I don't trial much in the summer either. Mostly because I love the beach (it's too cold here unless it's summer) and I would rather be there then up at 5 AM for a trial...  

I try to train twice a day. Short sequences in the AM before work and in the PM after work. It's usually just starting to get hot, or just starting to cool down then. I train all 3 of my dogs for about 20 minutes a session. 2 wait while one runs, switch dogs, another runs, etc. Each dog gets about 5-7 minutes of workout time per session.

I do lots of contact work in the summer. Proofing the experienced dogs, training enthusiam with my younger dog. Summer is great for working with one obstacle at a time. You can train single jump skills (see Linda Mecklenburg's jump training in Clean Run, or Susan Garrett's new Clean Run DVD.) You can work on weave pole entries. Sending away to a single obstacle.

It's pretty temping to sit inside all summer but remember that fall is only a month away and it's important to stay some what in shape, that goes for the dogs too!

Pick out some things you really want to improve. Chances are you won't need a whole course to practice those skills.

Fall trialing is a big season in the Northeast, by the time it rolls around you'll have had four solid weeks of training.

Katie

I'm from the Northeast also and by the end of June it's much too hot in the middle of the day to run my pups so we refrain from trials and limit ourselves to short training sessions.  I looked back upon the spring season and found there were lots of holes in my handling and training.  I decided to work on the most glaring problems and  started to develop a plan.

 I've been using Mary Ellen Barry's Back Yard Dog exercises from past Clean Run issues.  She has designed several exercises for all levels.  All my pups went back to Basics in early July and are working up to Masters (as long as I stay something like a schedule).   I also keep the sessions short and refrain from over drilling. 

I've also been doing some jump chute work to help rear-end propulsion.  Circle work has also been a big part of our routine.    

Since we've added the evening session, I've changed the times I feed my dogs.  Instead of two meals they now get three small meals.  One at 4:30 am before the 7:30 session, one around noon, and then the last one at 8:00pm. 

I've been keeping a log of our exercises and performance.  I'm trying to keep this summer as goal oriented and organized as I can.   I must admit I think I was a bit overly ambitious and regimented at first.  I've loosened up and understand that it's all a work in progress and that this training will continue long after the summer ends.

Ann

I only have three trials this summer (including a labor day weekend show) so I definately feel you there. My instructor is giving us a drill to do for homework each week, and I try to get out there when it's not too hot and do that. We also frequently practice past drills when I feel it benefits us. Circles and jump chutes are always on the menu.

 For my birthday in late August, I hope to be recieving some agility equipment(weave poles are the big thing; although someone in my area is selling used tunnels I'm drooling over...) and that will give me more options.

As some one else mentioned they were doing, I'm keeping a training diary now (online: http://itsaspringthing.blogspot.com/) and that's helping me to track our progress.

--- Sunrise Sweet Tess TT CGC JH-B English Springer Spaniel

I'm in California so we trial/train year round.  So, I take a good month off every summer.

 I remove all the equipment from my yard for one month.  I don't do classes.  There's so many fun activities in the summer (I agree - this is beach time!) that I take advantage of that and give us all a little break from agility.

We actually just started back up and I'm so excited to get back into it.  The dogs are THRILLED to be playing agility again.

I've always done this and it keeps it fresh for us.  This year both girls slightly tweaked their backs so it worked out for other reasons.   All healed and ready to play.  Next week it's back to the beach - all week - so just lots of ball in the ocean, walks and naps.  Summer is great!

Renee