Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (22:14) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer outline four international championship events and explain how they differ in format, jump height, and governing organizations. You Will Learn Which international organizations are associated with which championship event. Which USA organization controls the team selection for which championship event. The differences in jump heights between the various events. Which championship event does not allow mixed breed dogs. Mentioned/Related IFCS World Agility Championship World Agility Open Championships 2018 European Open (each year has its own website) FCI Agility World Championship (each year has its own website)

In this episode (32:04) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the software development concept of technical debt to dog agility. You Will Learn What technical debt is. What problems in agility can be thought of as technical debt. How to determine the true cost of technical debt to your agility training and trialing. Why you might not need to fix every problem in your agility training and handling. Mentioned/Related Episode 77: The Secret to All of Dog Agility Episode 117: Drive for Agility (Three Aspects of Agility Training Part 2)

In this episode (46:50) In this episode, 2018 Crufts Champion Dave Munnings joins Sarah and Esteban to talk Crufts, the UK agility scene, running contacts, and more. You Will Learn Who won Crufts. How Dave's handling has changed over the years. Who Esteban thinks benefits the most from running contacts. Mentioned/Related Crufts Championship Finals – 2018 Q-Me Agility

In this episode (39:45) In this episode, 2018 American Kennel Club National Agility Champion (16″) Jennifer Crank joins Sarah and Esteban for the AKC Nationals Wrap Up. You Will Learn The qualifying rates for both the Challenger and Finals rounds over the past 3 years. What competitors thought of the courses and surface. What happened when the timer malfunctioned during Jennifer's winning run in the Finals. About birds that stick together. Mentioned/Related The AKC Nationals Maps and Results

In this episode (49:13) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with Leslie Eide, DVM about structuring your agility training in a way that gives you peak performance at a specific event. You Will Learn How to plan your time off from agility. How to taper for an event. How to design a training plan for the entire year. Mentioned/Related Jumping Gymnastics Online Course (Fenzi Dog Sports Academy) Visit Dr Eide at SOUND Veterinary Rehab AKC Statistics on the 2018 National Agility Championship

In this episode (26:13) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban about how we can train ourselves to take risks on course. You Will Learn What desensitization is. How desensitization can help us deal with the stress of trials (big and small). Why experienced handlers may lose empathy for newcomers. How we can use desensitization to train ourselves to take risks on course. Mentioned/Related Before and After: 2018 AKC National Agility Championship

In this episode (17:52) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the differences between physical and mental commitment and how this can affect your dog on course. You Will Learn How we define a dog's commitment to an obstacle. Why commitment is important. How to change your dog's commitment point. Mentioned/Related Episode 171: Obstacle Focus vs Handler Focus in Dog Agility

In this episode (19:14) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about everything your dog sees on course that you don't. You Will Learn That dogs and people see the agility world differently. Which invisible obstacles are the most common. How to deal with blank spaces. About shoemaking. Mentioned/Related Episode 122: Debugging Your Dog Agility Training

In this episode (52:41) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban chat with Jessica Ajoux. Jessica and her border collie Fame(US) won the overall Masters Champion at this past weekend's Masters Agility Championship at Westminster held in New York City. You Will Learn Why you should consider competing at Westminster at least once. How Jessica manages her dog's energy. How Jessica deals with mistakes in practice. Mentioned/Related Ready Go Agility Eureka! Stress and Zoomies Episode 121: Dealing with Over-Arousal in Dog Agility

In this episode (30:59) Jennifer Crank and Lucky Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker join Esteban to share their thoughts on the upcoming Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. They also give some advice to dog agility newcomers and discuss being "results oriented" versus "process oriented" in your approach to the sport. Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! → Before and After Video Series ← 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

In this episode (42:18) In February 2015, Raphael was watching the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on TV with his rescue dog Ringo and decided, in that moment, that he wanted to be there. In June of 2015, he began training in agility. And now, in February of 2018, he will compete at Westminster. Listen to their remarkable story! Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! 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

