Bee Happy Independent Dog Agility Shows 

Large numbers of dogs can be intimidating for any new dog starting out at shows. Many require space to help regulate their own excitement or worry so by keeping the numbers capped to 130 will ensure our shows remain small.

I started in agility with my Border Collie, Bumble, well over 10 years ago (he is 15 years old) at Fox Agility. Both Selena Bray and Ru Baker were my first instructors and with their teachings Bumble found his calling.

I was super keen to try competing as soon as Bumble was weaving so I jumped straight in feet first, booking a show nearly every weekend! Our very first show was a KC licensed show and we did ok. My nerves definitely got in the way but I didn't let that stop me from entering more KC shows.

In my naivety at that time I believed that I should stick to only going to KC shows. I assumed they were the place to be for safety, up to date course designs and top competition. Well, wasn't I wrong! Yes the KC shows did and still do provide all that and more but so do other Governing bodies like Agility 4 All (formerly known as UK Agility) and other completely independent shows.

Looking back now I wish my first show or shows were independent, then at least my nerves may not have been so overwhelming. Bumble would also have benefited from my chance to practice being a steadier handler in a lesser pressurized environment then that you would find at a KC event.

I mean one, I don't know about you but I have an impression that the Kennel club are professional and have very high standards and expectations and therefore the shows carrying their license would have to be the same in order to maintain their status. And two, these shows are generally much bigger and busier than a local independent and for both novice handlers and novice dogs the environment is very distracting.

Well, anyway, fast forward a few years and I started to go to my local independent shows and my mind was changed on my very first experience, forever. All the independent shows I have been to since have all been super well organized with safety as a priority for both dogs and their handlers. Better still, the pressure was off and yes I have fun at KC shows however being able to relax more meant that more fun was had by both Bumble and myself.

In the recent year though, we have been losing these fabulous independent shows in the east Midlands. I currently teach people how to train their dogs in Agility and my passion is for introducing new people to this wonderful activity. I take my responsibility very seriously when it comes to dog safety and well being when learning new skills that are physically challenging. Selena and Ru instilled that into me right from the start! So when one of my students shows an interest in competing with their furry best friend I now always advise them to start at an independent show. But with them all dwindling away from the East Midlands area I was running out of places to send them too so guess what?

If I want it or need it and it is not available or not enough choice is available I create it and so I present to you what I have been working on for the last 10 months!

Bee Happy Independent Agility Shows

Registration will be free this year and will be a requirement in order to enter any Bee Happy show. The link is below. I promise you won't be spammed daily in you email inbox, just the important stuff like when and how to enter xx