WCFO Judges
Mona Cattanach
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Arkansas
Phone: 417 827-1576
WCFO #: 1070
Address: 609 Pembroke Drive, Sherwood, 72120
I joined WCFO in 2008 and have been an approved judge since 2016. Flare, my Australian Cattle Dog mix and Wylie, my Australian Cattle Dog, hold titles in musical freestyle, including a championship for Wylie; sassy senior freestyle; brace freestyle; and heelwork to music. Wylie and i also dabbled in team competition. Our titles were earned through a mix of live and video events.
I don’t always earn legs when competing, dogs will be dogs after all, but i always have fun. I hope every handler i judge feels the same. Successful or not, routines will be fairly evaluated and scores awarded according to the WCFO guidelines, and score sheets will include comments clarifying what was and was not successful about the routine.
I appreciate a well choreographed and executed routine no matter the level entered or the style of music used. I love the “free” aspect of freestyle and really appreciate a dog and handler with an individual style that showcases their bond. And while it won’t save an unsuccessful routine a great costume never hurts!
Sandy Beeler
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Arizona
Phone: 480-321-9292
WCFO #: 665
Address: 24370 S 184th Place, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Started y-e-a-r-s ago in obedience but felt it was too repetitive and boring for my dog. I do believe obedience is a cornerstone for all dog sports and makes training all else a pleasure.
Then I got into agility, competed and eventually taught until I started having skeletal issues that only allowed me to train agility for fun.
That is when we discovered freestyle and haven’t looked back as it is everything great wrapped up together; fun, movement for both dog & handler, creativity (sometimes both dog & handler), and best of all – bonding. I taught freestyle classes until recently when my hubby retired and we decided to travel a lot. I love being on the road, seeing new places, how people in other areas live and meeting new dog friends (both the two legged and four legged kind).
Marlene Schlichtig
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Maryland
Phone: 301-577-5786 (h) 202-615-3956 ©
WCFO #: 045
Address: 9403 Van Buren ST, Seabrook-Lanham, MD 20706
I danced with Norwegian Elkhounds in singles, team, proficiency, mf and htm. Dancing has been my relaxation and therapy, as well as an activity that binds the dog and I together. With each new dog I learn so much more about training, presentation, and motivation. As an instructor my true joy comes from watching handlers grow in their communication with their dogs. As a judge i have had the delightful job of seeing the dog/handler teams progress over the years in being able to expand their understanding of freestyle and take on the challenges of creativity and design.
Anna Schloff
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Michigan
Phone: 646-812-7067
WCFO #: 7
Address: 10063 Hunt Dr, Davison, Michigan 48423
Anna was one of the first board members for the World Canine Freestyle Organization, helping and supporting Founder Patie Ventre creating the now worldwide titling organization for Freestyle. She is the past Junior Advocate, Club Advocate, and Entry Chairman for WCFO. Currently, Anna is the WCFO President/CEO and Judges Advocate.
She has been training and showing dogs for over 40 yrs. Competing in Obedience Rally, Agility, Freestyle, Field, Flyball ,Tricks and Conformation She has judged and taught many workshops in US, Canada, Holland, Japan, and South Africa and has raised Leader Dogs for the Blind and Paws with a Cause Service Dogs. She was a 4H leader for 15 years, member of the 4H State board for several years and introduced freestyle divisions at several Michigan 4H Fairs.
Anna teaches classes to include puppy, obedience tricks and freestyle. She is also an AKC/CGC Trick Dog evaluator , Judge for Do More With Your Dogs Tricks and Stunt competitions. And mentor for future dog trainers for Animal Behavior College.
On her 13th birthday Anna got her first puppy a rough collie and trained in obedience and just fun stuff. As an adult, Anna got her first Labrador Retriever and that started her interest in training and raising dogs. She has titled her labs in agility, freestyle, conformation, obedience, and field in USA and Canada.
She started dancing with her Labrador Lacey back in 1996. They went to Kalamazoo, Michigan to compete in a Freestyle Fun meet at the UKC 100th Anniversary show, where they met many other freestylers including Patie Ventre (Founder of WCFO). She became a member of the famous Pupperoni freestylers and performed many demos to promote the sport, Anna met many famous freestylers and was able to come back to Michigan to introduce and start freestyle. She is one of the founding members of the Freestyle Fanatics and the Hi Struttin Hounds in Michigan. Her Labrador Retriever Danny was the youngest dog to pass MF Proficiency at 4 months old;, Anna and Papillon Jack have multiple Perfect Dance Partner titles in both Musical Freestyle and Heelwork to Music with Bronze medals in Musical Freestyle and Heelwork to music Anna and her Irish Terrier Dublin,are currently performing in Freestyle, Obedience and Agility. And new Irish Terrier puppy Guinness will have a fun training future.