In this episode (19:05) In this episode, Sarah catches up with Stacey Campbell whose rescue dog Roo! became the first "Highest Scoring Mixed Breed in Trial" at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Mentioned/Related Buy Tickets for the Event! 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

In this episode (33:36) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban expose some of the common excuses people make in dog agility. You Will Learn How excuses can have a detrimental effect on your agility experience. How to identify imagined limits. How to overcome the most common real limits in the sport. How to accept real limitations that cannot currently be overcome. Mentioned/Related Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

In this episode (40.25) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about three different phases with respect to the start line behavior, and common mistakes made by trainers in each phase. You Will Learn The most common start line mistakes that handlers make in trials, in practices, and during retraining. The concept of ring sustainable training. Why Esteban never rewards a dog in position at the start line. A sneaky way to train and proof start lines in the trial environment. How elephants avoid predators. Mentioned/Related Episode 3: Start Line Stays; Online Agility Classes Teaching a Focused Start Line Stay Does Your Dog Check Out When You Lead Out? (Facebook Live) Episode 34: Retraining Your Start Line Stay in Dog Agility Rock Solid Start Line Stays in Dog Agility Episode 111: The Myth of the Ring-Wise Dog

In this episode (27:55) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about how you can reject conventional notions of success and create your own agility adventure. You Will Learn Who and what influence your idea of dog agility success. How you can be creative in determining your own agility path. Why letting go of certain goals can be freeing. Why you might be uncomfortable the next time you go to a bar. Mentioned/Related Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility

In this episode (24:18) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban wonder if agility trainers should use a clicker during sequencing. You Will Learn The difference between clicker training and using a clicker. The benefits of clicker training. How to start using a clicker with an experienced dog. Why dogs don't dance well. Mentioned/Related Episode 10: Training with Food; Training with a Clicker

In this episode (24:18) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk about the nuance of speed in dog agility, and how to manipulate handler speed to get great runs on course. You Will Learn The difference between relative and absolute speed. How to vary your speed for maximum benefit on course. How teenage boys feel about facial hair. Mentioned Episode 172: Watching Your Dog on Course Episode 179: Which is Faster, a Front Cross or Rear Cross?

In this episode (44:08) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban tackle the question of which is faster: the front cross or the rear cross? You Will Learn The psychology behind the idea that the front cross is faster than the rear cross. When you should choose a rear cross instead of a front cross. Which type of dog does better with front crosses than rear crosses. The importance of timing yourself in training. Mentioned What's Your Bread and Butter Agility Move? Online Course: 2017 AKC Agility Invitational Prep Course

In this episode (24:12) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about pushing the edge of commitment to create distance and increase confidence. You Will Learn How to define commitment point. How to change your dog's commitment point. Why handlers are afraid to push the edge of commitment. Mentioned Speed Statistics Over 19 Years

In this episode (38:01) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the upcoming Masters Agility Championship at Westminster with Paul Campanella, the Director of Companion Events for the Westminster Kennel Club. They will cover new changes to the event, including the $10,000 grand prize, as well as plans for future events. You Will Learn Which club is older, the Westminster Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. Which agility clubs are eligible for the $10,000 award. Which height the overall Masters Agility Champion will likely come from. When entries to Westminster open and why you need to enter on the first day. Mentioned Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Premium The Moneymaker Effect in Dog Agility Episode 48: Westminster Masters Agility Championship on Live TV Episode 88: Cesar Millan Crashes Westminster Agility Is the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Valuable to Dog Agility? Episode 123: The 2016 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016 Episode 153: Interview with 2017 Westminster Champion John Nys

In this episode (32:37) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the many factors that people should think about when they are looking for the next agility dog. You Will Learn Which factors to consider when you are thinking about your next agility dog. The difference between love and favoritism. The importance of recognizing the unique interests and talents of your new dog. The role that expectation plays in your relationship with your new dog.

