The ability to communicate with people is as important for a successful seminar presenter as the ability to successfully train dogs. Overall, it was felt that the presenter should have confidence in their methods, and confidence that their methods solve problems. Who the presenter is also answers the question of why go to an agility seminar. Those who live in areas without training centers nearby, who train in their backyards alone, without the benefit of a second opinion to refine their performance, rely on agility seminars to get much-needed feedback on their handling or training style. For others, attending a seminar allows the participant to receive a second opinion, with the effect being that of bringing in a specialist to diagnose and, hopefully, solve a problem.
Seminars also give a chance to explore new handling or training techniques.
Some people were surprisingly indiscriminating about the seminars they attend. There are a number of other considerations that go into deciding which seminars to attend. The club, and the seminar presenter, should have a reputation for running an efficient seminar and keeping things moving. Dogs and handlers should, ideally, be grouped by skill and ability. A second request, although difficult to meet, was to match dogs by size and speed.