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From Start Lines to Science

A lifetime in motion, from start lines to research labs.
This is the journey that shaped my approach to canine sport science.

KIM CULLEN – CANINE SPORT CV

About me

I am a sport scientist, researcher, and lifelong dog sport competitor with over 30 years of experience in agility and other canine performance events. My academic work in sport science focuses on biomechanics, motor control, and injury prevention—foundations that shape both my handling and coaching. This CV outlines my canine sport-specific experience alongside research contributions that influence canine sport safety and performance.

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS & AFFILIATIONS

Associate Professor – School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

Memorial University of Newfoundland · 2018–Present
Teach and supervise kinesiology students with a focus on biomechanics, ergonomics, skill acquisition, and motor control. My research includes applied work in human and canine sport safety, particularly in agility performance and injury prevention.

Director & Head Instructor – Canines in Motion

Newfoundland, Canada · 2010–Present
Founder of a community knowledge platform dedicated to bridging research and practice in canine sport. Lead instructor for classes, seminars, and workshops on agility, performance psychology, and safe sport design. Current focus includes knowledge translation and evidence-informed communication for the broader sport dog community.

Head Instructor – McCann Professional Dog Trainers

Ontario, Canada · 2001–2010
Led group and private classes across obedience and agility levels, from puppy foundation to advanced competition prep. Specialized in building confident, motivated dogs through positive, consistent training practices. Mentored new instructors and contributed to curriculum development focused on real-life reliability and sport readiness.

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS RELATED TO AGILITY

  • PhD in Biophysics, with applied research in functional movement and canine biomechanics
  • Lead and co-investigator on published studies related to:
    • Injury prevention and risk factors in agility dogs
    • Canine muscle activation and shoulder loading during dynamic sport tasks
    • Handler decision-making and skill acquisition
  • Regular presenter at professional and academic conferences

AGILITY EXPERIENCE

Competitor
  • Competed at the local, regional, national, and international levels since 1996
  • Competed in multiple organizations, including UKI, AAC, USDAA, NADAC, CKC, FCI, WAO, and IFCS
  • Earned multiple titles, including several Agility Trial Champion titles.
  • Multiple-time podium placements in regional, national, and international competitions.
  • Represented Canada at the World Agility Open (2010-2013), IFCS World Agility Championships (2008-2012), FCI European Open (2012-2014)
  • Coach of Agility Team Canada for FCI Agility World Championships and FCI European Open Championships (2012–2014).
  • Introduced Canada’s first national handler development program and win-on tryout competition for FCI events.
Coach & Mentor
  • Provide individualized coaching and small-group instruction for teams from novice to world-level
  • Emphasize evidence-informed approaches grounded in skill acquisition, motor learning, and performance psychology
Judge:
  • Certified UKI Agility Judge (Completing and passing UKI Training & Accreditation 04-SEP-2024)
  • Committed to designing thoughtful, safe, and engaging courses grounded in evidence-informed principles
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OTHER CANINE SPORT (BEYOND AGILITY) EXPERIENCE

While agility has been my primary focus, my foundation in canine sport is broad and deep. These early experiences shaped my understanding of learning theory, teamwork, and drive development across contexts:

Obedience
  • Earned multiple Novice and Open titles; trained several dogs through Utility.
  • This work built precision, focus, and handler-dog communication that continues to influence my approach in all sports.
Flyball
  • Competed actively in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Valued the sport’s emphasis on speed, drive, and reliable team execution under pressure.
Rally Obedience & Trick Training
  • Used these disciplines to cross-train and build confidence in young and retired sport dogs, maintaining engagement through positive reinforcement.

Scientific Publications

  1. Ford DP, Cullen KL, Stickney K, Sharman M, Cullen JD. Dog agility tunnel risks for incidents. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2025 Feb 24;12:1547824. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1547824

  2. Ford DP, Cullen K, Sharman M, Stickney K, Cullen JD, Sewell S. Tunnel Safety: Executive Summary of an International Study, May 13, 2024. https://dpfleadingagility.wordpress.com/ [Online].

  3. Sellon DC, Marcellin-Little DJ, Powers M, Fernandez-Lopez S, Cullen KL. Impact of Digit Amputation on Dogs Competing in Agility. VCOT Open, 2021; 4(1), e51-e57. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1731436

  4. Sellon DC, Martucci K, Wenz JR, Marcellin-Little D, Powers M, Cullen KL. Survey of Risk Factors for Digit Injuries Among Dogs Competing in Agility Events. JAVMA, 2018; 252(1):75-83. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.252.1.75

  5. Cullen KL, Dickey JP, Bent LR, et al. The Magnitude of Muscular Activation of Four Canine Shoulder Muscles During Agility-Specific Tasks. BMC Veterinary Research, 2017; 68(1):68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0985-8

  6. Cullen KL, Dickey JP, Bent LR, et al. A Validated Approach for Collecting Fine-Wire Electromyographic Recordings in Canine Shoulder Muscles During Dynamic Tasks. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 2015; 11(2):65-74. https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP150009

  7. Cullen KL, Dickey JP, Bent LR, et al. Internet-Based Survey of the Nature and Perceived Causes of Injury to Dogs Participating in Agility Events. JAVMA, 2013; 243(7):1010-1018. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.7.1010

  8. Cullen KL, Dickey JP, Bent LR, et al. Survey-Based Analysis of Risk Factors for Injury Among Dogs Participating in Agility Events. JAVMA, 2013; 243(7):1019-1024. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.7.1019

Performance Partners

The dogs who shaped my journey:

  • Bailey – My first partner in dog sport. Confident and driven, she laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

  • Maddie – The spark. Patient and forgiving, she pushed me to become a more thoughtful, intentional handler.

  • Recess – The teacher. Fierce, and unforgettable. My first international-level partner who taught me the power of connection over control.

  • Gossip – The technician. Brilliant and methodical. She sharpened my understanding of timing, handling, and the small details that matter.

  • Savvy – The heart. Wild and joyful, she reminded me that play is the point—and that even chaos can be beautiful when channeled with care.

  • Beacon – The compass. My current teammate and steady light through hard seasons. Reliable, thoughtful, and the embodiment of trust.