Help! Can't find an Agility class... **Update**

Go visit Clean Run's website for training info and lists of agility clubs/trainers. And why NOT start at home yourself? Even if you have no equipment and end up in a class guess where most of the actual training will take place? much of the foundation work can and should be done without equipment. You'll have to invest in at-home weave poles at some point since it's very difficult to train weaves without doing it daily during the learning process.

I am not to familiar with training school's south of Mpls, To bad you are "down south"  Stone Mountain in Blaine ( http://www.stonemountainpetlodge.com)  has a great program and you can jump into classes with instructor approval - I didn't do any of our obedience with them, another friend goes to Cloud 9 (Hopkins).... Hey if you are free next weekend and want to head east, St. Croix Valley Kennel Club is having their Agility trial and conformation show at the Washington County fairgrounds in Lake Elmo and you could ask around there....I have a lesson with my trainer in the morning and can ask her if she has any recommendations.

~Melissa

Thank you!

I do have a jump and weave poles at home from Monroe's agility days so I will introduce him to those.  Of course, I have been working with him as far as watching me, following direction etc.

The trial this weekend sounds like a great thing to do, we'll try to make it.  Will you be there?

Next weekend:  Agility is Friday (8/22) - Sunday(8/24).  Yup, I will be there, will be splitting my time between conformation and agility - Josie is running the JWW Novice class and will also be showing as a special in the breed ring. There is also a dressage (horse) show going on and they have LOTS of vendors.

~Melissa

Have you checked out Agile Canines?

http://www.agilecanines.com/

They are in your area.  Everyone I've met (at their trials) seems very friendly and knowledgeable.

You could also contact a member of the MN Mixed Breed Agility Club (MMBC) --

http://mnmixedbreedclub.org/

Jim Nally is the president and is one of the most friendly and helpful guys you'll meet.  If he can't direct you to someone/somewhere, I don't know who can.

Agile Canines is a great place with fun people and good trainer but is waaay north in Stacy.

My trainer recommended Bonnie Greip, email Mixedk9@aol.com   http://www.pawformancek9s.com/

~Melissa

Well - due to distance and the fact that gas is sooo expensive I couldn't go with any of the above so I kept looking.

Last weekend I got an email that the original club is starting classes on the 18th.  So, they wait and wait and wait and then give us fairly short notice.  I have registered and I'm pretty excited to get started.

My only concern is that they are so competitive and if we get to that level great but I want Morrison and I to have some fun!

That's good news!  I'm sorry you had to wait so long, but at least something is finally getting started.

Frankly, I would be thrilled to belong to a highly competitive club -- odds are that you will have many GOOD trainers available to you and you will learn things the correct way from the beginning.  Many "just for fun" classes don't really teach the proper fundamentals and if you DO end up catching the bug, you end up going back to do a lot of catch-up work.  It's much better to do things right from the beginning.

Many people start agility thinking that it's something they'll do just for fun and it ends up turning into a lot more.  Trials are fun!!  They're even more fun when you're there with a group of people that you train with regularly (ie: your cheering section).  Embrace this group with an open mind and see where it takes you.  Have fun!!