I am relatively new to agility but I have quickly become addicted to the sport.  Austin, TX is a great place to do agility as we have a lot of trials nearby and quite a few facilities and trainers.  i have been to several instructors and have gotten mostly great information from each.  One of my instructors told me about Katie and how good she was and urged me to take her class.  It took me a while before a spot was available for her class but i finally got in.  I had heard that you need to be on your toes for her class as she really makes you think.  I was nervous when I took my first class as I felt I still had a lot to learn.  On my first night the first thing she did was give us homework.  Homework?  I never had heard of such.  It was finally my first run in the class and she immediately asked me "are you running a big dog or a small dog?"  I was surprised by the question.  Since I have a German Shorthaired Pointer, I told her a big dog.  She immediately assessed our teamwork and made some very important observations on how we could run better.  In just our first class she told me some very important changes we need to do to be successful.  I really like the way Katie matches the training that every team needs to tackle a certain situation; not a one size fits all approach.  Her assignments have been extremely invaluable to our growth as a team.  For me, she really is going help us excel in our goals which she told us that we need to have.  Not just to do "well" in competition.  I would recommend her to anyone that really wants to compete at a high level. Brent Henry (Austin, TX) and Ehrenvogel Onapoint Jenga AX AXJ OF

From my previous experience with HyCaliber and working with Katie Trachte I could not be any more thrilled with my outcomes. Each lesson and seminar is never a one size fits all approach. She takes into consideration the dogs drive, reward value, and level of trainer into consideration. I have learned to RUN my dog, and push him to his fullest potential. I now run on course quietly (without the need to speak with my dog endlessly) and he reads my body (without the arm flaring!). His times have improved and he just gets better with age everytime we run.  I have Katie and HyCaliber to thank for our accomplishment. Katie exemplifies professionalism but keeps lessons at an understandable level that you know what she is talking about. Jen N. and Border Collie "Chase"- ADCH Silveridge In Hot Pursuit AX MXJ TM SACh GCh FDCh and Pre (BC in training!) 

Katie has been a wonderful help with my high drive border collie, Arthur.  She has been able to give me specific instruction and training exercises to work with him on his jumping skills.  In addition, she has shown me how to teach him some of the important foundation skills that I didn't know he needed!  She is helping us learn to better work together as a team.  I would highly recommend Katie to anyone looking to have a fun and successful agility career with their best friend. Amy H. and Arthur and Caper  

I was not able to find a suitable place to train my shetland sheepdog, Whisper. Unfortunately, Whisper was injured last summer so my training hopes, I thought, were diminished.  But a border collie named Shasta made her way into my life and I was able to take classes with Katie afterall.  She started classes unfocused and slow and after a month of classes started to build speed and drive.  Katie has a wonderful way of evaluating dog and handler and tailoring the class and handling for each individual dog and handler.  Shasta did so well that I've even started competing with her after owning her for 3 months!  This Thanksgiving, I was able to take a seminar with both dogs.  It was a fun, challenging seminar and I learned a lot.  The HyCaliber facilities are wonderful, a beautiful outside, fenced ring and inside has amazing footing.  I did not hesitate to train Whisper, recovering from injury on the surface.  The classes and seminars are fun with fantastic instruction. Dawn P. and Whisper and Shasta 

Katie Trachte is not only a great competitor, but a wonderful teacher.  Katie's knowledge of the advanced and fundamental principals of agility are not only reflected in her accomplishments, but the accomplishments of her students.  I have learned to become a better handler because of Katie and her clear, concise instructions.  Katie has the ability to impart her knowledge and experience upon her students in a pleasant and fun learning environment.  Lessons with Katie are a great investment in training my dog and in my becoming a better dog handler.   I have learned alot from Katie in a short amount of time and look forward to continuing my training relationship with her.  I  recommend lessons with Katie to any serious agility competitor.  It will be worth your time and investment in your dog and yourself. Terry

There were 3 things that were very important to me in looking for an agility trainer:  First, that the trainer is successful in competition and that she and her dog obviously enjoy competing and training; second, that the trainer continues to further her education and training in the sport; and third, that the trainer has the ability to teach.  Katie is all these things and more!  She sets a high standard, by example, for competition and in the way she treats her dogs with respect and love.  She continues to train with the top people in the sport to bring new ideas for the best individualized training for us, her students.  She has the knowledge and capability to break down skills so that we can easily and effectively train our dogs.  Katie has great patience, a wonderful sense of humor and strives to make classes and workshops fun, as well as educational.  Katie has made a dramatic difference in the training relationships I have with my two dogs! Janie O., Bailey & Dante