The United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) has inducted Vincent Madeiros of Bernville, Pennsylvania, into its Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. Madeiros earned the Meritorious Service Award for his ongoing contributions to the sport.
For nearly three decades, USDAA has recognized individuals and groups who have contributed to the development and growth of the sport of dog agility, regionally and/or nationally, with induction into the Hall of Fame. The USDAA Hall of Fame has three categories: Pioneers of Dog Agility (individuals or groups whose contributions to the sport are deemed to have lasting significance), Meritorious Service (individuals or groups who have contributed significantly as volunteers to USDAA and/or its affiliates) and Volunteer of the Year(individuals who have contributed freely to the service of others at the local, regional or national level).
Madeiros, a local dog trainer and agility instructor, got his start in the sport in Bermuda in 2003. After serving on various kennel club boards, he began researching agility clubs that accepted non-purebred dogs, as he felt that there must be more titling activities for them. He explored USDAA and formed a club called the International Dog Events Association (IDEA) to host the trials along with his business, Good Dog 101. Once the equipment was purchased, documentation was sent to the office and approval was received for USDAA agility trials to begin in Bermuda under the banner of Good Dog 101 and IDEA.
In 2008, Madeiros and his wife, Cindy, moved to Pennsylvania, where he continues to run his dog training business. Madeiros teaches several group and private agility lessons per week and always encourages handlers to compete in USDAA. In 2021, Good Dog 101 started hosting USDAA trials to fill a need for more events in the area.
USDAA is thrilled to induct Madeiros into the Hall of Fame as he continues to promote the organization in his business and personal life. He is a key competitor in USDAA events and volunteers for several clubs, assisting with setup, ring crew and chief course building.
The exciting sport of dog agility showcases talented dogs performing against the clock over jumps and A-frames, through tunnels, weave poles and more. Easy for spectators to understand, the objective is to score the fastest time with the least penalties. Dogs of all breeds and sizes compete in various classes where obstacles are set based on the height and experience of the dog.
The United States Dog Agility Association® Inc. (USDAA), the world’s largest independent authority for the sport of dog agility, has more than 45,000 registered competitors and more than 200 breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds.