Hi
We started agility in Jan (Dyl was 2 years 10 months then) and in May, my trainer said we should go for a show in July, even though Dyl wasn't/isn't doing proper weave yet, but just to go and get a feel for competing. We did enter a couple of classes with weave and just left them out. We also entered steeplechase and gamblers with no weave. My trainer wanted us to go and just be part of it. She said it's a good idea to go despite not being perfect etc, because next year, when he's improved more, we won't have the fear of entering our first show. I entered 8 classes, 4 were NFC but great for experience. I found it all invaluable. I was absolutely petrified before our first class(!), but Dylan was great. The only down point was at the end of day one when he was tired, and I knew it was not going to go well as he wouldn't do a proper wait. He didn't like the flat tunnel and legged it out of the ring to see my family - obviously had enough! At the time I was so embarrassed but then I realised, if that's the worst then that's fine, he's done it and we survived and he won't be the last to leg it out of the ring either. One thing I took away from the show is that not every dog behaves perfectly. I went there thinking everyone would hav these wonderful dogs that sail around the course, doing exactly what is asked for them, but it's not like that. There's such a mix.
I'm not one to advise on when's best to go to a show with regards to when your dog's ready ie if you have control of him etc, but speaking from my side, I'm really glad to get the first show under my belt. And we loved it! Hope you enjoy it too!