AKC obedience classes

We're having the same issue here.  I have a green dog that I'm running in rally to get some ring time under her belt before we move to the obedience ring.  It's really difficult to find shows offering obedience or rally classes, so we're just using this time to go ahead & train through utility.  I had hoped that I could take her out a few more times at smaller, more quiet shows before we started going to big shows, but there are some big clusters coming up soon & we may have to suck it up & test the waters there.

I believe the clubs have to pay a fee for every class they offer, plus get judges.  And then there's the added space needed to offer obedience classes, not to mention the economy.

Most clubs lose money on the Obed/Rally shows unless they are doing outside shows with all local judges.  Flying in judges, their hotel stay, paying for the venue space, arranging prizes, having a secretary capable of doing all the work you'd pay a show Superintendent a few thousand dollars for... it all adds up.  Plus the fees to AKC for each entry are fairly nominal, but about 10% of the entry fees.  There's a balance point if we get enough entrants we will break even, but too much beyond that and we're spending more for a bigger venue.