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Sierra Schmidt
Sierra began her pet training career 6 years ago as a CPT obedience student. While progressing from beginner to intermediate to
advanced obedience, Sierra became figuratively intoxicated with dog training, especially competitive agility training.
She began competing just 4 years ago and has accumulated numerous laudatory accomplishments.
Sierra and her Bichon Frise, Balto, have earned 32 titles, including the prestigious Masters Agility Championship (MACH).
They have qualified for six national events, placed second in the 2004 Eastern Regional of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge
(shown on ESPN), and were asked to perform a demonstration on Late Night with David Letterman.
Nevertheless, the most significant accomplishment of Sierra’s burgeoning agility career occurred during her recent
victory at the inaugural AKC National Invitational. On December 3, 2006, Sierra and Balto won the 8-inch height class in
the National Agility Invitational held in Long Beach, California. In the process, they defeated 80 elite competitors,
including a former world team member, to achieve their first place finish.
The competition was available by invitation only to the top five ranked agility dogs within each recognized AKC breed as
well as top international teams. Sierra and Balto, (formal name: MACH Senna’s Baltinator) were in second place after the
first day of the two day contest. However, Sierra and Balto saved their best performances for the second day and vaulted
to the championship pedestal. A video of Sierra’s winning run is available on the AKC’s website and on CPT's website.
In addition, Animal Planet broadcast the competition on February 11, 15 and 18, 2007.
Moreover, 18-year old Sierra’s accomplishments do not stop at the gates of the agility ring. Sierra was ranked number
one in her senior class at North Springs High School. She received a score of 2340 (out of a possible 2400) on her
SAT’s and achieved three perfect AP scores. In addition, she was one of very few high school students in the entire state
accepted for admission into the Governor’s Honors Program and has since enrolled in the Honors Program at Georgia Tech.
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