More details on dog agility trials at Avanti’s Dome
There were no cramped quarters to be found at the POTC’s (Peoria Obedience Training Club’s) Agility trial held at Avanti’s Dome in Pekin, Illinois on June 9-11, 2017. The 75,000-square-foot inflatable dome, a 7,100-square-foot reception building, and four outdoor softball/baseball diamonds reside on a 33-acre plot.
About a mile from TNT in Midland, MI is an authentic Mexican restaurant called Elvira’s. The casual passer by might dismiss the place when driving along 829 E. Saginaw Road: the building looks small, with a dirt parking area. The road sign and building trim are both in need of a paint refresh. But looks are deceiving when it comes to what Elvira’s has to offer.
Not far from TNT in Midland is a local favorite eatery called Sanford Lake Bar & Grill. The food is a few notches up from traditional bar food as they offer dinners complete with baked potato and salad bar.
The night before the April, 2017 agility trial at TNT, I was joined for dinner with agility peeps Jackie Fleming, her husband (and trial photographer) Rick Fleming, and Nancy Brissette. Some popular favorites here are the prime rib and lobster bisque, although we all opted for other dinners or pizza. Several of us visited the salad bar, which had traditional salad toppings, as well as side salads and a few desserts. Everything was tasty, service was excellent, and the environment surprisingly quiet enough to enjoy good conversation despite the crowd.
TNT Dog Center in Midland, MI is my all-time favorite place to trial, although I have not visited every agility location yet so I’ll keep you posted. There’s magic in the air at that place. TNT’s owner, Lisa Lundahl, had the building specifically built for agility trials, along with spaces for both agility and obedience classes. Later, she added another building in back of the agility building for dock diving and canine water therapy. Although Midland Michigan Kennel club put on this trial, their isn’t much of a difference between other clubs sponsoring trials here, since the same staff usually run the trials. Same staff means familiarity, better organization, and continual improvement.
> More pictures at Think Pawsitive
The November weather held for our latest venture from Grand Rapids to New Berlin, Wisconsin to attend the AKC All-Breed Dog Agility Trials sponsored by the Medallion Rottweiler Club, and it was worth the trip.
We want to give a four-paw salute to the organizers of the Capitol Canine Training Club for the agility trial event they held Oct. 14-16 at the Coliseum of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield!
> More pictures at Greater Lafayette Kennel Club
What fun it was this weekend at the Tippecanoe & Rally Too CPE Agility Trial in W. Lafayette, Indiana. The CPE club sub-leased this facility from the Greater Lafayette Kennel Club (GLKC), an AKC club that leases the building from the county. In addition to the awesome judge and the unique floor, the people were wonderful too!
> More pictures at Kalamazoo Kennel Club
If you love outdoor AKC trials, then the Kalamazoo Kennel Club trial in West Michigan is a good bet. The trial is held once a year the third weekend in June. It is usually in the mid to upper 80’s temperature wise and often humid. But don’t let that scare you. The club’s air-conditioned building – used for crating, food prep, facilities, and awards – is kept very cool on those hot days, a refreshing feeling when coming in from a run. The club also provides numerous umbrellas, and puts up canopy tents for even more shade.
Can you say great agility turf? Wow, this facility beats all. My dogs and I enjoyed another fun weekend at the AKC agility trial put on by the Tree Towns Boxer Club, and held at the Canine Sports Zone in Middleton, WI. While the premium indicated that the flooring was turf, all turf flooring is not alike when it comes to footing for both canine and handler. Here you’ll experience 2” of pro-turf, and there are huge barrels of pellets waiting to be added to the floor and maintain its great cushioning. And look, no white lines, circles, or anything else to distract your dog. There is quite a story behind its beginnings; fodder for another blog post!
> More images at Stony Creek Orchard
Outdoor trials are different every time one goes. Weather conditions being the biggest factor, but how things are set up plays a big part too. The CPE trial at Stoney Creek Orchards in Romeo, Michigan this past weekend was no exception. Weather was hot and muggy – unusually hot for this early in the year here in Michigan. The set up was really done right though for an outdoor trial, making it safe for dog and handler alike.