WCRL is pleased to announce that Bridgette Ashmore has been inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of her Meritorious Service to the sport.

Bridgette sought to improve communication between dogs and their handlers through more compassionate techniques, after working with various trainers who used “old school” training methods. She started REACH K9 in Powhatan, Virginia, after studying canine cognition, emotion and learning theory. 

For over seven years, REACH has offered various classes, from puppy foundations and general manners to training for tricks, parkour and stunts. With group, private and remote learning options, REACH tailors its fear-free, pain-free training programs to the individual team’s best learning method. The facility also offers a “trainer on call” platform to allow people to ask questions whenever they need. 

REACH – which stands for Respect, Educate, Achieve, Challenge, Heal – was born from Bridgette’s desire to help dogs and their owners build better relationships and the belief that handlers cannot resolve fear through correction. As a professional trainer, Bridgette aims to build confidence through success and specializes in fear cases and rescue dog rehabilitation. 

“I absolutely love the environment WCRL provides; it’s so positive and encouraging,” Bridgette said. “I think the camaraderie is what really sets it apart. Rally trials are one of the few places where I can relax and enjoy the company of others. The sport allows teams to overcome challenges, learn to work together, and advocate for and understand each other, which builds such a strong relationship between dog and handler that they can carry throughout their lives.” 

 

Fellow competitor and trainer Joan Podd said: “Bridgette’s trials provide the perfect setting for newbies to have a positive first experience in the show ring and offer more experienced competitors a consistently exceptional showing. From beginning to end, the experience is friendly, positive, encouraging and wonderful. Not only are her trials professional, but competitors are blown away by all the extras that Bridgette offers. For example, she’ll give an additional prize to struggling competitors, acknowledging them for not giving up in the ring. I’ve seen new handlers get this award who needed the encouragement to keep going, and it really made a difference in their journey through the sport!” 

 

Congratulations, Bridgette!