Linda Smith

Flyball Instructor

Linda’s first dog Shannon, a Tri-Colored Collie, was purchased from Hilda Schmidt in 1969.  Collies adorned her house and between them and Hilda, were her first real introduction into the world of dogs.  She took what obedience classes were available at that time and trained her dogs, but often found the breed that she loved lacked the work ethic she wanted for competition obedience. 

In 1996, she purchased a Border Collie Pup and named her Kelsey, and thus began a partnership with plenty of work ethic, which is still going on today.  She began obedience training with Margaret Schrader in 1996 and in 1998, Kelsey earned her CD title.  She met Stephannie Capkovic (owner of BVTC) while training with Margaret, and of course Stephanie was the one who introduced her to Agility!  Agility was a definite challenge because Kelsey was fast on the course and difficult for her to keep up with.  She was interested in finding an outlet for Kelsey’s speed which would not require her to be able to keep up with her, and Flyball sounded like the answer to her prayers.  What could be more fun for a ball crazy, speedy Border Collie than Flyball!

With no experience and little knowledge of Flyball, she took a beginners course at the Oriole Dog Training Club in Baltimore and then began training with a few other novice people and their dogs and in November, 2001, the Don’t Blink Flyball Team was formed.  Don’t Blink began competing in June 2002, and Kelsey earned her first titles during their first tournament.  Linda loved the team camaraderie, and lack of knowledge and experience were made up for by the enthusiasm and fun shared with the dogs and her teammates in the early days.

In February of 2003, Linda and several of her teammates, formed the Clean Break Flyball Club and became dedicated to learning all that they could of the latest Flyball Training Techniques,  being as competitive as possible, while having as much fun doing it as humanly and dogly possible!  Clean Break has hosted training seminars with Scott Stein from the New England Trailblazers (NAFA Board Member and judge) to help in their quest for the best training and problem solving techniques. Linda will tell you, “Yes, we’ve been very successful because we have great people on the team who make it fun and all worthwhile!”

Linda is Captain of the Clean Break Flyball Team.  She is a founding member of the York County Dog Training Club (YCDTC) and served as Vice President during its’ first two years in existence.

Updated 5/15/08