REVIEW OF THE KRIS HURLEY  WORKSHOP IN TUCSON

We were graced with the wonderful and open energy of Kris Hurley this past weekend in Tucson.  And, as usual, Kris never fails to deliver more than you thought possible.  Her two day seminar was full of content that will move us all forward in our freestyle training!  Lots of really great facts and details!

Much of the first day of her workshop was laying the foundation she has developed over the years on how to create an effective and memorable routine.  Then she also taught us dance steps! Yep! One of those things so many of our handlers feel uncomfortable about is how to move gracefully, while in the ring or performance area with our dogs.   Her information on flow and transitions was very helpful also.

As many have mentioned on this list in the past; one of the most difficult areas for most freestylers is choreography and transitioning moves.  We really had an knowledgeable person to share her depth of information with us.

I am so grateful we were able to have someone of Kris’s caliber assist us in those areas that can be so challenging for many! The second day we also enjoyed some great techniques on how best to use clicker for freestyle.  I know she converted at least two new folks to the benefits of clicker with her approach!

I won’t give away all her secrets, as I want you to all buy her book when she gets it done!!!!

I think all who came to the seminar went home with many useful and valuable pieces of information that will move their freestyle forward! We loved having her little Pug Mix, Roxie with us as well. And we enjoyed seeing them present a couple of their routines! 

Kris has a true love of freestyle and is such a generous spirit! I sincerely appreciate her  and all that she has so unselfishly given to freestyle!  Thank you Kris!  Fondly, and with deep respect,  Loren

Hi Kris,

Thank YOU for a great weekend.  I had expected a truly good seminar, but it went way beyond that.  And, as you will see from Tom's letter below, I received an extra gift from the seminar--thank you Kris, Loren, and everyone else for that.
- Penny & Foxy

This is from Tom:

Hi,
This past weekend I accompanied my wife to a Freestyle Seminar sponsored by the Sonoran Canine Freestylers and presented by Kris Hurley. My dog, Jason, a Golden Retriever, came only along for the ride, and since I wasn't involved in Freestyle.  I planned to only watch and observe the program from the sidelines as I usually have at past seminars. 

Kris was articulate and impressive in her understanding of all aspects of Freestyle, and she came across as a sincere and wonderful person, desiring to assist in any area of Freestyle for which we had the need.

I came only as an observer in support of Penny and Foxy but as a result of this Freestyle seminar, I am now tempted to do Freestyle myself. I know a greater percentage is the Freestyle sport are women, but after this inspiring weekend, I am now going to give Freestyle a try. I have a good dog who has had experience in Agility, Obedience, and Rally, so I think I have a springboard into Freestyle using some of the moves he already knows.

All in all, I want to sincerely thank Loren , Kris, and the Sonoran Canine Freestylers for an inspiring and motivational weekend regarding Freestyle. It was a long  trip  from Santa Barbara, California to Tucson, Arizona, but definitely worth every moment of it.  - Tom Freeman

Great fun!  Great direction!  Great lady!  What more could you want?  This is the first time I've met Kris and I love her enthusiasm, her attention to detail and her down-to-earth approach.  I am a very 'hands-on' person and so the active games/exercises with our dogs were perfect for us.  And...I can't believe she actually has motivated me to use a clicker!  Amazing.  I really appreciate her positive motivation methods and training philosophy.  It was a special weekend for me and Spirit, thanks!  - Sandy

Loren - to add to your report on Kris' seminar, my whopper of an impression came at our initial encounter for my private lesson when she choreographed, on the spot, half of the music selection I brought -- I could have gone home right then and felt totally fulfilled!!!  It was awesome. She also gave permission to allow Punkin to figure out positioning without a constant barrage of verbalism. Plus, it's OK to have only a few moves in a routine, done well.

The whole experience, including the tremendous effort you put into bringing Kris to us and Kris' graciousness in coming, will be another memorable freestyle highlight you've provided us. We are so blessed by your efforts. Thank you.  - Susan Stewart

I also attended Kris's workshop in Tucson and spent this evening going over my notes and reviewing all the helpful information that Kris shared with us. Her knowledge and skills are remarkable and I feel very fortunate that we were able to have her come to Tucson. - Carol Beagle

As always the Kris Hurley seminar was outstanding. She customized and personalized our seminar. She is an endless wealth of practical knowledge. She listed many topics and we chose what we wanted her to present. The big news is that Gretchen is almost dancing. Kris had her doing the tango! Then Kris helped us with our Christmas pageant demo at an assisted care facility. Kris did freestyle with four dogs at one time. Without the attached photo, you might think I made it up!  :) - Patty