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My most recent visit to a new agility trial location was to the East Tennessee Agricultural Exposition Center. While I did not have my dogs with me as I couldn’t bring them due to work reasons (why I was in TN in the first place), I sure would have loved to run them on their dirt floor. As ag centers go, packed dirt is a given. But this was well groomed and oiled, even on the second day of the trial. The center was a nice size for a 2-ring tria—not too big or too small. The viewing areas were excellent with stadium seating, and there were numerous options for crating.

The site offers onsite camping with 50 amp, 30 amp and 110 volt hookups at every campsite. And if you need that shower at the end of the day, there are several in the horse barn, directly across from the back door that goes into the camping area.

Since I had flown to Tennessee, I didn’t have camping gear with me. So I stayed at the Oyo/Quality Inn a little over 3 miles from the agility site. The bed was very comfortable, the room was clean, and the towels were soft. There were some negatives too, but overall I was pleased.

Looking at other Tennesee trial locations, 5 of 8 sites are expo/agricultural type centers. That usually means on-site camping and the amenities that come with it. I am looking forward to exploring more of them, but next time with my dogs!

>> For more pictures and details about dog agility trials at Bella Vista Training Center, hotels where you can leave reviews, and more, see the Sports Domain Academy section of this website.

Dog agility trials at the Sports Domain Academy in Clifton, New Jersey offer what most people want most – a good turf floor and, in the summer, air-conditioning. On my recent visit there, fellow competitors with fast dogs agreed that the turf at Sports Domain fits the bill, with the A/C providing some relief from the heat. The trial was hosted by Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club on July 20-21, 2019 and judged by Carol Mount and Paul Mount from Matawan NJ.

There were several issues I encountered on this visit. Put together, they were somewhat frustrating – but only because it was my first time trialing there. Here’s a recap of my experience, some of which one might be able to avoid to make their visit more enjoyable.

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>> For more pictures and details about dog agility trials at the Turner Agri-Civic Center, hotels where you can leave reviews, and local area restaurants, see the Turner Agri-Civic Center section of this website.

Summertime is hot in Florida, there is no doubt about that.  So the Calusa Dog Agility Club definitely does things right by having their June agility trial in the air-conditioned Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia, Florida.  I was warned before I got there to wear layers because it’s really cold. The confirmation sent out by the trial secretary even suggests competitors bring a sweater. But I have to say that the chilly air was the saving grace when coming in from the Florida sunshine.  This AKC trial was held June 21-23 inside the arena with two rings and two judges.