those on World Teams to those that aspire to build the best possible relationship with their dogs. Agility & teaching others became a passion, and in 2014 she left her job of 23 years and opened Canine Sports Zone.
Shawna and Pat and their children Finley & Dane, share their home with 3 border collies, and a rabbit.
Shawna’s genuine excitement for seeing each team succeed is truly contagious.
“serious training eye and a fabulous sense of humor”
Deb Schulman
Owner/Instructor
Prior to dog training, Deb coached collegiate volleyball at UW-Platteville for 30 years. Part of her coaching philosophy was to build a solid foundation by teaching and training the fundamentals. She now coaches/trains handlers and dogs in agility with that same philosophy.
Deb began her agility career in 2005 with her Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Madison, and soon after, Miniature Poodle, Spencer. She now competes with her Miniature Poodles Trek and Ze’. Deb and Spencer competed internationally for Team USA four times, and Deb and Trek have made eleven USA Teams (AWC, EO, WAO).
Wanting to give back to the sport of agility and to help grow the sport, Deb accepted a position as the Assistant Coach for the AKC Junior Open Agility World Championships Team (JOAWC). Deb has over 15 years of instructional experience in agility and dog training.
Fiona Thompson
Owner
The Crew
One of Canine Sports Zone’s strengths is our highly-skilled team of instructors. Our instructors take pride in always continuing their own knowledge be it attending seminars, workshops or in agility competitions themselves. Covering ALL levels of agility with energy & expertise, the dedicated group strives to provide it all, including FUN!
