Eli's Picks
Picture of a large Pearl Gloss vinyl banner manufactured for us by NTI Global
I get many e-mails requesting advice, suggestions and product recommendations, so I thought that I would compile my personal list of favorites to share with you. Eli's Picks is a designation that cannot be applied, recommended, or solicited for. They are designations that I have presented to companies, organizations and individuals that in our experience, we have found to offer a wonderful and reliable product and/or service which stands out among the rest and are beneficial to the canine community. Please note that these are my personal favorites based on my own experience and in some cases, are limited to my area of the United States (the Northeastern).
Eli's Pick Designation Logo/Award
AGILITY
Overall Contribution & Equipment
NTI Global is a multifaceted company that has recently branched out into the sport of agility and has done so in style. Its new Super Dog Agility Center in Schenectady, NY is the finest I have seen and was developed with the agility enthusiast in mind. It is also the largest 2 ring indoor facility in the Northeast US. Owner Steve Raeburn constantly seeks out suggestions from participants in events he hosts and implements them without delay. NTI manufactures Pearl Gloss vinyl signs, tents, canopies and offers 16 colors of agility tunnels (See picture above) Shipping on tunnels is Free in the US and the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The company has now branched out into making agility equipment. NTI has been able to offer agility equipment at prices far below that of the competition, while maintaining and in most cases exceeding the quality of the competitive equipment. All the staff is friendly, helpful and their customer service is outstanding.
Instructor and Individual Contribution
Trisha Stall is quite active in the sport of agility. We have had instruction from several different instructors, all good, but Trisha is our favorite, and her methods suit us best. She uses positive training methods and specializes in motivational training, and offers different handling methods and solutions for different students to suit their individual needs when handling their dogs, as different teams have different issues. We are sorry that Trisha relocated her classes to Schenectady, NY. Our loss is their gain. Trisha is a USDAA and CPE Judge, gives seminars, and was instrumental in the development of the Super Dog Agility Center, and the introduction of CPE events to the capital district of NY State. In her spare time, Trisha is the list owner of the NoviceA and AgileDogs Yahoo groups and offers her knowledge and experience to those needing help.
Agility Venue
CPE While relatively a new competition venue, enthusiasm for Canine Performance Events is rapidly spreading throughout the United States for very good reasons. The philosophy behind the creation of CPE was simple: To create an agility venue that was fun for handler and dog alike. CPE lives up to its goal. CPE is dog friendly, mixed breed friendly, novice friendly (with 5 levels of competition including one with no weaves or teeters) and handicapped handler friendly. In addition to the normal standard and jumpers classes, CPE offers 5 different games. Four titles are offered for each level: Regular, Handler, Strategy and Fun. The atmosphere at all CPE trials that I have been to, including the Nationals, is laid back and friendly. The judges, while maintaining professionalism, are helpful and great people to meet. Job well done, CPE!
Agility Magazine
Clean Run is a wonderful magazine for those beginning the sport and seasoned competitors alike. Each issue is filled with articles submitted by trainers and competitors offering guidance to the reader in problem solving and technique, new methods in training, sequencing, and sample courses. This years issues are truly amazing and a must read for anyone interested in competition. Clean Run also maintains an E-mail list where people discuss ideas in various issues, and offer advice to those with problems.
Agility Site
Agilty Net Originating in the United Kingdom, Agility net has it all, from numerous articles related to the sport, its people, dogs, and training to bulletin boards, events (UK), reviews an online magazine and humor.
Eli's Picks
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