Terry Swanson
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Michigan
Phone: 810-614-0424
WCFO #: 1522
Address: 2166 Hunter Drive, Lapeer, Michigan 48446
Caroline Hudnall
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Montana
Phone: 1-406-227-6945
WCFO #: 1
Address: PO Box 1016, East Helena, MT 59635
Caroline Hudnall, East Helena, MT USA. Born on the plains of North Dakota I moved with my parents to Anchorage, Alaska at the age of 13. After schooling and marrying I moved to Montana for two and ½ years. From there we moved to England for my husband’s work. After 4 years in Europe we moved back to anchorage and was there for 40 years until we moved to Montana in 1993. I’ve had dogs all my life from very early childhood up to my current dogs. I’m president of the Helena MT kennel club and also train dogs for the club. I’m currently no. 1 judge for WCFO. I’m a retired us figure skating judge of 40+ years.
I have a deep love for Shetland Sheepdogs and my new puppy Piper is 10 months and his sister, Amie is 10 years, they are the love of my life.
Kathy Combs
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Clayton, OH sometimes Southaven, MS
Phone: 937-248-9401
WCFO #: 552
Address: PO Box 173, Clayton, OH 45315
I have enjoyed the sport of dogs for forty some years. I started initially with Obedience and still actually enjoy this area very much. I also do Rally and Freestyle. I have taken classes in Nosework, Herding, Agility, but have never competed in those trials. I took a few classes in Conformation and shown only when absolutely needed. Freestyle though has been the dog sport that gives me the most pleasure even when it doesn’t go perfect. And I’ve had a few of those days as well as the days when my dogs and I have the best time together in the ring. I currently live with and train an Australian Shepherd, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and one older Japanese Chin. I truly enjoy judging Freestyle and watching friends new and old as they dance with their dogs.
Gay Stahley
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Pennsylvania
Phone: 570-479-3470
WCFO #: 212
Address: 637 River Hill drive, Catawissa, PA 17820
I got my first dog about 1969. At that time, mixed breeds were not allowed to compete anywhere, so I didn’t get started in dog sports until 1981, when I took my novice a obedience Miniature Schnauzer to a utility title with the American Kennel Club. After showing my schnauzers in AKC and CKC obedience, I got into Kerry Blue Terriers and showed them in conformation and obedience in the US and Canada. I also showed a Norwich Terrier bitch successfully against the professionals. During this time, I played around with scent hurdle races (a precursor to flyball), tracking and agility. Then, in 2001, I found a new sport called canine freestyle! I competed with my male Kerry for the first time in freestyle at the WCFO 2001 national, held by the Chesapeake Rock n Rovers in Maryland, and was completely hooked. I became a freestyle judge in 2002 and also served on the WCFO board as a member and titling director for 10 years. I am currently (2019) showing a Tibetan terrier in all aspects of freestyle. We also play around with AKC/UKC rally, barn hunt, lure coursing, parkour and scent work.
Nancy Withers
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Pennsylvania
Phone: 610-678-6686
WCFO #: 004
Address: 15 Hain Ave, Wernersville, PA 19565
It´s hard to believe how much an ad in the ¨pets for sale¨section of our local newspaper in February, 1978 has changed my life! From that ad I bought my first Shetland Sheepdog who along with three other of my shelties earned their american and Canadian utility degrees. For some time I only owned shelties, but now I can proudly say i also have owned two Pembroke Welsh Corgi to pair with a sheltie. A good combination of breeds for both the dogs and their owner!
Prior to becoming a judge i put obedience titles on a Pug, Kuvasz, Border Terrier, Golden Retriever and a Corgi. Several other of my own dogs have also earned CD´s, rally titles, herding titles and a tracking title. My current Corgi, Ozzie, is working with our good friend Amanda Nickle in herding. I judged my first AKC obedience trial in 1992, and I am approved for all obedience and rally classes, with a judging schedule that keeps me quite busy.
I have been an active member of the Berks County (Pennsylvania) dog training club since 1978, and have served in most every office and club position. Have been a member of interstate Shetland Sheepdog Club since 1978, and ASSA since 1984, as well as a member of the Del Bay Herding Club. I’ve also been very active in both organizing and behind the scenes work in various tournaments and regional obedience competitions.
Enjoy the camaraderie of your friends, old and new, these next few days, and best of luck to all exhibitors! Thank you for inviting me to judge!
