My journey with dogs began with Xanadu, my first dog—a Shetland Sheepdog whose intelligence, devotion, and enthusiasm set the foundation for everything that followed. She was, without a doubt, the most obedient, eager to please, and devoted dog I’ve ever had. No matter what challenge I presented her with, she would tackle it with enthusiasm and determination. 

Xanadu was the ultimate partner, excelling in Agility, Rally, Herding, Barn Hunt, Drill Team, Nose Work, and Tracking. She never backed down from a challenge, always willing to try something new with unwavering focus and excitement. She thrived in competition, participating in both NADAC and AKC venues, where she particularly shined in Agility and Nose Work. Her ability to navigate an agility course with speed and precision was truly impressive, and her keen nose made her a natural in scent-based sports. 

But even the best dogs have their unforgettable moments, and Xanadu’s first significant out-of-town trial was one for the books. She executed every challenge with grace and confidence, nearly perfect in her performance—until the very end. Just as I thought we had nailed it, she suddenly came down with a serious case of the Zoomies. 

With her head and tail held high, she raced around the ring in pure joy, as if she knew exactly how flawless her performance had been. The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, thoroughly entertained by her spontaneous celebration. Meanwhile, I scrambled to regain control, which took twice as long as the run itself. When she finally came back to me, the audience applauded as if she had just won the entire event. 

Of course, we were disqualified for that run, but it hardly mattered. The rest of the weekend, she was exceptional, proving her skill and dedication. She even won the Novice High in Trial Award, a testament to her incredible talent. As if to cement her legacy, she later went on to earn her Nose Work Title One, further demonstrating her ability to excel in whatever she put her mind to. 

However, Xanadu’s abilities went beyond the competition ring. In addition to her dog sport prowess, she developed a life-changing skill—detecting hypoglycemia, a serious medical condition with varied consequences. Without any formal training, she began alerting me when my mom’s blood sugar levels dropped, a skill required of diabetic service dogs. Her natural ability to sense and respond to these changes showed just how deeply she was in tune with her surroundings.. It was yet another testament to her intelligence, intuition, and unwavering devotion. 

Beyond her talents, Xanadu and I had something that made our partnership even more special—we were always dressed in pink together. Whether it was a competition, a training session, or simply a day out, we matched in our signature color. Pink became our symbol, a reflection of our bond, our teamwork, and the joy we found in working together.

Xanadu set the bar high for every dog that came after her. She was the one who taught me the thrill of dog sports, the power of teamwork, and the unbreakable connection between a handler and their dog. She was more than just my first dog—she was the beginning of an incredible journey.

Born on Valentine’s Day, one might expect Xennah to be the embodiment of love, sweetness, and devotion. Instead, she is a firecracker wrapped in fur—bold, stubborn, and full of mischief. While her birthday suggests she should be all about cuddles and affection, Xennah has other plans. She is a force of nature, fiercely independent and completely uninterested in being a traditional, obedient companion.

Her intelligence is undeniable—not just in learning commands but in outsmarting any attempt to contain her. When she was only a few weeks old, I kept her in an ex-pen in the bathroom to keep her safe, but Xennah had no interest in staying put. She figured out how to move the entire ex-pen—crate and all—into the bedroom! Determined to stop her, I taped the ex-pen down, thinking that would finally keep her in place. But Xennah, ever the problem solver, peeled up the tape and moved it again. No matter what I did, she always found a way to outthink and outmaneuver me. 

Naturally, I tried introducing her to dog sports, hoping she would enjoy Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Barn Hunt. However, it became clear almost immediately that performing in public was not her thing. Unlike Xanadu, who thrives in competition, Xennah has no interest in showing off her skills for an audience. She is more of a behind-the-scenes kind of girl, preferring to learn for her own amusement rather than anyone else’s approval. 

