Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (24:32) In this podcast, Esteban, Sarah and Jennifer discuss why having a dog that trusts you is so important in dog agility training. You Will Learn How the trust relates to speed. How consistency relates to trust. How personality can affect your dog's reaction to incomplete information.

In this episode (1:14:33) In this podcast, Jennifer Crank goes from podcast co-host to interviewee. Jennifer and border collie P!nk won the overall Masters Champion at this past weekend's Masters Agility Championship at Westminster held in New York City and made history as the first non-20″ dog to earn the title. You Will Learn How the Westminster Masters Agility Champion is selected. The results of the 2020 Westminster Masters Agility Championship. Our thoughts on the broadcast and answers to the most common questions from our listeners. Mentioned/Related Video: Jumpers With Weave Preliminary Round Video: Standard Preliminary Round Video: The Winning Run in Each Height Class Previous Podcast: Episode 238: Westminster 2020 Preview

In this episode (48:55) This week we introduced a new speed-based ranking, the All-Decade Power 70. In this podcast, we discuss this ranking and the trends we see in agility over the past 10 years. You Will Learn How the All-Decade Ranking was created. Why there are 70 ranked dogs instead of 60. Why we think so many of the ranked dogs are from the last few years. What breed dominates the ranking. Mentioned/Related 2010s All-Decade Power 70 Episode 86: A Look at Rankings in Dog Agility

In this episode (42:11) In this episode, we discuss the use of markers in your dog agility training. You Will Learn What a marker is in dog training. Why you might want multiple markers. The benefit of location based markers. Identifying inadvertent markers. Mentioned/Related Previous Podcast: Episode 181: Should You Use a Clicker During Agility Training? Sarah Stremming Previous Podcast: Episode 144: Interview with Sarah Stremming on Behavior Problems in Performance Dogs Previous Podcast: Episode 229: Is Your Dog Too Worked Up for Agility

In this episode (25:42) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss how to pick the right agility organization for your debut and your agility career. You Will Learn The biggest factors that will affect your choice of agility organization. Why you don't REALLY have to choose. Which organizations have rules that are favorable to new agility teams. Mentioned/Related Episode 237: AKC 2020 Rule Changes Including Fix and Go and For Exhibition Only Thinking About Using FNG or FEO at Your Next AKC Agility Trial? Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

In this episode (30:03) In this episode, Director of Westminster Companion Events joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about the upcoming Masters Championship at Westminster, including important changes for both competitors and viewers. You Will Learn What upgrades Westminster has made for competitors. How you can view the preliminary rounds on livestream. Which network the Finals will be broadcast on tape delay. Who the judges are for this year. How the prize pool will be distributed. Why Meet the Breeds will not take place in conjunction with agility this year. Fix and Go at Westminster After the podcast, we received confirmation from Paul Campanella, Director of Agility for the Westminster Kennel Club, that Fix and Go WILL be allowed during the Preliminary rounds at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. However, FNG runs are scored as an E, and an E in a preliminary round disqualifies the team for the finals. Fix and Go will NOT be permitted during the Finals. Mentioned/Related Watch the Finals on FS1 Sunday February 9th, 2020 8pm to 10pm EST Click here to find FS1 on your cable provider. Watch the preliminary rounds live with the Westminster Kennel Club app. Previous Westminster Posts If you're going to the event and want to immerse yourself in all things Westminster, here's a list of all of our previous Westminster coverage. Bad Dog Agility's 2019 Westminster Wrap-Up 2019 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Archive Episode 213: Interview with Westminster Champion Perry DeWitt Bad Dog Agility's 2018 Westminster Wrap-Up Episode 185: Interview with Westminster Champion Jessica Ajoux 2018 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Archive Westminster Special: Round Table with Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker Westminster Special: Living the Dream; Novice to Westminster Westminster Special: Mutt Hysteria (Catching Up With Stacey and Roo!) Episode 177: Westminster Preview with Paul Campanella Episode 153: Interview with 2017 Westminster Champion John Nys Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016 Episode 123: The 2016 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Is the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Valuable to Dog Agility? Episode 88: Cesar Millan Crashes Westminster Agility Episode 48: Westminster Masters Agility Championship on Live TV The Moneymaker Effect in Dog Agility

