Our Instructors
Meet our qualified team of award-winning instructors!
Kris Seiter
Master Agility Instructor
Kris Seiter has been training and competing in Dog Agility since 1997. She is a National and International Level Agility competitor. Kris has represented the United States 9 times overseas at World Championship Events. She has been a member of the AWC, EO, WAO and IFCS competitions with 4 different dogs; three Border Collies (Anwar, Naavdanya and Lhotse) and a mixed breed, Raana Peekins. In 2023, Kris was part of the first Intermediate Team at the European Open winning Gold with her Border Collie Naavdanya. Kris is a current Member of the 2024 European Open team with Naavdanya and Lhotse as an alternate. Kris also is a two time World Bronze Medalist with Border Collie Anwar.
Kris has been a National finalist at Cynosport from 2005 to 2011 with Border Collies, Lochlan, War and Flame and Pomeranian Melba. In 2021 Kris and her Border Collie Naavdanya and mixed Breed Raana Peekins became the Grand Prix National Champions. Kris has earned 13 Individual Medals at Cynosport World Games Finals. Kris has put 23 Agility Championships on her dogs in USDAA, UKI and AKC venues.
Kris has run several Dog Agility Programs in New York and Florida. Kris was the Agility Director and Head trainer for PCOTC in White Plains for 12 years and 7 years as Director and Head Trainer for the Spot Experience in NYC which included 5 different locations. Today, Kris and her husband, Chris Tucci, own and operate Sun Coast Agility and Bratty Paws Dog Plex in Punta Gorda, Florida along with partners Judi and Chris Villano. Bratty Paws Dog Plex is a full service Dog Sport training facility that sits on 10 acres offering year round classes and events in its expansive 21,000sf, free span facility. Kris and her husband, Chris Tucci are popular seminar presenters and travel throughout the United States.
Kris’ love for agility comes from her passion for dance. She feels that agility should be a performance of fluidity and connection between dog and handler. Agility should evoke, inspiration, emotion, excitement and harmony with your dog. Kris believes that energy should effortlessly flow between each other with the understanding that each movement communicates an equivalent response. Kris prides herself in helping her students achieve the skill, confidence and understanding required for dog agility today. Kris’s main goal is to inspire her students to love working with their dogs and to create a lifelong bond of love and understanding. Kris believes that all dogs greatly benefit from agility training as a means to stay fit and engaged in life. Kris has used agility training in all her rescue work as part of rehabilitation from severe abuse and neglect cases.
Lastly, Kris has been an active participant in animal rescue and rehabilitation for the last 30 years working exclusively with Keeshond, Pomeranian and American Eskimo Rescue Group. Before Agility, Kris spent 8 years competing in Conformation and Obedience.
Chris Tucci
Master Agility Instructor
Chris Tucci has been training and competing in Dog Agility since 2007. He is a National and International Level Agility competitor. Chris has represented the United States 12 times overseas at World Championship Events. He has been a member of the AWC, EO, WAO and IFCS competitions with 4 different dogs; three Border Collies (Bratska, Jungle, Serengeti) and a mixed breed, Raana Peekins. He has competed in the Large and Medium Divisions and most recently the new Intermediate Division.
Chris is currently on the 2024 EO Team with Raana Peekins and Serengeti as an alternate. Chris is a Silver and Bronze World Medalist with Border Collies Bratska and Jungle from WAO and IFCS and has an Individual Silver Medal from the 2022 European Open with Raana. Chris is a natural athlete and (retired) semi-professional hockey player, having coached in the junior hockey leagues for more than 8 years. Chris prides himself in developing determination and skill in all his students and pushing them out of their comfort zones. Chris believes building confidence in his students is the key to having great success and trust in their teamwork.
Chris’ love of agility, dogs and teaching shows in his attention to each student and his ability to bring out his student’s best performances. With his easy-going nature, Chris teaches his students with patience and understanding and stresses the importance of great mechanics.
Chris structures his teaching with clear, straightforward instruction that enable each student to learn at his/her own pace. Chris teaches with positive reinforcement techniques utilizing a motion based handling system with strong verbal skills. Chris is able to adapt his training to tailor to individual student needs and physical abilities.
Chris naturally took to dog agility with an expertise in movement from years of sport specific training. He also uses the dog’s natural instincts to maximize his handling skills with clear cues that the dog easily understands.
Chris and his wife, Kris Seiter, own and operate Sun Coast Agility and Bratty Paws Dog Plex in Punta Gorda, Florida along with partners Chris and Judi Villano. Bratty Paws Dog Plex is a full service Dog Sport training facility that sits on 10 acres offering year round classes and events in its expansive 21,000sf, free span facility.
Daniel McDonald
Agility Instructor
Daniel McDonald is an agility competitor with thirty years of experience in the sport. Learning skills from an early age, he entered his first event in USDAA at eight years of age. A three-time member of the AKC European Open Team, Daniel has also competed at AKC World Team Tryouts, AKC Invitationals, and numerous times at AKC National Championships, most recently making it to the finals in 2022 with his Border Collie, Action.
