Seven years ago, the famous Westminster Kennel Club added agility to their event program every February in NYC. The agility component of the show has been a smashing success with fans, with widespread television and media coverage and sold-out stands.
{ Above: The footage of Miles competing at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster! }

Miles and I on the purple carpet of Westminster, photo by D. Yates.
Our Road to Westminster
Every team at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster has a different story of teamwork and personal courage. The following is our story.
Welsh Terriers are not considered an easy breed to train. After the event, I met someone who has been prominently involved with the breed for a long time. When he learned that we had competed in the agility portion of the show, he said, “Miles must be very atypical in temperament for a Welsh Terrier to be able to do that.” The truth is, if Miles hadn’t been one of the most “full-strength” Welsh Terriers I’ve ever met, I don’t think we would have ended up being the first team to represent the breed at Westminster agility. In that moment, years flashed by in my mind. The day that a veterinarian told me that my puppy was “behaviorally not right” and needed professional help. The multiple local dog trainers who told me, without words, that my puppy’s (natural, full-strength terrier) behaviors were outside of their scope. The day I decided to go the path of training Miles alone. The years of agility where Miles was wild and unfocused, and fellow competitors would ask, “how do you do that with a smile?” The years I put in with Miles, focused on him, learned from him. The subsequent years as a coach that I’ve enjoyed helping others lead wonderful lives with their own wild, wiry terriers.
For Miles and I, it was our history of overcoming challenges that gave us the courage to compete at an agility event of this magnitude.
When he was very young, instead of focusing on why Miles wasn’t listening to me, I made the choice to listen to him. Miles taught me that it is okay to be a perfectionist and to fail, but that it pays to “fail better.” To a Welsh Terrier, embarrassment is a waste of time, and courage, rather than the absence of failure, is what dignity is made of. Miles taught me the thrill of diving into the brambles and not stopping until you feel the flush of adrenaline that tells you that you’ve made it. Success comes when you have the courage to fail, over and over. Terriers know and appreciate the value of this kind of courage more than anyone. I see Miles’ dignity now, more than ever. He seems to feel understood, and he walks off of the agility course looking as if he is sharing with me the immense pride he takes in his work.
Miles was featured in a news story in The Gothamist by Ben Yakas, interview & photo by Gretchen Robinette.
Westminster, “There’s Only One.”®
When Miles and I arrived on-site, the purple carpet extending far and wide across Pier 94 was so exciting to see, I couldn’t contain my smile, even though it was very early in the morning and the prospect of the day ahead was overwhelming. The fact that Westminster agility is a condensed one-day event cannot be not far from any competitor’s mind as they enter Pier 94 that morning. That became obvious when I saw some looks of anxiety on even the most accomplished faces. Agility is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Walking the courses, I overheard a few seasoned spectators comment that level of difficulty had increased with this year’s new requirement that only highly titled AKC agility dogs be selected to compete. The courses contained notable traps and technical sequences. These challenges were complemented with a nice sense of flow. I felt exhilarated walking the courses, plotting what route would yield the clearest path for my teammate.
Me practicing a backside send (what is that?) at the Westminster agility walk-through, photo by D. Yates.
Getting to and from the ring was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at a big agility event. Miles and I walked from the packed crating area and past the sold-out stands to a tight gate area that was bustling with activity. There was very minimal briefing or explanation pertaining to where competitors should go or what they should do, but the event was extremely well organized. It almost gave me a laugh to think of how I have long bemoaned how early people get up to nervously plan at smaller agility events, and at Westminster, things ran smoothly with minimal fuss. Here is a little behind-the-scenes video:
A little behind-the-scenes footage of the event.
For any competitor, regardless of their dog’s breed, it takes immense courage to go to Westminster agility. For Miles and I, the bulk of our courage happened before we stepped onto the famous purple carpet. There is no pretending at Westminster. You get out there, you have your shot, and your dog knows exactly what you are feeling. As Miles and I walked to the ring, children rushed to pet him, and members of the public asked me a flurry of enthusiastic questions. There were seconds to go before we’d need to compose ourselves to enter the ring for our less than minute competing. Cameras would be rolling from all angles. I took in my last breath before entering the ring, and stroked Miles’ chest one last time as I allowed my own chest to exhale. As I walked into the ring with Miles at my side, I felt my body flush with pure, unfiltered excitement and joy. I was ready. I looked into Miles’ eyes. There was no hiding between teammates in this moment. It was in that moment that I knew. We were ready.
I will never forget the brief moment in time that Miles and I shared together in NYC at the 7th Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. We were proud to represent the wild, wiry Welsh Terriers.
Photographs of Miles and me at Westminster, by Bev Thompson.
I would like to extend deep gratitude to Miles’ agility food sponsors Cindy and Rod of Natural Instincts Pet Food for providing Miles’ athletic little body with excellent nutrition.
Special thanks to, in no order: M&E readers always for thoughtful comments, Christine W & Laurie H for supportive mentoring, Lale & Lori for advice, Casey for coaching MY agility, my family for their belief in my doggie dreams, my clients for their passion and enthusiasm, and to Denise for her above and beyond help before and during the event. Thank you ALL for your belief in us!