In this episode (53:32) In this episode, AKC Executive Field Representative Kitty Bradley joins the podcast to explain the new rule changes for the American Kennel Club. You Will Learn Why the AKC is allowing a third tunnel option. How the AKC is addressing the issue of spacing between jumps. Why you should remove the tape from your weave poles. What is "Fix And Go" and how is it different from "For Exhibition Only". Mentioned/Related Judges Blog: For Exhibition Only (FEO) & Fix and Go On Approved (Part 1) Judges Blog: For Exhibition Only (FEO) & Fix and Go On (Part 2) – Judging Information AKC Judges Blog 2020 Rule Changes for AKC

In this episode (32:29) In this episode, we discuss how to enjoy your training and use that enjoyment to create greater success in dog agility. You Will Learn Why enjoyment is important for your mental state. How enjoyment can get you to success more quickly. Why you should focus on daily "little wins". What we've learned from playing Fortnite. Mentioned/Related Episode 58: The Rocky Road to Success Episode 157: The Comparison Trap

In this episode (26:15) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share some things they've learned from raising two puppies at the same time. You Will Learn how puppy personalities affect training if fear periods are real how puppies comunicate why puppies are not small dogs how dog people idealize previous dogs

In this episode (20:37) In this episode, we discuss how to use non qualifying runs to improve your agility. You Will Learn Why taping non qualifying runs is important. Why we set up problem sequences from trials as soon as possible. How to use non qualifying runs to boost your confidence for future trials.

In this episode (54:57) In this episode, Denise Fenzi returns to the podcast to talk about the common strategies that we use to help our dogs cope with distractions and anxiety-provoking situations in agility. You Will Learn the relationship between a dog's emotional state and agility performance how counterconditioning should work why distraction training often fails how to build your dog's confidence Mentioned/Related Episode 56: Interview with Denise Fenzi – Part 1 Episode 57: Interview with Denise Fenzi – Part 2 Fenzi Blog Post: Counterconditioning, Distraction food or distraction training? Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

In this episode (56:52) In this episode, Tamás Tráj joins the podcast to discuss course design, safety and international agility. You Will Learn How Tamás approaches course design. Why Hungary added a 4th jump height. What factors are influencing the possible addition of jump heights to FCI agility. Mentioned/Related Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) OfCourse Online Coursedesign Education with Petr Pupik, Tamás Tráj and Jan Egil Eide

In this episode (38:52) Dr. Amy Cook joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about noise sensitivity in agility dogs. Dr. Cook earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley and has been training dogs and dog trainers for 25 years. Part 2 of 2. You Will Learn Why agility dogs can be very sensitive to noises. Common noises that often cause problems for agility dogs. How to implement the solution to noise issues. What type of conditioning you need to fix the problem. How to "prehab" rather than "rehab" your agility dog. Mentioned/Related Episode 230: Noise Sensitivity in the Agility Dog with Amy Cook – Part 1 Amy Cook's website: Play Way Dogs Amy Cook's online courses on FDSA

In this episode (35:32) Dr. Amy Cook joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about noise sensitivity in agility dogs. Dr. Cook earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley and has been training dogs and dog trainers for 25 years. Part 1 of 2. You Will Learn Why agility dogs can be very sensitive to noises. Common noises that often cause problems for agility dogs. How to implement the solution to noise issues. What type of conditioning you need to fix the problem. How to "prehab" rather than "rehab" your agility dog. Mentioned/Related Amy Cook's website: Play Way Dogs Amy Cook's online courses on FDSA

