Miller Kennels helps owners with training BY NANCY VAN VALKENBURG_ Standard-Examiner staff nvan@standard.net Murfee can sense when he's getting close to his favorite Sunday afternoon haunt. The 1-year-old Australian shepherd perks up his ears, his tail wags frantically, and his eyes the blue left one and the brown right one search for signs to confirm Miller's Kennel and its dog agility course are near. Soon, the black-and-white pup will be jumping hurdles, racing through fabric tunnels and weaving between poles And when he is done, he may take a dip in the duck pond as a cooling reward. "Murfee absolutely loves coming here, and I love it, too," said dog owner Terrie McWhorter, of Layton. "It teaches him new skills to challenge his mind, and he leaves still excited, but totally exhausted. It works off his excess energy that we'd otherwise have to deal with at home. "I think if Murfee didn't get his exercise each week, I would be divorced by now," McWhorter said, with an easy laugh Roger Miller owns Miller's Kennels, on seven verdant acres in Marriott-Slaterville. Miller said his kennel is the only one in the Top of Utah with an agility course that is set up permanently, and which is almost always available for use by clients. A ball cap labeled "K-9" protects Miller's head against the sun, but his white teeth smile from a sunburned face. "It's really a glorified dog park," Miller said, of his agility course. "Agility is one of the No. 1 dog sports, but some clubs are too serious for people. People come here to check it out and have fun. One lady brings along a picnic basket and watches her dog swim." Miller lets associate Jeremy Mathews, an accredited pet training instructor, handle the class in agility training. Miller's specialty is obedience training for family pets and hunting dogs. He also trains drug- or bomb-detection dogs, for sale to law enforcement agencies. "Detection dogs can be trained for all kinds of single purposes, including finding termites and mold," he said. The techniques used may differ for working dogs and family pets, but any dog benefits from some training, Miller said. Dogs gain confidence when they know what behavior is expected, and that good behavior improves their relationships with their masters. Mathews, whose day job also involves dog obedience training, believes he has found the best form of employment in the NICK SHORT/Standard-Examiner Terri McWhorter greets Murfee as he exits a long fabric tunnel. Trainer Jeremy Mathews stands at the other end of the tunnel. The training exercise helps dogs build confidence. VIDEO: See some doggies strutting their stuff. MILLER KENNELS 3101 W. Pioneer Road, Marriott-Slaterville Agility classes, with trainer: By appointment; $25/hour, or as a six-hour, six-week course, for $85. Courses limited to three dogs. Next sessions begin mid-June. Agility practice, without trainer: By appointment (or just drop by and see if someone can set up the fabric tunnels for you). Punch card for 12 visits is $65. Information: 540-4661 or www.millerkennels.com