Catherine Laria

Catherine Laria is one of the most accomplished agility handlers and trainers in South Texas. For more than two decades, she has competed in a variety of dog sports including Agility, Herding, Dock Diving and Obedience. Catherine and her Whirlwind Border Collies have competed at the highest level throughout the country and internationally. They have been finalists in regional and national competitions every year since 2010, earning multiple titles and winning countless medals. Catherine has put numerous championships on her dogs in multiple venues, including USDAA, AKC, and UKI. In 2016, she and her dog Blizzard took 1st place at the IFCS World Team Tryouts, winning their spot on Team USA and finishing 11th in Biathlon in the Netherlands. Most recently, Catherine won a gold medal and bronze medal at the 2018 USDAA World Championships. Catherine’s versatility in her ability to train and handle dogs in multiple sports is further demonstrated by the success of her dog, Rae, who is the 2011 Texas State Ranch Champion in sheep herding.

Catherine has worked with a diverse group of national and international handlers who have helped to define her teaching and handling skills. Working with many dog and handler teams, Catherine has developed a keen sense for noticing what a dog is seeing or hearing versus what the handler thinks they are communicating. Her 20 years of experience working different dogs, with all kinds of behaviors, has built what she refers to as a very large “tool box”.  Catherine uses that tool box to work with each team individually, providing handlers with the skills needed to communicate more effectively and to offer their dogs clearer, more timely information, no matter what system or style they choose to use.

Catherine loves teaching students of all levels. She has been extremely successful throughout her career in games such as Gamblers and Snooker and helps others improve their ability to think through and execute successful plans. She loves to work with students on strategy, staying focused on course, running connected with their dog, and performing under pressure.

Catherine Laria teaches out of K9 Country Club in Bulverde, Texas where students there will tell you all sessions, whether private or group, are filled with humor and insight. You’ll leave every time laughing, learning, and better connected to your dog.