I feel for you, I really do as I can relate to so much of what you are saying.
As usual I've done a rambly post but something in it might be useful?
Attitude: Revel did obedience to please me, not because he enjoyed it. I persevered too long to the point it was affecting my relationship with my dog. Retiring him and doing something he preferred was the best desicion I made - but that doesn't seem to be Koji's problem as you say he enjoys agility just not the show atmosphere. It would seem a shame to stop if he is doing something he likes doing and it's just the external aspects that are the problem. It was very evident Revel wasn't happy so I think you would know if Koji wasn't.
Behaviour: As you know Epic is reactive and very fearful around other dogs, especially large bouncy ones - which account for at least 50% of agility dogs so that is a major problem for us. He has even been reactive towards other shelties which reflects how deep his issues are. I wasn't sure he would be able to handle shows and he does find them stressful - but the enjoyment he gets from doing agility acts like a reward for dealing with the situation. So he's getting a massive jackpot event after being calm in the queue with other dogs around, walking to the ring etc. I wonder if Koji is getting a jackpot reward for being reactive on his way to the ring?
I've been taking Epic out for a 10 minute acclimitisation session before we run and rewarding for calm behaviour. I don't put him in situations he's going to find hard to handle so the whole time I have him with me I'm looking for potential hazards and taking 'safe' routes. I don't take my attention off him for a second. I try to stand with a barrier behind and to the side of us so dogs can approach from fewer directions whenever possible. He also has his yellow ribbon prominently displayed. I have to concentrate 100% on him so no chatting or watching other rounds - do that when he's safe in his crate.
"Look at That!" has helped HUGELY with him and while tense, he is not nearly as focussed on other dogs as he used to be. In time, I hope he'll go beyond coping to actually relaxing. Could you take a break from trials for a bit while working on a strategy for coping with other dogs then build up gradually the amount of triggers Koji is exposed to?
I try not to carry Epic, unless it's to get him out of harms way. It doesn't seem to do any good and possibly makes him more reactive. Being on the ground he is more responsible for his actions.
I'm trying to make the whole experience of agility shows as positive as I possibly can. It might not be the right desicion but I'm not correcting Epic for missing contacts, I'm just rewarding the ones he gets right. I'm also really enthsiastic after every run- although they all go wrong! I can deal with training issues at home. I learned this the hard way in obedience so I want Epic to view agility shows as the best thing that happens to him. Agility for him is also a motivator for good behaviour.
Although I'm really new to agility, I hope some of these suggestions are helpful for you and Koji. It's sounds as if you are doing some of the Control Unleased stuff so I'm sure that will make a difference. Wishing you every luck with your class.