In this episode (54:19) In this episode, Sarah Stremming joins the podcast to discuss dogs that are too worked up/high drive/over-aroused to perform in the agility ring. You Will Learn Signs of an overly worked up or over-aroused dog. "Tag-along" behaviors often seen with these dogs. How agility dogs today differ from previous generations with respect to arousal and prey/bite drive. Solutions for working with the over-aroused dog. Mentioned/Related Episode 144: Interview with Sarah Stremming on Behavior Problems in Performance Dogs Cog-Dog Radio Train with Sarah on FDSA Episode 15: Kathy Sdao Interview – Part 1

In this episode (19:19) In this episode, we interview four handlers who will be competing at the FCI Agility World Championship in Turku, Finland on September 19-22, 2019. You Will Learn Each handler's history at the AWC. What specific skills each handler has been working on to prepare for this event. What trends have been identified from this year's judges. Mentioned/Related Episode 227: Why You Should Watch the FCI Agility World Championship The 2019 AWC Experience Online Course

In this episode (23:53) In this episode, we talk about the upcoming FCI Agility World Championship, and why you should watch it. You Will Learn Why people watch the AWC. How to shop for you next dog at the AWC. How course maps are distributed differently around the world. The difference between the livestream and our "AWC Experience" online event. Mentioned/Related Our 2019 AWC Experience Online Course The Official AWC Livestream The 2019 Agility World Championship Website

In this episode (20:07) In this episode, Jennifer and Sarah talk about whether it is better to teach one skill until mastered, or to rotate skills. You Will Learn What skills we prefer to teach as quickly as possible once training begins. How we use contrast training to test our dogs and train multiple skills at one time. How to structure your training sessions to reduce mental and physical fatigue. Mentioned/Related Susan Garrett's 12 Poles in 12 Days Contrasting Maneuvers to Make Your Agility Amazing Episode 78: The Power of Latent Learning

In this episode (20:45) Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban discuss how agility handlers can maximize their Return On Investment (ROI) in dog training. You Will Learn How you can use ROI to decide what skills to train in practice. How to avoid a negative ROI. How eliminating unnecessary training can help you get better, faster.

In this episode (27:29) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah and Esteban talk about success in the sport of dog agility: how do we define it and how do our perceptions of success influence our training and trialing? You Will Learn The difference between traditional and non-traditional definitions of success in agility. How to define your own success in agility. Why success should not equate to self-esteem. Mentioned/Related Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure Episode 124: Dealing with Disappointment in Dog Agility

In this episode (35:19) Dr. Schaezler joins the BDA podcast to prepare you and your dog for the dangers of summer, 2019 edition. You will learn about the health impact of: acute water intoxication heat stroke drinking puddles drinking ocean water chlorinated and salt water pools hurricane prep microchipping encountering possums, raccoons, and cats snake bites eating dead or living rodents hot sidewalks thorns/foxtails bee/wasp stings thunderstorms Mentioned/Related Episode 8: Using a Camcorder in Training; Heat Stroke & Water Intoxication State Emergency Planning Laws for Animals

In this episode (30:03) Members of the Aces High Flyball Team that won Crufts join Sarah and Esteban to talk about breeding, raising, training, and competing with their dogs in the great sport of flyball. You Will Learn Traits that make great flyball dogs. Why Whippets are gaining popularity as sport dogs. Why flyball competitors value tugging. How social media increased visibility for flyball around the world. Mentioned/Related Aces High Flyball Team Facebook Page Watch the quarterfinals win that caught our eye! Watch the Flyball finals that broke the Crufts record.