Una Meier
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Pennsylvania
Phone: 570-639-3922
WCFO #: 307
Address: 12 Tower Lane, Dallas, PA 18612
I’m currently working with my Bichon, Ru. He is a great little guy but has a mind of his own so it might take awhile before we can compete but I’m enjoying his antics.
I was dancing with my Border Collie, Brooklyn, until health issues caused us to put a pause on our dancing. We have completed our Adv MF, Int HTM, Int Skits, Int Team and Bronze Bars and Bronze Medals. Unfortunately, Brooklyn passed right after Thanksgiving. She was a wonderful addition to our family and is missed a great deal.
My first partner was Spencer a Papillion. We had earned PDP MF, PDP HTM, Brace PDP, Pairs MF PDP, and Pairs HTM INT. We were asked to participate in Eukanuba Expo in California doing our Big Bird routine and a small clip was aired at the beginning of the dog show. We also went to Times Square in New York City and danced for Milk Bones Anniversary. In 2009 we won the High in Trial at the Groom Expo in Hershey, PA. He was a fabulous dog and a wonderful dance partner. He passed away December 23, 2015.
Then there was Chadwick a Pom-Chi. He earned his Adv MF, Adv HTM, Beg Team and Brace PDP. He was such a little dog but had such character. He passed away May 1, 2019 at 14.
I also danced with Sydnee a Brindle Chihuahua until she tore her ACL in 2016. She had earned her Adv MF and Adv HTM titles before she got hurt and retired.
Quincey my long-haired Chihuahua earned his Int MF and Nov HTM title before he retired.
Marjorie Geiger
Country: USA
Town/city/state: Washington
Phone: 928 587 6387
WCFO #: 1346
Address: 226 Gwynne Road, Kalama, Washington 98625
Growing up in rural Michigan gave me an early start on animal relationships. I have always loved training and being with cats, horses and dogs. With my dogs I participate in obedience, rally, carting, nosework, agility, lure coursing, freestyle, and conformation. I have been an active participant in kennel clubs and training facilities for more than 40 years. I also grew up playing the guitar and violin. I have worked in a dance studio and was a cheerleading coach. All of these activities come together in canine freestyle. I love the movement and excitement of a working partnership. Few things are more pleasing to my eye and heart than a team that dances in sync.
JODY COOK
Country: USA
Town/City/State: Tooney, Alabama
Phone: 256-417-3224
WCFO#:
Address:
Email Jody Cook
My sister encouraged me to attend the WCFO Internationals in Ashville, North Carolina in 2005. It was such a wonderful experience that I have been hooked on Freestyle ever since. I have shown since then with 7 different dogs, gaining multiple Hi Artistic and Hi Technical awards. Training them has been mutually joyful and each dog has taught me volumes of information.
JESSA KENWORTHY
Country: USA
Town/City/State: OHIO
Phone: 937-206-3312
Address: 1540 Navajo Dr Xenia, OH 45385
Email Jessa Kenworthy
Jessa has been in love with freestyle since she was introduced to the sport. She began competing and teaching freestyle in 2011 with her golden, Coda, who earned her PDP/MF5, PDP/HTM5 and PDP/Skit before her passing. She now competes with her golden, Treble, Papillon, Jinx and Borzoi, Reaper.
Jessa became a judge in early 2023 to help spread the love of her favorite dog sport. She is the training director at 4 Paws for Ability, a service dog organization in OH, as well as competing in other dog sports and teaching at her local dog club, Gem City.
International:
Kathy Clayton
Country: South Africa
Town/city/state: Gauteng
Phone: +27 82 454 1750
WCFO #: 876
Address: PO Box 652930, Benmore, 2010, RSA
I am an International Dog Dancing judge for FCI, WCFO and South Africa.
I have owned and trained several Border Collies and German Shepherds in Obedience, Dog Carting, Dog Jumping, Agility and Dog Dancing since 1973, and a Senior Kennel Union of Southern Africa judge for all these disciplines. I have judged all around South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
As an FCI International Judge, I was the Head judge for the World Dog Dancing Championships held in May 2023 in Herning, Denmark.
I have also judged in Moscow in June 2018 and St. Petersburg in December 2018. Other judging appointments include the OEC (Open European Championships) in Switzerland October 2018. I did Shadow Judging in Belgium and France.
I have judged for WCFO in Pennsylvania in 2012 and in Seattle in 2015 (also giving workshops at that International), as well as several video competitions over the years.
I am on the WCFO Executive Board and runs the Stay-at-Home Video competitions as well as the judge’s lists.
Every year I travel to the UK to attend Crufts, and during the year to the European Dog Dancing competitions – OEC and EOC.
