Agility question

[ParNone]

I've got no advice on finding a trainer. I lucked out finding a really good one by just searching on the net, which is probably not the best way to go about it.

I totally agree with Flatcoatluver on the importance of obedience. A lot of places for the beginner's classes, seem to tell you that it's not really all that necessary, because they're introducing your dog to equipment and your dog stays on leash a lot. But my Collie had a really strong "Come", "Stay" and good focus on me and we had waaayyyyy more fun then the other ppl who spent most of their time chasing their dog around the field anytime they had to let go of the leash.

[mr.chiwawa]

Mister does agility!! Anyways when I was looking into classes and trainers I made sure the other bigger dogs were under the owners control at all times. ANd when they are off leash running the course Mister and I have a "holding" area to wait in. Also not sure how your little one is but I had to find an indoor only class. Where Mister occassionly likes to run around in circles and not come when called
So being outside wasnt a good thing. Make sure all dogs are up to date with shots and such. ANd the biggest thing I think I could pass along is make sure she liked the trainer and feels "safe" with her. Mister and I went through a few before he found the one he liked. Other then that I think she and you will have a blast. I have found its a good outlet for all that chi engery that running in the yard and long long walks sometimes arent enough for
Best of luck keep us posted (please)
oh and Mister says hi

[Freedom]

If you can find a place which offers both obedience AND agility, that would be good.

But if not, then for the obedience, please don't go to a PetCo. You want an instructor who HAS dogs! Some places the instructor has book training only, passed a course and is qualified to teach. You will find instructors with dogs in Agility, Flyball, even field trials, and all are great. They have worked with dogs and know what to look for, how to interpret the dog's posture and help you to understand it.

Agility: see which program offers the most competitions in your area. There are AKC Agility trials, and also APDT* Agility trials. You will find one is more popular in your area, with less travel required to get to a trial.

* American Pet Dog Trainers

Some folks avoid AKC even though they have an AKC dog, because AKC only permits pure breds to compete. Folks feel if you have a mix and are willing to work with it, you are a good owner and should be encouraged. I think AKC just set up a mix breed program, in the past month. Anyhow, that is a bit of background. APDT takes all dogs, purebred and mix.