Westminster: There’s Only One! and Emma & Miles, the first Welsh Terrier ever to compete at the Westminster Masters Agility Championship, killed it!! Thank you for representing the breed so fabulously. What an incredible weekend of firsts, QQs, awards, team bliss, and pure FUN. ❤️❤️
Having you there was so much fun, and you handled all of the agility stuff like a trooper! Unbelievably special to have you there with us behind-the-scenes!
So impressed!!!!!! Have been a big supporter of E&M! The thrill of Westminster! Don’t know if I could have held it together like you did under such pressure! Busting with PRIDE!
jl
Your words mean so much! It was pretty intense. The crowds petting Miles in clusters made me think of Remi beaming with joy at Super Dogs!
So proud of you and Miles congratulations. You both represented the Welsh terrier breed well.
Thank you Janelle, I am glad we made you proud! ☺️
I’m just crying. I’m so proud. I’ve read the MilesandEmma blog since Miles was a baby dog and Emma was sewing doggie bow ties. I love them both from the get-go, and lived vicariously through their every struggle and triumph! To SEE this accomplishment makes me proud enough to cry!! I came so close to attending in real life, but even days before Westminster Kennel Club Agility, the event was SOLD OUT. Watch8ng the video was so breathtaking. The result of so much hard work. I am honoured to be a friend of these two gutsy, courageous athletes. Honoured, moved, and crying with pride. Well done Miles and Emma! Well done indeed!
All our love, Sally and Darcy
I am very moved by your comment Darcy! You are a true advocate for Welsh Terriers and all that they can do. It means a lot to have you as an advocate of us, and friend. It is so amazing the joy this blog has brought me and the relationships that I will have for life.
PS it certainly didn’t help that I gave you about 3 minutes heads up! The lead up to this sort of event the first time is such a whirlwind… I was packing the day before which should’ve been happening a week before. I look forward to when we do meet!
Well done. You and Miles are a special pair. An inspiration to know you.
Thank you so much Bob! That means so much to me!
I have a Lakeland and have wondered if agility was even possible…
Absolutely! I do private coaching if you try a class and find you need more terrier-specific foundations to start with! A lakeland would show up better in the competition barns too! ? Go for it! We need more members of Team Wild Wiry!
Congratulations, Miles and Emma! Well done and what an honor to be at Westminster!
Thank you Molly! It was so exciting!
Congratulations, Emma & Miles! What an accomplishment and so very inspirational! Way to go!
Barb I really appreciate your support! I am thrilled you enjoyed the post! ???
We are so happy for you and Miles. The two of you are outstanding.
Thank you Ben & Carole! Have you tried playing the video for Meghan??? I bet she’d love to watch!
I am so happy you two went and rocked it. Miles Nd you are incredible team! Those Terriers just steal our hearts!
I am glad you went and could show the world that the little Welsh actually can do!!!!
Huge congratulations on your success of putting yourself out there and doing it in style!!!!
Fist bump- here is to team Emma and Miles
You are the only friend I know who has gone to Westminster with your handsome show dog, and I was scared to ask what you thought about going! It is so intimidating! Well you had the best advice possible, and it really carried me that long drive home after I saw you and Lori. I felt ready and exhilarated and knew it was right. Thank you for helping me decide dear friend! Fist bump right back!!
Absolutely MARVELOUS. What a journey. I felt like I was there with you and Miles. Terriers are terrific ! There is just nothing like the Terrier spirit. And you have one to match .
Thank you Kathy! I really like that compliment. And you know all about terriers! ?
Wow, so well done Miles And Emma! Felt so proud to know you!
Whoever did the photography did an awesome job too!
Thank you Marilyn! My friend Denise took some amazing photographs on her iPhone, and the photos by journalists were special to have as well!
I cannot forget the wonderful time I had at the Westminster. Just so exhilarating to see the agility. What an honor to finally get to meet you and Miles and to watch him perform!
It was so special to meet you, too! My only regret is us not getting a nice group picture. It was beyond special you could make it out!!
This is amazing, Emma! Congratulations to both you and Miles! You truly are a dream team!
Thank you Marta! You have been an integral part of Miles’ long-term health over the last few years. I feel extremely lucky to have found you (through Denise!) and to know you.
SO cool Emma! Congratulation to you both! I love that you took your “behaviorally not right” puppy all the way to the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster!
Dead on Yohonna! We are SO proud to represent all of the wild wiry terriers!!! Never give up!!
So much AWESOME!!! Wow, the intense and incredible feeling of being at such a huge event!!! I can’t even imagine!! We only see a small part of it on tv lol!
There really is only one word to describe you two – Inspirational!!!! Makes me hopeful that my own children can make their own dreams come true =)
So much love,
Shona and Carson
Thank you so much for your support Shona and Carson!! We love being extensions of the LNB family! I think you should start joining Lale and I on our forays down south… You and Clara are amazing!!! Love you guys too!!
