The dog agility community across the United States and beyond is mourning the loss of John Nys, a world-renowned agility coach, competitor, and mentor from Pascoag, Rhode Island, who passed away recently. His death has left a profound void among those who trained with him, learned from him, and shared his passion for the sport he helped shape for more than two decades.
Born and raised in Pascoag, John attended Woonsocket High School and studied at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Over the years, he built an extraordinary career as a trainer and coach, serving as the Head Coach for the AKC Agility World Championship (AWC) Team and the President and Founder of Agility Rush, where he inspired hundreds of handlers and their dogs to reach their full potential.
Before his achievements in dog agility, John’s dedication to animal training began early in life through his work with horses. His talent and determination earned him multiple national titles, including the Massachusetts National Barrel Horse Rodeo Championship in 2002.
Transitioning to dog agility, John quickly became one of the sport’s most respected figures — known for his positive motivation, mental coaching, and unwavering encouragement. Over a career spanning 25 years, he earned 30 Master Agility Champion Titles, competed as a 10-time International World Team Member, and represented the United States six times at the FCI World Championships. Alongside his loyal canine partners — Rush, Boss, Trick, and others — John achieved remarkable success, including five Silver Medals and one Gold Medal in world-level competitions.
His accomplishments also included consistent finalist appearances at the AKC National Agility Championships and USDAA World Cynosport Grand Prix, where he captured the 2010 Grand Prix Championship title. Yet, beyond the trophies and accolades, John was celebrated for his humility, humor, and genuine love for the community he helped build.
Tributes from friends, students, and fellow competitors have poured in across social media, each capturing a part of John’s legacy.
“I’ve had the pleasure of calling you my friend, my teammate and my coach,” wrote Abbey Beasley. “You always believed in me and never hesitated to tell me about it. Your fighting spirit was reflected even at AWC this year, when you showed up to support us despite not feeling your best. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Fellow agility trainer Tony Sulita shared a touching memory: “He was always welcoming — quick with wit, sharp with sarcasm, honest with his feedback, and always kind. I was so saddened to learn of his passing. The world lost one of the good ones.”
Sarah Baker, one of John’s teammates, reflected emotionally: “My dear friend and coach John Nys passed away last night. The agility world will never be the same. I will miss John so much.”
Renowned agility figure Nancy Gyes added, “This morning I have more tears than words thinking about my dear friend John. I loved his dedication, humor, ambition and camaraderie. He brought joy to every team he was part of.”
John’s teaching extended far beyond technique — he taught perseverance, confidence, and joy in the partnership between dog and handler. His students recall not just his world-class expertise but also his laughter, warmth, and uncanny ability to remember every student’s story (even if he sometimes mixed up a dog’s name, as one joked).
John Nys’s influence will continue to live on through his students, his colleagues, and the countless dogs he helped shape into champions. His passion for excellence, his generosity of spirit, and his belief that success begins with kindness will remain guiding principles for those who follow in his footsteps.
He is survived by loved ones, friends, and an entire global community of handlers who will forever carry his lessons in their hearts.