In this episode (21:58) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer share six things you can do today to help your dogs that gets distracted or shuts down in training or trialing. You Will Learn How to increase your rate of reinforcement to keep your distracted dog engaged. How a focus on transitions changed how Jennifer teaches live classes. How to use different leashes to improve your crate to crate routine. How to predict where your dog will become distracted on course. Mentioned/Related Episode 212: Do You Really Need Video Analysis? Episode 97: Improving Your Transitions During Training Episode 129: The Connection Paradigm

In this episode (36:12) In this episode, Jennifer Crank shares her experience as the 16″ winner at the inaugural AKC Agility Premier Cup by EEM. You Will Learn How the event was run. Who won the $10,000 prize pool. What was in the VIP area for competitors. Mentioned/Related Episode 215: The 2019 AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM Course Maps and Results

In this episode (43:55) In this episode, Sarah, Esteban and Jennifer share how they are using 8 tips to improve their attitudes in agility! You Will Learn Which specific actions to take when you're having a bad day. Why you should surround yourself with positive people. The value of complimenting a stranger. Why it's important to give your instructor feedback. Mentioned/Related Podcast based on the article "8 Ways to Improve Your Attitude toward School and Work" Afraid to ask what RBF (Resting Bitch Face) is? Just click here for the explanation! Science Says Resting Bitch Face Is Real — And You're Probably Judging People for It

In this episode (40:08) In this episode, reigning AKC 20″ National Agility Champion Sarah Baker joins the podcast to talk about puppies! You Will Learn 3 tips for working with puppies How to set your own expectations for your puppy Why your dog may not actually be a reflection of your training Mentioned/Related Sarah Baker's online class: "Agility Foundation for Puppies and Young Dogs"

In this episode (29:08) In this episode, 2019 Crufts Championship Winner and British Open Winner Dan Shaw joins the podcast. You Will Learn How Dan got his start in agility. How Geek got his name. Why Dan values calm and thoughtful over frantic. How Dan gets an amazing teeter performance. Whether or not Dan's next dog will have running contacts. Mentioned/Related Agility at Crufts Episode 215: The 2019 AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM The Premium Train with Dan online

In this episode (1:12:03) In this episode, the 2019 AKC 20″ National Agility Champion Sarah Baker teams up with Jennifer and Esteban to bring you the wrap up for nationals! You Will Learn how many dogs have won multiple AKC nationals finals the qualifying rate in finals over the past 3 years how the 8″ class has changed over the past 3 years how Jennifer Crank dealt with the disappointment of losing in Finals–twice how Sarah Baker dealt with the pressure of running in Finals why the 20″ Preferred winner was denied the national title by AKC which groups of dogs have been given an unfair advantage by the AKC what USDAA does better than the AKC Mentioned/Related Teeter Drop Times Episode 151: Judging with Video Review

In this episode (22:33) In this episode, AKC Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung stops by to talk about the AKC's newest marquee event–the AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM. You Will Learn Why this event is happening. Who was invited to compete and why. How the event will be structured and run. How the $10,000 prize pool will be distributed. Plans for the future of this event. Mentioned/Related The Press Release announcing the event AKC Webpage for the Premier Cup Presented by EEM The Premium Tickets for the event The Longines Master of New York

In this episode (20:02) In this episode, Jennifer and Sarah address the differences between training a skill that encourages a thoughtful response from the dog and training a skill in a higher drive state. You Will Learn Why you need to recognize whether you are encouraging a thoughtful response or a more action-oriented response. How to bridge the gap between thinking and action. How to manipulate food to increase your dog's drive for the reward. How to manipulate toys to decrease your dog's drive for the reward. Mentioned/Related Episode 10: Training with Food; Training with a Clicker Episode 28: Training with Toys

In this episode (31:15) In this podcast, Jennifer and Esteban interview Perry DeWitt, the Masters Agility Champion from this year's Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. You Will Learn All about border collie Verb. How Perry uses a strict visualization routine in agility. Why Perry's agility career was possibly delayed by 5 years. The top 10 dogs registered in the AKC in 2017 and why it matters to dog agility. Mentioned/Related Philly Dog Training Y2K9s High Octane Agility Watch Perry and Verb

In this episode (26:09) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah and Esteban address the question of whether or not agility handlers should use video analysis. You Will Learn How video review is different from video analysis. How most people analyze videos today. The relationship between video analysis and visualization. Common barriers to video analysis Mentioned/Related Coach's Eye App (iOS) Coach's Eye App (Android) Timing of Agility Cues: Lisa Frick and Hoss Episode 200: Interview with EO Champion Max Sprinz Our new online class, Before and After: 2019 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster, where Esteban and Jennifer will share their own self analysis from the event.

