your tracking & trailing coach
Hi, I’m Donna, your partner on this exciting journey to work towards trailing and tracking mastery and success. I’ve helped trackers succeed with tracking instruction since 1995, professional coaching since 2014 and trailing since 2022.
I started tracking in 1990 and have spent a lifetime learning to master this activity which is more than a sport to me. It’s a lifestyle, a discipline and a craft. I’ve worked with three breeds on my own journey – German Shepherds, Border Collies and Rough Collies. Over the years I have learned to appreciate all breeds and mixed breeds and their unique styles.
More than that, as an instructor, coach and judge, I have learned a lot from the people who are attracted to tracking and trailing. Thanks to all of you, I’ve learned how it all comes together – individuals, our dogs, and our community, to make this a fun and often life-changing activity.
As a professional Communicator and Coach, I use the skills I’ve gained through education and “the day job” to enhance your experiences in my lessons and clinics.
With personalized coaching and practical instruction, we’ll work together to break through barriers, harness your unique potential, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s embark on this adventure together.
Enjoy browsing this page, check out the navigation and site map link above, and scroll all the way down for some answers to frequently asked questions.
Thank you for visiting!
traYou can also find me here:
Coming in 2026 – Integrated Trailing & Tracking! Learn More
I appreciate and work with all breeds and mixed breeds to help you meet your goals, and share my own journey as an aspiring stockdog handler and continual learner.
- My breeds are German Shepherds and Border Collies. I pursue Trailing with my current dogs, and incorporate what we can learn from Trailing to make us better trackers. I started tracking with German Shepherds and Rough Collies and have achieved multiple advanced titles with my K9 partners including my Border Collies. Check it out here.
- As an avid, aspiring stockdog handler with my young Border Collie Quill, I am learning all over again, and remember what it’s like to learn a new craft. I humbly share this journey and am a continual learner in both tracking, trailing and herding.
- I find many similarities between sheep herding and tracking / trailing as they are both natural drives. We humans tailor our dogs’ abilities to our needs whether it be for sport or for real life. In sheep herding, dogs are regularly used for livestock operations and are working companions. In the same way, tracking and trailing dogs are used for many real life purposes from Search and Rescue to police, military and other tactical, practical and useful endeavours
- I know the work and passion that goes into achieving goals! My training will give you the foundations you need to accelerate your partnership with your dog, to meet your goals. . With solid training you will have skills for future validations by the appropriate organizations, if that is your goal.
Located in Central Alberta
Training in Calgary, Olds & Red Deer
Available for Clinics on Request Elsewhere
coaching & instruction
Keeping you on track: Services that meet your needs and learning style.
Personalized 1-on-1 Coaching & Instruction
Trailing – the true art of following a dog working naturally
Tracking – harnessing a dog’s abilities and shaping them to work in a specific style for sport
Achieving Mastery as a seasoned dog handler who helps others grow
Limited Mobility tracking – supportive community lessons in a fun low-stress environment
Clinics and Workshops to Support Your Success
Regular practice sessions through lessons with feedback and homework
Mock tests to help you gain confidence for when you are put to the test in sport or in real life scenarios, and to learn where you are at and what you need to do to keep improving
Group training fun days where we support each other and learn to put on tests as a community
Transformative Team Coaching
Building and encouraging a supportive community
Working together so everyone is enabled to succeed
Coaching for two people working as partners and for small groups
Empowering Masterclasses
Online and in-person presentations to dive deeper into trailing and tracking theory and challenges.
Aiming for greater understanding to improve knowledge, handling and how we work together.
I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Achieve Mastery, Confidence, Success
Expertly designed courses combine decades of personal experience and instruction with professional coaching. Hands on learning, practical training, plus tips to elevate your mindset, to achieve success. AND have fun along the way! Enjoy the journey in a supportive and safe environment with a great circle of people working together towards common goals.
Mastery
Mastering the craft of handling a trailing or tracking dog is a life long quest of constant learning and growth.
Explore the exciting world of scent, learn how to shape your beliefs and be open to new science and ideas, and learn strategies to grow into a seasoned handler who can help others. The focus on Mastery is ideal for individuals aiming for both personal and professional excellence.
Embracing Challenges and Change with Confidence
Transform your perspective on change, learning to see it as an opportunity.