And if Xennah doesn’t approve of someone or something, she has no problem making her feelings known. One of my most unforgettable moments was at one of our first agility trials, where my boyfriend and I were staying in my travel trailer. Xennah was not a fan of my boyfriend—and she made that perfectly clear when she jumped up on the bed he was in and peed all over him before I could get her outside! If there was any doubt about who she thought should be in that bed, she erased it right then and there. 

Instead of being a sports dog, Xennah is happiest when she can do things on her own terms—exploring, problem-solving, and making up her own rules as she goes along. Training her isn’t about competition; it’s about learning to work with her independent spirit rather than against it. 

Despite her mischievous start, Xennah has grown into a one-of-a-kind companion. Over the years, we have built a relationship based on mutual respect, patience, and, of course, compromise. She may have been born on Valentine’s Day, but she remains a fiercely independent girl with a mind of her own—and I wouldn’t have her any other way.  

 From the start, she has kept me on my toes. Even now, at 13 years old, that spark of determination and mischief still shines through. As a puppy, she had a wild streak, waking up in the middle of the night and throwing what can only be described as the canine version of a rave. Sleep? That was optional in Xennah’s world. She figured out how to turn on lights, ensuring that if she was awake, everyone else was too. And when she wasn’t flipping switches, she was splashing water from the dog dish as far as possible, just to add an extra level of chaos to the household. 

Xada Bella of Whispering X is my third dog, and while I may have been searching for a sports partner, the truth is—Xada chose me. 

When I first went to see the litter of puppies, most of them were off playing, completely uninterested in me. But not Xada. She was waiting for me as I stepped into the pen, following me along the sidewalk and staying right by my side—or curled up on my lap. Eventually, a few other pups wandered over, but Xada made it clear they weren’t welcome. It was as if she already knew—we were meant to be a team. 

And what a team we are! From the moment we started training together, Xada has shown incredible enthusiasm and drive. She thrives in agility, obedience, and rally, but her true passions are Treibball and Parkour. 

Treibball is one of Xada’s favorite sports. She loves using her intelligence and precision to herd the large balls into the goal, working with me as if we have been doing it forever. Her ability to read my cues and strategize on the field is nothing short of amazing. Every training session is filled with excitement, and watching her confidently maneuver the balls across the field is a true joy. 

Parkour is another area where Xada shines. She has an incredible ability to climb, balance, and navigate obstacles with ease. Whether she is jumping onto ledges, weaving through poles, or confidently scaling new challenges, she tackles everything with enthusiasm and fearlessness. Parkour is more than just a sport for us—it’s an adventure that strengthens our bond and showcases her natural athleticism. 

One of my proudest moments was the first time she jumped up on a tall tree stump with the biggest smile on her face. Xada’s determination and heart never waver, whether we are stepping into a competition or simply exploring new obstacles together. 

But beyond the ribbons and achievements, what makes Xada truly special is the way she connects with me. She always knows when I need a nudge of encouragement or a moment of joy. Whether we are racing through a Treibball course, tackling a new Parkour challenge, or just relaxing together at the end of the day, she is my constant companion, my heart dog, and my greatest teammate.

 Xada proves that some bonds are simply meant to be.

After Xada, Xanka Black Pearl of Whispering X came into my life—a solid black German Shepherd with a rough start, lacking much socialization. She was born on Pearl Harbor Day, a date that made her name even more fitting. Though she had an uncertain beginning, she had a quiet strength and resilience that I knew would shine through with time. 

Xanka was an incredibly smart dog, always thinking, always observing. From the moment she came home, her focus was entirely on me—no matter where we were or what was happening around us, she locked onto me with unwavering attention. That natural connection became the key to her success in training. 

She found her passion in Rally, a sport that allowed her to focus, build trust, and grow in confidence. Moving up to Rally Advanced was a huge milestone for her—working completely off-leash required a level of self-control and discipline that she took on with determination. 