Every time I come to your blog there’s something bigger and better and cooler that you have achieved. I love watching the Westminster Dog Show on TV, though I no longer have cable. For you to have competed in the agility competition there blows my mind. You guys are amazing! I don’t know what else to say. So proud of you and all your accomplishments. Much love!
(Also, great videos!!)
Thank you for your support Danielle. It’s been a crazy ride, and you’ve been there since the beginning really! Who would have EVER knew. I really thought the pinnacle would be that exhausting sticky weekend when I met you in person, where Tracey was texting me frantically and then I texted you, “don’t leave! We are on the podium!” I appreciate you being there so, so much. That weekend was our first step towards this part of the journey.
It was so special and amazing to see you two run on live tv! My friends and I watched your runs several times each! Seeing so many different dogs running the same course gave me a new understanding of agility in general and especially how amazing Miles is (I will never get over his way of taking on the weaves, it’s just the cutest). You’ve done such an amazing job with him, I remember his ‘Welsh terror’ days and he’s just the perfect dog now, and has been for years. I know that’s due to all your hard work making yourself the perfect partner for him, listening to him, and working together to make sure it’s understood what each of you needs and wants from the other to achieve your mutual goals! And completely separate from your amazing feats with Miles, I can’t believe you did something so high pressure in front of so many people (present in the stands and watching at home!), I could never, and deeply admire your courage.
One of the most special parts of this event was you texting me that you’d seen our first run! I was freaking out with excitement, I couldn’t believe it! You were the first person I FaceTimed too! It definitely helps watching a group of dogs and handlers do the same course! You start to see the challenges and the different style of each team! And you are just as brave my friend… Bravo to bravery! Without the clammy quiet decisions and then the unsure waiting and the sudden thrust into the unknown… We wouldn’t get to have these experiences. You know all about bravery.
WOW! Westminster with a Welsh Terrier is certainly a major achievement. You and Miles are such a great team and I am not surprised you made it to that stage. You both work so hard each day to achieve Master’s Level and it was evident and well deserved. So proud of your accomplishment and feel a sense of pride as a fellow Welsh Terrier owner (or human owned by a WT!) knowing that a Welshie can stay that focused. As we know Knox would have sat there looking at all the people waiting for someone to notice him and pet him.
Great Job! SO inspirational…you two are First Place winners in Knox and my eyes.
Thank you so much Cheryl, that is too funny about Knox! Well on the way into the ring, the crowds were there with children petting Miles like crazy! A few pups competing definitely stopped mid-run to admire their fans too! Thank you for your support 🙂
Wow Emma (+ Miles)! Just WOW! My heart is full of joy seeing you and Miles work the course together. Such an amazing accomplishment and what a great adventure! Gives me hope that Griffin may get there one day :D.
Absolutely Kim! All it takes is hard work and teamwork… Neither of us were or are naturals at this, we just love working together. Even when things are hard we do!
Oh Emma,how proud we are of you both!As I read ‘your story’ with Miles & watched the little video,it brought tears to my eyes.What a fabulous writer you are.All of your hard work,time,& commitment has paid off ,culminating with this wonderful experience at Westminster!I personally have known a couple of people who have shown in confirmation there ,but you 2 are the 1st for agility.Well done!!-Carla & Roger ((Bighorn Ridge Guest House)
Oh thank you Carla, your thoughtful comment has me a bit watery-eyed! And Roger too! I have also known a few people who have shown there, but I am not close with any other agility people who have gone. I didn’t know what to expect! Venturing into the unknown was very much worth it. Thank you for your kind words.
FINALLY got around to watching/reading this properly! SO GOOD!!! and cool to see you guys and read the full story. And very inspiring to boot! The last image of Miles in bed reminds me of Roscoe when it gets late sometime he ‘puts himself to bed’ and I walk in and he is curled up slap bang in the middle of my bed!
Looking forward to more inspiring training with you guys soon!
Aww thanks Aimee! I am really honored you enjoyed it. ? I can’t wait to see Roscoe again — and of COURSE he plants himself in the middle of the bed! Ha!!
A very belated congratulations to Miles and Emma. A magnificent achievement for you both. You are an inspiration to me and many, many other WT owners. Thank you for all you do for us and the breed.
Thank you SO much Elise, that means the world to me! ?❤️
Amazing dog!
Thank you so much Charu! 😘
Having had 3 Welsh Terriers now, my heart swelled with pride and tears came to my eyes to see Miles (and you!) accomplish SO, SO much! I had a WT from Sharon also. I lost her 4 years ago at 13 and I still miss her. I got a Lakeland Terrier puppy because I just couldn’t get another Welsh at the time, even though I still have a WT. He’s 9 years old and started having trouble this year already with arthritis. He used to always jump up and down like a jack rabbit when he was excited and happy (a lot). Now he’s paying for all that jumping. It’s tough so see. I love my Welsh Terriers! They’re beautiful and intelligent and as far as I’m concerned, they’re the BEST! (By the way, I don’t recommend Lakies! 🙂 )