In this episode (21:48) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about what you can do when you find yourself in a difficult spot on the agility course. You Will Learn How to identify tough spots on course. How to address tough spots with your training. How to generate small variations of tough spots to strengthen your handling. What to call a sharply dressed reptile. Mentioned Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility

In this episode (26:00) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share their thoughts on how external circumstances often require changes in your agility plans. You Will Learn How to stack your training days to maintain flexibility for bad weather and other intrusions in your routine. How to shift gears in a trial environment. The importance of changing your expectations without sacrificing your criteria at trials. The value of a thesaurus. Mentioned On the Job Training using Placement of Reward Episode 162: Why Does My Dog Run Slower at the Trial?

In this episode (33:24) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with Silvia Trkman about her recent European Open win and how she continues to be competitive in an ever-changing sport. You Will Learn How your attitude toward challenges can affect your enjoyment of the sport and set you up for a career of success. Silvia's thoughts on course design in Europe. What to watch for when reviewing your runs to increase your dog's speed and reduce their confusion. How beginners can achieve success with their very first dog. Mentioned Episode 24: Interview with Silvia Trkman Xtreme Foundations DVD Silvia's Online Classes

In this episode (20:45) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss what it means to keep an eye on your dog during agility. You Will Learn Why and when you should keep your eyes on your dog. Why and when you should look away from your dog. The importance of using your peripheral vision. Mentioned Episode 171: Obstacle Focus vs Handler Focus in Dog Agility Episode 129: The Connection Paradigm

In this episode (17:43) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the concept of handler focus versus obstacle focus, and how to apply it to your own agility training. You Will Learn What it means for your dog to be handler-focused or obstacle-focused. Which focus you need in order to excel in agility. How a dog's focus can be obstacle-dependent.

In this episode (24:40) Why is it sometimes so difficult to make changes in your handling? In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the concept of homeostasis to dog agility, and explain how you can "reset" your agility equilibrium. You Will Learn The definition of homeostasis. How to leave jumps sooner. A helpful tip for handlers who "body block" their dogs on down contacts. How to get ahead while your dog is weaving. The real secret behind Romeo and Juliet's love affair. Mentioned Episode 46: Expanding Your Comfort Zone How Your Mindset Affects Your Agility Performance Episode 65: Recognizing Artificial Limitations

In this episode (34:35) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with Jennifer Crank and Sarah Baker about how they manage their time and their dog from the moment they take them out of a crate for a run to the moment they put them back in the crate after the run. You Will Learn When and how to get your dog ready to run. How to structure your dog's reinforcement schedule around each run at a trial. Common mistakes people make before and after runs. The big mistake people make when using food before their run. How to use toys or your dog's leash effectively. Why bicycles are so unstable. Mentioned Our Facebook LIVE Show Interview with Jennifer Crank on Using the Practice Jump

In this episode (24:19) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss how to recognize and combat tilt in your dog training. You Will Learn How a moment of tilt can set your dog back in their training. How to recognize and avoid tilting in your agility training. Which dogs are most affected by a handler on tilt. Mentioned Episode 160: How to Work Through Mistakes in Your Agility Training Our LIVE Facebook Show

In this episode (15:27) What can you do when something works for everyone else's dog but not your own? In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about understanding your dog's issues in the context of the agility spectrum. You Will Learn How many dogs earned a qualifying score in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016. Why you shouldn't feel like you're the only one dealing with a specific problem in agility. How to find help for your specific problem. Why you should leave your poker chips at home before going to the jungle. Mentioned Our Facebook Live Show

In this episode (19:50) In this episode, Dr. Brittany Schaezler joins the podcast to get you and your dog ready for summer. You Will Learn When you should stop your training sessions due to heat and fatigue. How you can cool your dog during and after training. Where dogs have sweat glands. Mentioned Episode 8: Using a Camcorder in Training; Heat Stroke & Water Intoxication

In this episode (21:41) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore how a minimalist approach to dog agility training can protect people from feeling overwhelmed–especially if they have a dog new to agility. You Will Learn Why Esteban thinks he's an agility minimalist. How minimalism can protect you from feeling overwhelmed with your new dog. How to identify the essential skills and behaviors needed for the minimalist approach. Proper traffic etiquette.

