Ace Trainers Classic caught up with the calm and reserved Erin O’Shea at the 2023 AWDF Nationals in Little Rock, Arkansas, last weekend. At the time, we didn’t know she was going to win it all. She and her dog did fantastic all through the weekend.

Erin O’Shea competed at the 2023 AWDF Nationals with her 2 year old German Shepherd, Joker. She started in the sport back in 2008 with a showline German Shepherd named Zambo. O’Shea says she enjoys watching her dog learn and the relationship she builds with them along the learning path. One of the highlights of her IGP career is winning WUSV Universalsieger twice. She has also won the GSDCA and USCA GSD National Championships. O’Shea wants to become a better handler and trainer and learn new approaches to training.

O’Shea can now add 2023 ASDF Champion to her resume. She finished the tracking strong when we spoke with her, which was a huge feat in itself. She was very open to talking about the scores and performances. O’Shea was quick to give credit to Marko Koskensalo for helping her get where she is in the sport. The sky is the limit for O’Shea and her German Shepherd, Joker.