Level Up Dog Sports

Programs begin with Manners Training or an evaluation as a prerequisite for agility. Group classes are 6-week sessions with progression from foundation to Master Coursework levels. Private lessons are available after completing Agility Fundamentals Level 2. Day school options help with specific skills like contacts and weaves. Electives and drop-ins can be purchased in discounted bundles. Online classes are offered through a separate platform. Sessions follow an annual calendar with scheduled breaks.

Pricing Summary

Pricing includes group classes with 6-week sessions, private lessons with limited availability, and bundle deals for drop-ins and electives. Ring rentals are available for current students with agility titles. Specific rates are not listed publicly but require registration through their booking system.

Policies

Registration policies and class rules are available on their website. Private lessons book out quickly and open automatically 30 days in advance; no waitlists are maintained. Canceled lessons are filled immediately. Dogs must have current agility titles to rent rings. Waiver required for all participants.

Level Up Dog Sports is Virginia’s premier dog training facility located minutes from downtown Richmond, offering reward-based training focused on behavior, manners, and dog sports. They specialize in agility training but also provide manners classes and other dog sports. Their unique advantage is being Richmond’s only dedicated dog sports complex, featuring a 18,000 sq ft matted and turf-covered main facility and a 10,000 sq ft climate-controlled annex with a canine fitness gym. They use positive reinforcement methods to build strong owner-dog bonds and make training fun. They also support the community by donating training packages to high-risk foster dogs and offering discounts for adopted dogs.

They offer group classes, private lessons, ring rentals, day school, and online classes. All agility students must complete Manners Training or an evaluation before starting. They provide structured class progression from foundation to advanced levels, with bundle deals for electives and drop-ins to save money. Their instructors are highly accomplished competitors with national and international titles in agility, rally, and obedience.

They also host seminars, workshops, and events, and provide 3D tours of their facilities. Training is available at two locations in Mechanicsville, VA, with flexible scheduling across sessions throughout the year.

Accomplishments

Head instructor Merritt Speagle has multiple national placements including a bronze medal at the Agility US Open, 2nd and 4th place at Cynosport World Games Grand Prix, and a silver medal at Cynosport World Games in 2023. Instructor Courtney Iannello has earned AKC Utility Dog and CDX titles and is on the WCRL Lifetime Achievement List. Instructors have competed at NAC, Cynosport, US Open, and FCI shows in Europe.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete Basic Manners Training or schedule an evaluation before enrolling in agility classes. Evaluations can be booked through their booking page. Group classes require registration via their DogBizPro portal, while private lessons and drop-ins are booked through Squarespace Scheduling.