In this episode (24:32) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss the impact that external influences can have on your agility, and how you can use them to advance your own training. You Will Learn Who/what your biggest outside influences are. How they affect your training. Why you should embrace outside influences. Mentioned Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You

In this episode (18:46) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you memorize your courses by figuring out the dog's line and the handler's path and combining them with visualization. You Will Learn Why you should focus on your own path as well as your dog's. How knowing your dog's line can reduce your memorization burden. The 3 different views you can have during visualization. Mentioned Episode 87: Improving Your Course Memorization

In this episode (16:29) Sarah and Esteban talk about dogs that perform better at home than at shows. Some dogs slow down at trials while other dogs run fast but consistently make mistakes on the same thing like start lines or weave poles. We share some tips for both training and trialing to help handlers work through these issues. You Will Learn Why some dogs run slower at shows than at home or practice. Why you need to make your practices harder than the trial. How to "practice" with your dog at a trial. Proper attire for weddings! Mentioned Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges (not mentioned, but should have been!) Facebook Live on Weave Poles (where this question came up frequently)

In this episode (38:53) In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jennifer Crank and Sasha Zitter to talk about the Junior Handler program. You Will Learn How agility can teach children (and adults!) perseverance and sportsmanship. How the Junior Handler program can help grow the sport of dog agility. How clubs can help encourage Junior Handlers. How competitors can help encourage Junior Handlers. How the idea of the Boundless Junior Agility Camp became reality. Mentioned Boundless Junior Agility Camp Facebook Page Boundless Junior Agility Camp Website American Kennel Club's Junior Handler Program USDAA's Junior Handler Program

In this episode (39:11) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share some thoughts on the exact steps they take when the dog makes a mistake in agility training. You Will Learn Exactly how Esteban and Sarah react to mistakes when training. How to keep your dog's drive and enthusiasm up in the face of repeated mistakes. Why Sarah uses "microbreaks" with her border collie. Esteban's thoughts on No Reward Marks (NRMs) in agility training. Mentioned Analyzing Your Mistakes in Dog Agility Episode 30: Analyzing Mistakes and a Look at Systems On the Job Training using Placement of Reward Episode 131: Free Your Agility Dog Episode 49: Using Differential Rewards Episode 57: Interview with Denise Fenzi – Part 2 Psychology Today: Should Trainers Tell Dogs When Their Behavior Is Wrong?

In this episode (23:42) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the concept of "muscle memory" to dog agility. They talk about how it works, why it's important, and how you can use it to your advantage. You Will Learn The definition of muscle memory. How muscle memory works. Why muscle memory can help your dog agility. The most common way agility handlers undermine their own training. The big problem muscle memory can create for the agility veteran. Mentioned our new Facebook Live sessions (called the "Bad Dog Agility Show")

In this episode (37:15) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban are joined by Livestream Finals announcer Brittany Schaezler to wrap up the 2017 AKC National Agility Championship. They talk about the dirt, the judges, the courses, the winners, and their favorite runs from the weekend! You Will Learn If this year's courses were tougher than last year's courses. Which course was the toughest this year. How good the footing was for the dogs. Who the winners were for each class. The favorite runs for each livestream announcer. Who ran the "clutch run" of the weekend. Mentioned Results from the 2017 AKC National Agility Championship