Daniel has been an Agility Judge in AKC, USDAA, and UKI for twenty-one years, giving him the eye to train handler-dog teams for success in multiple levels, venues, and events. Additionally, Daniel has trained and titled dogs in Obedience, Herding, and Rally. Daniel instructs Foundation 1 through Master level Agility classes at Bratty Paws.
Courtney Kramer
Agility Instructor
Courtney has always loved dogs from a young age. She worked at the Sea World in San Diego for a few summers with marine mammal trainers, using positive reinforcement to teach dolphins, sea lions, and whales. She saw the benefits of using positive reinforcement and uses the same techniques with her dogs. She believes dog training with rewards is fun and helps build the trust and bond between the dog and the owner.
Courtney joined the Bratty Paws’ team in November 2020. Florida. She graduated in May 2020 from Gulf Coast University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently works at Health Park Medical Center on the medical-surgical unit. Courtney has traveled around the country competing in different dog agility venues, including CPE Nationals, UKI Nationals, AKC Nationals, and AKC Invitationals. They have earned multiple championships. Over the past few months, she has been focusing most of her attention on her young border collie, Wave. Throughout the years, Courtney has fostered over 100 dogs in her home with different medical and behavioral problems. She loves developing a plan to work through the different challenges each dog has and allow them to progress at their own pace. Courtney will always have a special place in her heart for students with rescue dogs.
Joyce Jackowski
Agility Instructor
Meet Joyce Jackowski, a dedicated and passionate agility trainer who brings a wealth of experience and a love for the sport to her classes at Bratty Paws. Joyce’s journey in agility began in 2016 when she embarked on this exciting adventure with her beloved collie, Carlie, in the Novice A category. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with three more collies, forming incredible partnerships and strengthening her skills as a handler.
Among her numerous achievements, Joyce considers running Carson at Westminster in 2021 as the highlight of her agility “career”. This prestigious event showcased her exceptional teamwork with her canine companion, demonstrating their dedication and the bond they have forged through their agility training.
As an agility instructor at Bratty Paws, Joyce brings her deep love for the game and a genuine desire to help her students succeed with their dogs. She understands that agility is not just a physical activity but also a means of developing a strong bond and communication between handlers and their four-legged friends. Joyce’s patient and supportive teaching style fosters a positive learning environment, empowering her students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals in the agility arena.
Whether you are new to agility or seeking to enhance your skills, Joyce Jackowski is here to help you and your canine companion thrive in the of agility. Join her classes at Bratty Paws and embark on a journey of teamwork, growth, and shared success.
Cathie Skoog
Cathie believes having well-mannered dogs makes their homes happier. Cathie has put championship titles on her dogs in agility and rally; Her Mollie earned a Grand Champion Versatility Title from the Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs.
In 2004 Cathie fostered Sebastian, a two-year old male Sheltie who was highly intelligent and extremely energetic, but lacked any sort of discipline. He quickly learned house manners and basic obedience, but he needed more. In searching for something other than obedience, Cathie found agility and rally. That was the start of Cathie’s training and competing in canine performance sports. Cathie and her dogs continue to compete in a variety of sports such as agility, obedience, rally, herding (sheep and ducks), ratting and scent work.
For “fun” her dogs run in Course Ability and FastCAT. Most recently she started competing in AKC and UKC conformation. As training techniques continue to evolve over the years, Cathie has continued to train and embrace the new methodologies. Cathie enjoys training dogs and their owners. She believes having well-mannered dogs makes their homes happier. She also promotes training and trialing, believing the bond created while working as a “team†is one of the best experiences.
Cathie has put championship titles on her dogs in agility and rally; Her Mollie earned a Grand Champion Versatility Title from the Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs. She is a World Cynosport Rally judge (WCRL); AKC Farm Dog Certification evaluator; AKC Agility Course Test (ACT) evaluator; AKC Fit Dog Certified Trainer; and AKC CGC, Trick and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator/Trainer. Before retiring to Florida, she and her husband, along with their Shelties, lived in Northern Virginia. She worked in telecommunications and IT security, retiring from the Federal Government as a director and from IBM as an associate partner. When not taking classes or trialing, she was training students in agility and rally.
Cyndi Gottschalk
As a teenager I fell in love with Siberian Huskies. They are very strong independent dogs, and I realized I needed to work with the dogs for them to become pleasurable pets. I showed my dogs in AKC conformation, and bred a few litters of pups. I discovered some of my pups new owners needed help training their dogs, and worked with them to develop their skills.
After I retired, I wanted smaller dogs and purchased a Schipperke. I moved to Punta Gorda with a Schipperke and Siberian. I began to volunteer at a local obedience club assisting trainers. Eventually I began teaching basic obedience classes, and obtained my CGC evaluator status. My goal is for people to have well adjusted dogs whose owners who enjoy their dogs in a variety of situations.
