* * * * About our Agility Group * * * *

The Leonberger Agility Training Group was founded in January 2009, after meeting many people who wanted to give Agility a go with their Leo's but didn't know how to go about it.

Finding places in a local agility club can be difficult as many are already over subscribed. Normal clubs also only use the standard equipment which can be difficult for a Leo because of the width of their backends. As I was already a member of an all breeds agility club I had the experience I needed to start a 'Leos Only' group where I could pass on what I had learned about how to cope with the bigger dog in the agility ring.

Leonbergers can do Agility very well, but some can struggle on certain parts of the standard sized equipment, this does not mean they can't participate in one of the other forms of agility, like steeplechase or jumping. I was determined to bring Agility to Leo owners who wanted to give this a go and set about trying to find a location and equipment we could hire that wouldn't cost the earth. This is where I found the Breach Lane Equestrian Center, a known site that had an indoor training hall big enough to run small groups for training as well as a full sized agility ring for competitions.

I contacted other members of the LCGB Working sub committee for advice on certain aspects of what I was trying to achieve

All along we were supported by our Breed Club, The Leonberger Club of Great Britain who helped with some of the set up costs by way of insurance that, as a group, we needed.

As a group we will have the luxury of using our venues outside training fields in the summer and concentrate on the individual elements of agility during the winter in the training hall.

If you have a Leo and you are near enough to come and join us then get in touch, you will never regret it.

Becki Belcher

Founder of

Leonberger Agility Training Group