Hanlon said she seemed to have a natural aptitude for using techniques to teach people how to handle various breeds of dogs. A year after joining, she became an instructor.

She applies the discipline of the endurance events and infuses the energy of a “runner’s high” into her teaching.

In agility events, the dog and handler work together as a team. The dog performs the stunts as the handler guides the animal with verbal cues and hand gestures while running a timed obstacle course. Jumps, tunnels, seesaws and other obstacles challenge the dog and handler.

“It’s a good way to burn off excessive energy,” said Hanlon, who owns and operates the center near the Camarillo Airport. “It gives the dog a job to do and the handler a challenge to communicate as they find a way to negotiate the courses.”

The handlers walk the course so they can see what their dogs are going to feel. She says that helps them transfer their own excitement to the dogs.

“We just love it. We have lots of fun, which makes a difference because it helps out their obedience and socialization,” said Arlene Laux of Westlake Village, who brings Berklee, her 21-month-old sheltie.

Most of Hanlon’s classes are for beginners. They are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the corner of Skyway Drive and Eubanks Street in Freedom Park near the airport.

“It’s a better, fun way to teach dog obedience,” she said.

Hanlon designs different courses to see what works most efficiently for dog and handler. She also guides them with words.

“We’re going one more time, prove to me it wasn’t a fluke,” Hanlon tells participants in her semi-advanced class. After successfully running the course, she asks them: “Isn’t this cool you guys are doing it today?”

Nearly 10 years after she began teaching, Hanlon is as enthusiastic as ever about agility training. She says the motion of the dogs is exciting and addictive. Every class provides a mix of big, small, purebred and mixed-breed dogs.

“They come here to interact and exercise. It’s a flowing, lucid movement. Any age can do it. Some people equate it to dancing,” Hanlon said. “My hope is that they’ll become addicted like I am and do it forever.”

Curiosity seekers and enthusiasts of the sport can view an American Kennel Club All-Breed agility trial Saturday and Sunday at University Preparatory School, 500 Temple Ave., Camarillo. The event, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is sponsored by the Dog Agility Club of Ventura.