Julie Armstrong
Scent Work Instructor
Julie is a native Floridian, born and raised in Lee County, and had dogs, ducks, peacocks, and various other birds, turtles, cats, hamsters, hogs, and snakes during childhood and as an adult. Animal behavior has been of interest to her for as long as she can remember. She began tracking with her Jack Russell Terrier, igniting her interest in the olfaction of a dog’s nose. That interest led her to the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), the sole organization at the time, to offer a nose work program for companion dogs.
She earned her certification as an instructor in 2017, the same year that AKC began its scent work program. As a Certified Nose Work Instructor through NACSW, training and accountability are continuous. She attends classes, workshops, camps, and webinars in animal behavior and the olfaction of a dog’s nose, instructs and volunteers at trials. She has competed with her two Jack Russell Terriers and currently competes with her two Labrador Retrievers in AKC and NACSW.
She had the privilege also to train, live find, search and rescue with a Florida Urban Search and Rescue organization. Julie has continued to compete and instruct all levels of nose work since 2015 in group classes, privately, and for enrichment purposes. She has volunteered with Gulf Coast Humane Society as a dog walker, dog trainer, and instructor with the NACSW Shelter Nose Work Project. She is a Canine Good Citizen/STAR Puppy/AKC Tricks Evaluator and an AKC Farm Judge.
In addition to nose work and scent work trials, she competes with her Labrador Retrievers in dock diving, lure coursing, and AKC Rally Obedience.
Mona Kurth
Dock Diving Instructor
Photo by: Jane McDaniel
Welcome to the world of canine dock diving! My name is Mona Kurth, a passionate and experienced canine dock diving instructor based in Naples and Ft. Myers. With a lifelong involvement in obedience, confirmation, and Rally showing in AKC trials, my journey in the world of dogs began when I joined the Greater Naples Dog Club at the age of 17. During my time with the club, I served on the board and held the position of secretary, igniting my deep-rooted passion for training and working with dogs.
Over the years, I have dedicated myself to honing my skills in various dog sports, including obedience, Rally, trick training, Farm Dog, Barn Hunt, Frisbee, and scent work. As both a trainer and competitor, I have successfully trained and shown many of my own dogs, achieving titles and recognition in numerous dock diving disciplines for the past 12 years.
In addition to my extensive experience as an instructor, I am also a certified AKC CGC evaluator, further demonstrating my commitment to promoting responsible and well-behaved canine companions. Drawing from my 16-year tenure as a veterinarian technician in Naples, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my training approach.
While I am now semi-retired, I continue to share my passion by providing in-home obedience training services a couple of days a week in Naples. Beyond the realm of training, I have a keen interest in photography and specialize in capturing beautiful pet portraits and action shots of dogs in the thrilling world of dock diving.
Whether you’re a dog owner looking to embark on a new adventure with your furry companion or a seasoned handler seeking to fine-tune your dock diving skills, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Join me in discovering the joy and excitement of canine dock diving, and let’s create unforgettable memories together.
In 2008, I ventured into agility and herding with a Border Collie, captivated by witnessing dogs fulfill their innate capabilities. In 2011, I welcomed my first Border Collie named Inga, training her diligently in agility and herding. Tragically, she succumbed to cancer at the tender age of three. However, in 2014, I acquired my second Border Collie, focusing solely on agility and competing in USDAA. She earned an AAD title (advanced agility dog)
Jean Phillips
Dock Diving Instructor
I began in dog sports in 2001 with my two Jack Russell Terriers, specializing in Russell Racing and Go-to-Ground through JRTCA. By 2004, and adding a third Jack Russell, we engaged in agility training and competitions in USDAA and CPE. We achieved numerous titles across these organizations.
In 2008, I ventured into agility and herding with a Border Collie, captivated by witnessing dogs fulfill their innate capabilities. In 2011, I welcomed my first Border Collie named Inga, training her diligently in agility and herding. Tragically, she succumbed to cancer at the tender age of three. However, in 2014, I acquired my second Border Collie, focusing solely on agility and competing in USDAA.
She earned an AAD title (advanced agility dog) in 2020, I welcomed my fourth Border Collie, Pal, who accompanies me in Dock Diving competitions under NADD (National Association of Dock Diving). Pal commenced his dock diving training at just eight months old and displayed his love for swimming at 15 weeks of age. His inaugural NADD competition occurred at Bratty Paws when he reached 21 months old.
In his first year, Pal qualified and received an invitation to Regionals, which he continues to receive annually. His longest jump to date measures 22 feet. He has already earned his DSA title (dock senior advanced) and completed 49 out of the required 55 jumps for his DSX title (dock senior excellent), which he aims to achieve this season.
Additionally, I actively train and compete alongside Pal in agility. I enjoy sharing my passion for the sport of dock diving and look forward to assisting those that would like to begin their journey or hone their skills.