MidWest JRT Club

10/15/2026

Is there a funday in October?
YES, SATURDAY 17th STARTING 9:00AM

Where is the event located?
SHABBONA COUNTY PARK
4165 E 16th ROAD, EARLVILLE IL 60518

Will there be food?
YES, COFFEE AND BAKED GOODS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM CROOKED PORCH BAKERY

What events?
RACING FIRST AND THEN NOSE WORK

What is the weather forecast?
DRY AND MID 50’S. DRESS IN LAYERS. GRASS MAY BE DAMP IN MORNING FOR RACING

Who can participate?
MEMBERS $10/DOG UNLIMITED RUNS
NON-MEMBERS $20/DOG UNLIMITED RUNS

Are there any restrictions to participate?
ALL DOGS THAT RACE MUST HAVE A MUZZLE AND BE SHORTER THAN 16” AT SHOULDER TO FIT IN START BOX

What if I don’t have a muzzle for my dog?
MUZZLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM THE CLUB AND CAN BE FITTED FOR YOUR DOG

What if I want to just do nose work with my dog?
THERE ARE NO HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS OR SPECIAL GEAR NEEDED

What if I have more questions?
DROP QUESTIONS IN THE “COMMENT” AREA BELOW

09/17/2026

Sad news everyone! Unfortunately we’ve decided to cancel our upcoming September 19 Fun Day at Shabbona County Park. The weather just isn't cooperating, and both Saturday and Sunday seem likely to be too wet to be any fun.

Hopefully the weather won’t effect our October 17th Fun Day at Shabbona. We’ll keep our paws crossed!

08/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to the trial and all our friends who made it happen!!

08/11/2026

Who's ready for the trial this weekend? We'll be starting off with Fun on Friday—you can enter Hay Stack Hunt, Brush Hunt, and Midwest Mayhem challenges (1-5pm). And don't forget about the Conformation Handling Seminar (4-6pm). Come learn from Charlene Schlueter and Cheryl Hart and pick up some new handling tips and tricks!

We also hope to see you at the Hometown Proud Dinner (6pm). Bring a dish to share, and enjoy the protein, plates, and silverware provided by the MWJRTC!

08/10/2026

Reminder! If you want to rent a golf cart, contact [email protected] ASAP—tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest!

Send a message to learn more

08/08/2026

Pre-entries for the trial close tomorrow, Aug. 8th! Get your entries in!

Send a message to learn more

08/04/2026

Trial attendees! We have an important announcement to share with you. This year, we'll have delicious baked goods available, thanks to Crooked Porch Baked Goods! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591588950065) At our fun day, owner and baker Emily brought amazing cookies, breads, and some especially fantastic savory focaccias. We can't wait to see what she brings to the trial!

If you'd like to get some lunch or coffee throughout the day, we recommend stopping in nearby Sandwich, only a few minutes drive from the trial site. There will NOT be a food cart available this year, so this is also a great opportunity to plan ahead and bring a picnic lunch from home!

And of course, you're welcome to attend the Hometown Proud Friday Night Dinner (potluck style—bring a dish to pass!) and our Saturday Night Pizza Dinner (5$ a ticket, through trialvault).

08/03/2026

We're launching something new at the Summer Celebration trial! You may have tried Trailing and Locating, but have you tried it with an obstacle course?

This year's trailing and locating is non-sanctioned and an incredible test of your dog's problem solving skills. Dogs will have to follow a laid scent trail through, over, and around obstacles, showing off their confidence and of course, their nose. Unlike some other events where speed is the name of the game, this new trailing and locating will reward the problem-solver who follows the trail. And if they skip an obstacle, they add time!

Video shows trailing and locating from the trial last year—expect even more fun this year!

04/20/2026

If you're planning on coming to our trial this August, now is the time to get ready! Remember to update your registration, membership cards, and trial certificates on Trial Vault. If you're not sure how to use Trial Vault, there is a helpful tutorial here:

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