In this episode (14:59) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about the important of handling flexibility in dog agility. You Will Learn How handling flexibility can help you run better on course. Two types of handling flexibility. How to develop flexibility in training sessions. Mentioned/Related The 2019 Nationals Prep Course which closes February 1st.

In this episode (33:35) In this episode, the BDA team discusses goal setting for big agility events. You Will Learn The difference between a dream and a goal. How to create goals based on a specific agility event. Specific examples of goals from Jennifer and Esteban. What to do with your goals after the event. Mentioned/Related Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season

In this episode (31:50) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban discuss the blind cross; the pros, the cons, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You Will Learn How the blind cross can help people who lose their place on course. How the blind cross can help people with physical limitations. Why blind crosses may require the handler to be further ahead than the front cross. Two common mistakes to avoid when executing a blind cross. Mentioned/Related Blind Cross Example Live Session on Blind Crosses Front Cross Example Live Session on Front Crosses Rear Cross Example Live Session on Rear Crosses Webinar: Which Cross Should You Use?

In this episode (38:39) In this episode, Greg Fontaine shares how he has worked with the AKC to experiment with course design strategies aimed at providing better spacing for large dogs. You Will Learn What Greg was trying to achieve with his designs. Two different course design strategies Greg used to provide additional yardage between jumps for large dogs. How these changes were approved organizationally. How these changes were handled logistically. Mentioned/Related AKC Judging Guidelines Training article on how dogs anticipate spacing: The 20 Foot Trap Nested Course Strategy Large Spacing, Closer Traps Strategy

In this episode (29:42) In this podcast, FCI silver medalist Jennifer Crank interviews FCI gold medalist Martina Magnoli Klimešová. You Will Learn What skills and foundation Martina thinks are most important when working with puppies. When Martina starts formal agility training. How Martina approaches mental management. How Martina keeps her dog competitive enough to win gold at 10.5 years old. Mentioned/Related Martina's Facebook Profile Fit Class for Dogs Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility

In this episode (24:49) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss three key lessons from the Agility World Championship. You Will Learn How Jennifer's preparation led to her individual silver medal. How your preparation affects your mental management. Why courses today require elite dog training AND handling. Mentioned/Related Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure Watch Jennifer's Silver Medal Runs

In this episode (23:05) In this podcast, Jennifer, Sarah and Esteban give you practical tips for strengthening your dog's contact obstacle performance. You Will Learn 5 tips for improving contact performance When the color of your contact zone doesn't matter Common mistakes handlers make when practicing contacts

In this episode (33:45) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss the concept of proofing, pointing out common misconceptions and explaining exactly how you should use proofing in your agility training. You Will Learn How to define proofing. How to use proofing to your maximum advantage. The most common misconception about proofing. Why Americans don't like the metric system. Mentioned/Related Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog Episode 103: Green Dog Gotchas Episode 60: Preparing for Your Novice Debut Episode 203: BDA Goes to SeaWorld San Antonio

In this episode (50:06) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss how training a dolphin to swim upside down can help your dog run faster on course. You Will Learn How SeaWorld trainers use various rewards during training. Which reward surprised Esteban the most. How SeaWorld trainers deal with mistakes. Whether Isaac is better at Math or Dating. Mentioned/Related Episode 49: Using Differential Rewards Episode 160: How to Work Through Mistakes in Your Agility Training Episode 200: Interview with EO Champion Max Sprinz

