A pet project for Douglas and Kendra Mello has turned into a full-blown business venture.

The couple set up the new company - Avonlea Agility - last month to offer twice a week sessions in dog agility training.

Avonlea Agility offers basic training elements and trial preparation classes for 60 active agility competitors in Bermuda, and is co-sponsored by the Dog Training Club of Bermuda.

So far, response to the course has been “overwhelming” according to Mrs. Mello who yesterday said classes had been oversubscribed.

This has led the couple to double their schedule with sessions on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

The couple - who named the company after their Bermuda home, Avonlea - said they had been involved in dog agility as a hobby over the last five years with their two dogs, Casey and Charlie.

The decision to set up the company followed their taking note of an increased “level of interest in this fast growing competitive sport”.

Initially, the two made numerous overseas trips for seminars and to take part in competitions in the US at the national level. Mrs. Mello also recently obtained her judge's licence for the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

Mrs. Mello told The Royal Gazette that although she and her husband saw Avonlea Agility as something that would remain part-time, it gave them a chance to share their passion for the sport with other enthusiasts.

“The training is for those who want to hone their skills for competing at an international level,” Mrs. Mello said, adding: “It is easy to get hooked, as it is a lot of fun as well.”

To help Bermuda participants excel at the new sport, which the Mellos hope will eventually be added as an Olympic event, Avonlea Agility is this week-end hosting its first in a series of seminars.

Sarah Miars, an overseas presenter and agility instructor who reportedly has more than 12 years of experience in this area, will be on the Island to conduct the seminar, titled ‘Motivation at Work'.

Dog agility competitors will also have a chance to participate in local trials next month at both the USDAA trials, November 1-2, and the Bermuda International Dog Shows, November 3-9.