In this issue, we feature the League representatives of the beautiful state of Montana. Captain Deana Sullivan has headed-up teams since the League’s first year of 2022. Her program has grown to four teams, and she says League is beneficial on many levels for her group – including providing more agility opportunities in a state that has a limited number of trials. But agility enthusiasts in Montana know each other, contributing to a feeling of family at events. In fact, Deana says Montana is agility’s best-kept secret!
Team Names & divisions: All teams are Limited
– Senior: Big Sky Rovers
– Sophomore: Running the Falls
– Elementary: Walking the Dogs and Winter Land
Captain: Deana Sullivan for all team
Location: Great Falls, Montana
Do you run outdoors, indoors, other?
We currently run indoors at Kings Arena (horse arena)
How and when did your group get involved in League?
Our group jumped into the AKC Agility League in 2022. It all started when I saw an announcement on Facebook about the AKC launching a new agility league pilot program. I knew it would be a great fit for us, so I encouraged the group to try it out. We had a blast and have been enthusiastically participating in the league ever since
How did the teams develop?
Our league has expanded significantly since we began with just two teams in fall 2022. Today, we proudly field four distinct teams that cater to various experience levels: 1 Senior, 1 Sophomore & 2 Elementary teams.
The addition of the Elementary level has been a game-changer, opening the door for new handlers and their dogs to join the fun. This tier primarily consists of members who are just beginning their agility adventures with their first dog. It provides a perfect environment for them to sharpen their handling skills and build confidence without the high-pressure atmosphere of a formal competition.
Furthermore, our more experienced members actively mentor these new teams, offering guidance and advice to help them prepare for future trials and excel in the sport.
How did you come up with your team names?
Our team names are a creative blend of pop culture, local pride, and agility metaphors. Each name tells a little story about the team it represents.
– The Walking Dog – This is a fun play on the TV show The Walking Dead. We loved the show and thought the name was a cute and memorable twist.
– Winter Land – When we had a large group of new handlers just starting out, we created two new teams. The members voted on this name, which perfectly fits our snowy Montana setting.
– Running the Falls – This name is a clever play on words, symbolizing how our dogs and handlers work together to improve their skills and “run the course” more effectively.
– Big Sky Rover – We wanted a name that clearly identified our Montana roots. As Montana is famously known as “Big Sky Country,” this name was a natural fit.
What do you find positive for your team members participating in League? Has it helped with their training program?
The league has been incredibly beneficial, creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the remarkable growth in both handlers and their dogs across all our teams.
Here are some of the key advantages for our members:
• Pressure-Free Skill Development: The league, especially our Elementary level, provides the perfect practice ground. Newcomers can focus on honing their handling skills and building a strong connection with their dogs without the intense pressure of a formal competition.
• Collaborative Learning & Mentorship: There’s a wonderful sense of community. Our more seasoned members actively share their knowledge, offering advice and encouragement to help newer handlers improve their techniques and prepare for future trials.
• Building Confidence: The program is designed to build confidence for both the handler and the dog, strengthening their partnership and making the entire agility experience more enjoyable.
To give you a firsthand perspective, here are some comments directly from our team members.
Andrea/Oakley
“This has been mine and Oakley’s first time participating in league. We started agility in April 2025. I have enjoyed learning and working with her. Both of us have learned a lot, Oakley being the quicker of us two. Being a Lab, Oakley has been very high energy, fast, and sometimes chaotic. The kind of chaotic where she has walked onto a course and just run around, doing whatever she wanted, and you couldn’t help but chuckle a little. We sometimes have had challenges, mostly me, but being a part of league has helped us in our growth and development”.
Heather/Jinx
“It has been good for us to have a set time/schedule to practice and work together towards. It’s surprising to me to see what my dog is able to do and what things throw her off sometimes (really, it’s me..I know). My dog has a better attitude and less negative behaviors since we have started. She is more confident towards strangers and her abilities.”
Karen/Harley/Tucker/Remy
“You have a little more heightened atmosphere than regular practice so you can practice your start lines in a little more realistic setting”
Elise/Lucy
“For someone who is planning to compete in agility, this is a great way to start. It is more low-key than a competition. You get practice with your dog on real courses. And people are supportive.”
Mike/Atticus
“Atticus needed another outlet to be a goof. Lots of fun.”
Nicola/Scarlett/Niko/Ziva
“League has been very positive for me and my dogs. It gives us regular goals, builds confidence, and keeps training consistent. It has helped my program by showing strengths, areas to improve, and keeping both dogs and handlers motivated and having fun.”
The Montana teams include different experienced levels of handlers. I have learned something from everyone. Our teams have been very supportive and patient of one another, while having a good time as well. I have enjoyed being a part of a team sport, where we continued learning. Oakley and I may not be experts, but we have improved significantly, which is all I have asked for. Being able to practice and be on a course has been useful in our training. League has brought together the pieces of training that we have participated in the last year. Oakley and I have learned a lot about working with each other. That has been helpful in putting those chaotic, but cherished, memories in the rear-view mirror.”
Carol/Do it/Grinch/Dottie
“I think the best thing with League is it’s a small sample of what a trial is with little travel and minimum cost. Everyone cheers each other on. It’s the best learning environment for beginners and young dogs. It’s a great stepping stone.”
Do you do anything special on League days or after League as a group?
While we don’t have any formal post-league rituals, the social aspect is a huge part of the experience for us. League days are as much about community as they are about competition. We spend a lot of time catching up, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed and supportive setting. It’s that sense of camaraderie that makes the league so special.
What is it like running agility in a state like Montana that does not have as many trials? Running agility in Montana is a truly special experience. With only about a dozen trials in the state each year, the entire community feels more connected and supportive.
This unique environment creates two distinct effects:
1. Achievements Shine Brighter: Because opportunities are limited, earning a major title like a MACH/PACH or qualifying for a national event is an especially impressive accomplishment. It highlights the incredible dedication and talent of the teams here.
2. A Strong Sense of Community: Our trials have a distinct “family feel.” You see the same friendly faces at every event, and there’s a genuine sense of camaraderie. Everyone knows each other and cheers each other on.
For these reasons, we consider Montana to be agility’s best-kept secret. The competition is meaningful, and the community is even more so.