One of the biggest challenges for Xanka was learning to navigate public spaces. At first, distractions were overwhelming, but through structured training, she learned to look at me first before reacting to other dogs or her surroundings. This simple yet powerful skill became the foundation for her success. Now, whether we’re in a Rally trial or just out on a walk, she checks in with me before making a decision—something that once seemed impossible for her. 

Her intelligence and focus made her a natural at problem-solving and learning new skills quickly. She wasn’t just a dog who followed commands—she was an active thinker, always engaged, always eager to work. 

Watching Xanka go from a timid rescue to a confident, focused Rally dog has been one of the most rewarding experiences. She may not have had the easiest start in life, but she proved that with time, patience, and love, even the most uncertain dogs can shine. 

Xanka’s journey is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and the deep bond we built together. Every time we step onto a Rally course, I am reminded of how special she is—not just for her skills, but for the unbreakable connection we share.

Then came Xantha—a Belgian Malinois puppy I rescued at just 13 weeks old. From the moment she arrives, it’s clear she is built for work. Malinois are known for their intelligence, energy, and drive, and Xantha is no exception. But what makes her truly special is her incredible balance of sharp intelligence, a strong work ethic, and an affectionate, friendly nature. 

Xantha isn’t just smart—she is eager, engaged, and always ready to learn. Her love for work shines in everything we do together. Whether it’s obedience, protection training, or bite work, she tackles each challenge with enthusiasm and determination. She excels in structured training, showing a natural ability to focus and problem-solve while maintaining a joyful and social demeanor. 

The Foundation of Our Bond: Trust Through Training

One of the key aspects of our bond is hand-feeding. From the beginning, I use this method to build trust, engagement, and impulse control. Every meal becomes a training opportunity, reinforcing obedience while deepening our connection. Xantha learns that looking to me for guidance is the most rewarding thing she can do, which lays the foundation for her success in all areas of training. 

She thrives on structured learning. Unlike some dogs who require constant motivation, Xantha is naturally driven, always seeking the next challenge. She doesn’t just perform commands—she understands them, processes them, and executes them with precision. Her sharp mind allows her to learn complex behaviors quickly, and she relishes in the opportunity to problem-solve. 

A Natural Protector with a Playful Heart 

Despite her high-drive nature, Xantha has a remarkable ability to balance work with play. While she is serious and focused during training, she also has a deeply affectionate side. She seeks out my companionship not just for direction but for comfort, knowing when I need her presence as much as she needs mine. 

One of her greatest joys outside of training is playing with her best friend, Maggie—a three-legged German Shepherd. Their friendship is heartwarming to watch. Despite Maggie’s physical challenge, the two of them chase, wrestle, and explore together as if nothing can slow them down. Xantha’s playful and adaptable nature makes their bond even stronger, proving that true friendship isn’t about limitations but about shared joy and companionship.

 Excelling in Protection Work and Bite Training

Xantha’s potential in protection work became clear early on. Her natural instincts, paired with her strong bond with me, make her an incredible working partner. She understands the difference between play, training, and real-life situations, showing restraint and control when needed. 

In bite training, she demonstrates confidence and precision. She doesn’t simply react—she thinks, assesses, and executes with purpose. Her ability to read situations and respond accordingly showcases the intelligence and discipline that make Malinois such exceptional working dogs. 

The Joy of a Balanced Malinois

One of the most rewarding aspects of training Xantha is watching her transform into a well-balanced Malinois. Many working-line dogs struggle with finding an off-switch, but Xantha proves that structure, patience, and trust can create a dog who excels in both work and relaxation. She can seamlessly transition from intense training sessions to curling up beside me, completely content. 

She isn’t just a working dog—she is a loyal partner, a joyful spirit, and a dog who thrives on both structure and love. Every day, she reminds me why I love working with dogs: the bond, the teamwork, and the joy of watching them reach their full potential.

 Xantha chose this life, just as much as I chose her. And together, we continue to grow, learn, and push each other to be our very best.