In this episode (50:09) In this podcast, Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club Carrie DeYoung joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about the upcoming AKC Invitational, which will be held December 14-16, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. You Will Learn Why many agility organizers outside of the United States are interested in the Invitational. How many dogs attend the Invitational. How many dogs compete in AKC Agility. How the junior championship event works. Mentioned/Related How many points does it take to go to the AKC Invitational? The Rarest Breeds at the 2013 AKC Agility Invitational Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

In this episode (37:33) Esteban and Sarah Fernandezlopez welcome Sarah Baker to the podcast to discuss the European Open and the Border Collie Classic. You Will Learn Who won the European Open Team and Individual events at each height. How the European Open is different than the Agility World Championship. How the Border Collie Classic event is structured. Why clustered times may indicate the course should be harder. Why Isaac has been losing friends. Mentioned/Related YouTube Video: Sarah Baker and Hops at the 2018 European Open, the 2018 Border Collie Classic, and Team USA practice Episode 200: Interview with EO Champion Max Sprinz Episode 85: Have We Solved the Game of Agility?

In this episode (43:16) Jennifer and Sarah welcome 2018 Large Dog European Open Champion Max Sprinz to the podcast. You Will Learn How Max trained Baxx's running contacts. How Max uses distance skills in his handling. Why Max emphasizes foundation work in his training. German rules on training in the ring. Mentioned/Related YouTube Video: Max and Bäxx at the 2018 European Open Video Analysis of Lisa Frick and Hoss from 2012 Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges

In this episode (37:20) In this podcast, we discuss how you can improve your dog's time by focusing on efficiency on course and increasing your dog's natural speed and drive. You Will Learn How the format of the Incredible Dog Challenge differs from all other agility trials. Why your dog doesn't always need to run faster to get faster times. Three quick tips to improve your dog's speed. Mentioned/Related Episode 117: Drive for Agility (Three Aspects of Agility Training Part 2) When do Agility Dogs Peak? Episode 49: Using Differential Rewards

In this episode (24:39) In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer discuss natural versus trained cues and how it affects training time, your mental state, and your dog's response. You Will Learn Why it's important to recognize whether a cue or skill is natural or trained. Why it's important to set proper expectations when teaching new skills. Why you should balance natural skills with trained skills when planning your training. How a natural skill can progress into a trained skill. Mentioned/Related Jennifer's Commitment Post: "How Committed Are You?"

In this episode (39:52) In this podcast, Sarah, Esteban and Jennifer talk about the 2018 World Agility Open Championship. You Will Learn What events make up the World Agility Open. The unique strategy elements that are part of team roster construction. How the wild card application and selection process works. Mentioned/Related Episode 193: Who is the World Champion in Agility? Watch Jennifer's 1st place Pentathalon Sweepstakes Run

In this episode (46:44) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk about the table, how to train for it, and whether or not it still belongs in the sport of dog agility. You Will Learn The most common mistakes people make in training the table. How to make your table training more like your table trialing. Why Esteban thinks the table should be discontinued. The official BDA position on "Laurel" vs "Yanny". Mentioned/Related Post plus video: Having Trouble with the Table?

In this episode (1:04:40) In this podcast, Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker join Sarah and Esteban for the 2018 AKC/FCI World Team Tryouts wrap up. You Will Learn Which dogs earned automatics spots on Team USA. How the new scoring system affected results. What the competitors thought of the course designs. Why Gitchi did not run in Round 5. Mentioned/Related Q Rates at the 2018 AKC World Team Tryouts

In this episode (16:36) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss how to deal with forced breaks in your agility training. You Will Learn Why taking a break from agility can be emotionally difficult for many handlers. How you can continue your agility training even if you or your dog are unable to physically practice. How to stay connected to the agility community while you are unable to compete. Mentioned/Related Episode 6: CCL Injuries and TPLO