> More All Dogs Can pictures and details
Today finds me at an all new agility location called All Dogs Can in Lapeer, Michigan. Now this is an exciting thing! Owner Darlene Collings started construction on her new building in July, 2017 and move-in was mid December. This weekend’s AKC trial is the 2nd one they’ve held, having had a CPE trial last weekend. The building’s Grand Opening is next weekend. So yes, it’s that new.
> More pictures and details about Crown Sports Center, Eden MD
It’s hard to imagine the size of Crown Sports in Eden, Maryland until you walk in the door. Even then, it takes a while to get one’s bearings. The front door leads you down an aisle with the agility rings on the left, and restrooms, concessions, offices, an arcade, and another ring on the right. It’s just so big!
Between each agility ring are aisles that take you to the crating side of the building. At least this is how it was set up for the four-day trial I attended September 23-26, 2017. The first 2 days were sponsored by Salisbury Kennel Club, the third day by Potomac Valley Agility Club, and the fourth day was the Golden Retriever Club of America for their National Specialty.
> More details about Yellowstone Dog Sports
The farthest dog agility trial location I’ve traveled to is Yellowstone Dog Sports in Roberts, Montana. The trip was coupled with a vacation, and the trial was suggested by an agility friend and now judge, Bruce Baker. Trialing and camping there was like a dream, with mountains in the backdrop and a fresh water pond with dock diving. There was even stream for the dogs to enjoy, which was narrow enough that was great therapy for a dog walking up stream.
> See more details about TNT
One of the best things about trialing at TNT in Midland, MI is its turf floor. It has just the right amount of cushioning and is oh-so-flat. As we all know, not all turf floors are created equal. I had the opportunity to chat with Lisa Lundahl, TNT’s owner, at last weekend’s trial held August 11-13, 2017. She filled me in on all the details, and I can see why TNT’s turf so great to run on!
Agility trials at Queen City Dog Training Club (QCDTC), 12018 Tramway Drive in Sharonville, Ohio definitely rule in the area’s dog agility community. After traveling there for the Cincinnati Shetland Sheepdog Club’s trial on July 15-16, 2017, presided by Judge Gregory Beck from Durham NC, I saw first-hand the numerous jewels in QCDTC’s crown.
>> More pictures of IncrediPaws
Much like TNT in Midland, Michigan, IncrediPAWS at 10465 Columbus Parkway in Pataskala, Ohio is another magical place when it comes to agility. There’s great flooring, superb climate control, top dogs, and awesome attitudes. My dogs and I went bar hopping there July 7-9, 2017 at a trial put on by the Columbus Collie Club, with judge Lynn Morgan from Scranton, Kansas. A rep from AKC was present for most of the trial.
Like much of the U.S. right now, it feels a bit tropical when one walks out the door. This is ever so prominent when one is at a campground. Grateful I have A/C and a good interior fan in my 21′ RV, I still complain since I have to go out and walk the dogs several times a day. Woe is me 😉
> More details about Northfield Dog Training
The dogs are jumping again at Northfield Dog Training in Ann Arbor, MI. Formerly an obedience- and rally-only venue, owner Adele Yunck started hosting CPE agility trials just this year. The second trial was held June 30 through July 2, 2017; my dogs and I attended the last day of the trial. It was hosted by Banda Agility Group with judge Kent Bromagen from Ohio calling the shots, err, faults.
> See more details about On The Run Canine Center
Never would I have believed that a padded floor could be close to turf regarding its positive effects on joints, but as the saying goes, never say never. The agility facility at On The Run Canine Center in Ham Lake MN proved me wrong when my dogs and I experienced running on their Comfort King foam mat floor. Its anti-fatigue and shock resistant properties are the best I’ve experienced on any mat, and I like it better than some turf floors.
Looking out the RV window this morning I felt a real sense of peace. To give you an idea of my gratitude, here’s a brief list of what I’ve gone through since leaving for the agility trial at IncrediPAWS in Pataskala, OH late last week: