Darcy Ernat started in agility over 15 years ago after she brought her first border collie home in college. Her foundations are rooted in Linda Mecklenburg’s Awesome Paws Handling system but she has always closely watched and aspired to other top handlers in the US and abroad. Early on in her agility training, she realized training for “international” style challenges fulfilled her the most. Her focus is on FCI style (ISC) coursework and competitions and she has excelled within these venues. 

    Darcy has achieved top placements at the US Open and 1TD Invitational with multiple dogs and was then selected for a position on the 2024 European Open Team USA with her 2.5 year old Border Collie, Cosmo. Over the course of the last several years, Darcy has regularly worked with Justine Davenport of Shape Up Dog Training as well as top European Competitors. By training with the best of the best in the sport, she has acquired the ability to break down training  and handling skills into bite sizes pieces that help the dogs and humans achieve a higher rate of success, advance further, faster, and provide a foundation that helps the team confidently navigate difficult challenges no matter where they are in their agility career.    

    Darcy recently moved to Western North Carolina with her Border Collies, Cosmo and Magpie and English Cocker Spaniel, Tango. She is excited to have improved access to the type of agility she most enjoys and looks forward to connecting with the community in this region!