Equip yourself with techniques to adapt to life’s transitions with grace and confidence.
Develop your own core values and beliefs to strengthen your performance and adapt with ease.
Success Synergy: Bridging passion, purpose, and performance
Dive deep, discover your true north, set aligned objectives, and harness a dynamic mindset for success.
Always remind yourself WHY you are doing this and who you are becoming on this journey. Integrate passion with purpose for profound holistic growth and lasting fulfilment from am amazing activity with your dog.
our philosophy
Success Synergy: Bridging passion, purpose, and performance
Micah in Training! And having fun…
This video shows a recent track with my German Shepherd Micah where we encountered a surprise along the track! We always have fun when training. I am disciplined, determined and work hard with my own dogs. I love to combine passion with purpose for peak performance.
I am also a continual learner and immersed in learning about stockdog handling and trials. I share my own journey, struggles, challenges, faith and techniques that work for me.
My goal is to empower you to experience success, find your path, and learn to navigate your own journey.
You can find playlists on my YouTube channel to watch other videos.
What people are saying about Donna Brinkworth Coaching: Testimonials
Clarity and confidence
With Donna’s coaching, I found clarity and confidence I never knew I had. Her insight led me to confidence and provided me with motivation to master the craft of tracking and trailing, and made it fun!
My training has transformed
Working with Donna unlocked possibilities I never imagined. My training has transformed how I work with my dog in training and at home. I also love the supportive community she has created around our training and have made new friends as a result.
Turning point
Donna’s guidance was a turning point in my tracking career. I’ve achieved goals following her advice and guidance over the years. As Donna is an active trainer, she is a role model and remains humble about the sport, encouraging people to join her on the journey.
FAQs
Answers to common questions about our services and programs.
How do I sign up for lessons ?
Watch the Calendar page and the K9 Windseekers Facebook page for announcements and follow the link to learn more and register.
What is personal mindset coaching?
Personal mindset coaching is a tailored process that helps individuals identify limiting beliefs, reshape negative thought patterns, and cultivate a growth-oriented mindset, enhancing both personal and professional growth.
What commitment is required?
A commitment to achieving success and mastery requires regular attendance, the discipline to practice, openness to self-reflection and change, and a willingness to actively apply what you learn for optimal results.
What results can I expect from instruction combined with coaching?
You can expect enhanced clarity about this activity with your dog, improved observation and handling skills, and a proactive approach to regular progress. This often leads to increased confidence, greater enjoyment in training and competition, and steady movement towards achieving goals.
Anyone seeking personal or professional growth can benefit from this coaching. Whether you’re facing challenges, aiming to elevate your performance, or simply wish to understand and reshape your mindset, our coaching is designed to empower individuals from all walks of life
What are your fees?
Our coaching fees vary based on the program selected and its duration. For detailed pricing and packages, please check upcoming events on the calendar page or contact me directly for a tailored quote.
How do I get started?
To start simply reach out via the “Contact” page. You can also register directly for organized lessons or clinics and answer questions on the registration form. If you would like to discuss your goals, ask any questions, or determine the best coaching plan tailored to your needs a short consultation can be arranged.
What is different about your method of training dogs to track or trail?
You’ll recognize the differences if you’ve taking part in other methods of training. By focusing on coaching, I like to ensure people feel supported and gain confidence and clarity as they progress toward their goals. Additionally, consistent reflection and feedback sessions with a coach will help assess and track your growth in important areas crucial to success.
What is the difference between tracking and trailing?
They are similar as we motivate and capture the dog’s natural ability to follow a scent trail. In tracking, dogs are often required to find left articles while trailing involves finding a real person at the end of the trail. Sport tracking usually involves kennel club organized tests with specific criteria applied to judging. Trailing focuses on a heightened understanding of scent and how dogs adapt and adjust naturally to the age of a trail, the setting, and the immediate environment and how it can impact scent movement. Dogs are still required to be precise where they can, but are allowed to work naturally when scent has migrated or moved from where the trail runner initially walked. The ‘hunt’ for a person is far more exciting to dogs making learning come more quickly. Combining trailing methods and knowledge creates more solid teams at both ends of the line.
Ready to get started?
Use the contact form to ask questions or let me know how I can help you.
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K9 Windseekers - Tracking & Trailing Instruction & Coaching 