My Border Collie, Triffyn became a WCFO MF Champion in 2012 and German Shepherd, Tannah, needed just 2 more qualifications, but sadly had to retire due to age.
Currently, I am dancing with my two Border Collies – Blair and Chardy.
Blair is a South African and FCI International Breed Champion, South African Grand Champion MF (V) and has won the KUSA (Kennel Union of South Africa) MF (V) title for 2021, 2022, 2023. In 2023 he won the Goldfields Dog of the Year and also the Top Dog MF (V). Blair is also a Trick Dog Champion.
For WCFO he is a MF Champion as well as a PDP Champion.
Chardy is a South African Breed Champion and has the FCI Junior Merit title and she is the youngest dog to become a South African Trick Dog Champion (16 months). She is currently dancing in Intermediate.
I am a Professional Dog Trainer (since 1994, previously a schoolteacher) and Companion Animal Behaviourist, and run my own dog school – K C Dog School. I give training classes and go to homes to do behavioural consultations, specializing in aggression. I give private training and consultations for people around the world via Zoom.
As a competitor and judge I love Musical Freestyle, bringing out my creative side (my hobby is amateur dramatics and singing.)
I love travelling, especially overseas to all the countries to judge and watch the international competitions.
Margaret Rutter
Country: South Africa
Town/city/state: Gauteng
Phone: +27 64 697 8087
WCFO #: 875
Address: PO Box 873, Florida Hills, Florida, 1716 RSA
I have been involved with the training of dogs for the last 22 years. Trained three of my dogs to a high level of obedience. My main interest is with the training of puppies which I have done for the last 20 years.
I have been involved in judging for WCFO since 2006 and was thrilled to be invited to judge in the USA for clubs and the Nationals. I was also privileged to be selected to be one of the Judges for the World Championships. I have judged extensively in South Africa for competitions for WCFO.
Gaby Grohovaz
Country: South Africa
Town/city/state: Gauteng
Phone: +27 83 3891011
WCFO #: 811
Address: PO Box 46, Honeydew, 2040 RSA
I have a horse background but have been involved in Dog Sports and showing dogs for well over 30 years. I dabbled pretty much in all mainstream dog sports at one time or another but my heart lies in Agility and Freestyle. I also feel that these 2 disciplines perfectly complement each other.
I started freestyle under the English icon Mary Ray in the last century. I joined WCFO about 20 years ago. The never-ending challenges and possibilities are keeping me in this Sport. I love variety and have competed and titled dogs of all sizes and descriptions.
My first dance partner was a Standard Poodle, followed by my possible best known partner Quincy, a Pyrenean Sheepdog and to this day my favourite breed. Quincy and I got our WCFO freestyle Champion title. She was followed by my Border Collie Cassie, who in addition was also a WCFO HTM Champion and my Jack Russel cross Allez who was a WCFO MF Champion. With my Newfoundland cross Bubi and the White Swiss cross Flocki we competed in Brace, but unfortunately Bubi died far too young.
Eventually Freestyle also took off in South Africa and I have been competing locally over the years, adding MF Champion titles to 4 more Pyreneans.
Currently I am dancing with my Border Collie Flumi in both MF and HTM and my newest partner Amber, a Miniature Pinscher Cross.
As a competitor and judge I love the “free” in Freestyle and want to showcase my K9 Partner’s ability. In HTM I am still looking for creativity and interesting moves and sequences without losing the precision required in this discipline.
Margy Short
Country: South Africa
Town/city/state: Gauteng
Phone: +27 72 424 9039
WCFO #: 871
Address: PO Box 587, Muldersdrift 1747, RSA
Margy Short has been involved in dog training for 34 years. She has competed in Agility, Obedience, Working Trials and Freestyle, the discipline she especially enjoys. She has taken part in WCFO competitions since 2006 and her Golden Retriever Roxy, achieved her Champion Freestyle status. Tally, a Jackie Russell is her current dancing partner and Margy is training up Radley, her Flat Coat Retriever for Heelwork to Music.
Besides being a qualified WCFO Judge Margy has officiated as a Kennel Union South Africa Judge and nationally as a South African Dog Dancing Association Judge. She teaches Freestyle, HTM, dog sport foundations, tricks, Obedience and clicker skills.
Daniel Ratte
Country: Canada
Town/city/state: New Brunswick
Phone: 754-200-5772
WCFO #: 315
Attila Szkukalek
Country: United Kingdom
Town/city/state:
Phone:
WCFO #:
Address:
DONELDA GUY
Country: United Kingdom
Town/City/State:
Phone:
WCFO#
Address:
Email Donelda Guy