In this episode (25:00) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore the good and bad behind comparing your dog and yourself to others in dog agility. You Will Learn How making comparisons can motivate you to improve your agility training. How making comparisons can make you feel bad about your progress in the sport. How realistic it is to never compare yourself to anyone. How focusing on creating the best version of yourself can free you from the comparison trap. What is Mozart's least favorite fowl? Mentioned New Online Class: The Before and After

In this episode (22:14) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you practice dog agility more effectively, producing maximal results with minimal time. You Will Learn What exactly constitutes "practice" when you're training dog agility. How being on the edge of your comfort zone is critical to a successful practice. Why you should avoid Facebook when you train. How elite athletes use relatively short but frequent sessions with breaks to maximize performance. Why you should incorporate visualization into your practice routine. Who's better at grammar; Isaac or Sarah? Mentioned The TED-Ed course that inspired this podcast. Episode 32: Improving Your Mental Game for Big Events Episode 44: Dog Agility Dreams & Goals

In this episode (18:34) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about some negative feelings that might be keeping you from setting goals for 2017. You Will Learn How fear, shame and uncertainty can negatively impact your goal setting. Why to be wary of tunnel vision. Why tunnel vision can hold you back from reaching your goals. How to push beyond your comfort zone without suffering from delusions of grandeur. How to power a soccer stadium. Mentioned Episode 44: Dog Agility Dreams & Goals

In this episode (38:58) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with USA AKC/FCI World Team member Jennifer Crank about being a mom and competitor while managing a human child in the dog agility world. You Will Learn How far along in their pregnancies both Jennifer and Sarah ran agility. How Jennifer started in the sport as a very young child. Why it's helpful to establish a relationship with children and their parents at trials if your dog is not good with children. How children can help prepare your dog for big events like Westminster. How and why unsanctioned "Cup" events are starting to appear here in the United States. A clever thing to say to a vending machine. Mentioned Announcement: Sponsored Athlete Jennifer Crank http://jennifercrank.com/ IncrediPAWS Dog Training

In this episode (26:17) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with John Nys, the overall winner of this year's Masters Agility Championship at Westminster about the show, the courses, the crowds, and Madison Square Garden! You Will Learn How border collie Trick overcame injury to win Westminster. How the audience impacts the atmosphere of the trial. How John managed running two dogs in the televised final. What kind of impact Westminster is having on the sport of dog agility. Mentioned Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016 Is the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Valuable to Dog Agility?

In this episode (17:52) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban explore social networks in dog agility and share 3 tips for creating your very own powerful support system to get you through the tough times. You Will Learn Why developing your own social network in agility is important. How to develop your personal network by casting a wide net, being proactive, and using technology. How to approach strangers at dog shows (with a video example). A safe, constructive way to complain/vent without offending others or being attacked. Mentioned Episode 58: The Rocky Road to Success Episode 146: Record Keeping Trick for Dog Agility Kathy Keats article "How Sheep Deal With Bullies (and What You Can Learn From It)" American Psychological Association's article "Manage stress: Strengthen Your Support Network" Flow is Flow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I96EZ3203-Q

In this episode (39:45) In this podcast, judge Janet Gauntt joins Sarah and Esteban to discuss the video review process that was highlighted at the 2016 USDAA Cynosport. You Will Learn How the video review process works. Which aspects of the run are reviewed. Who is involved in the review process. Mentioned The USDAA article describing the process. You can find over 500 Janet Gauntt courses on Agility Course Maps.

In this episode (40:32) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban are joined by Lee Gibson to discuss the Global Judging Program. You Will Learn Why Lee Gibson and Greg Derrett joined forces to create the Global Judging Program. The common elements of judging across organizations and around the world. The positive and negative effects competitors can have on judges. The positive and negative effects judges can have on competitors. Fiscal advise for snowmen (and snowomen). Mentioned The Global Judging Program Facebook Group The "trailer" video for the Global Judging Program.

In this episode (27:22) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss perceptions in agility that are widely held, but not always true. You Will Learn How to determine whether a wrap or slice is faster. (spoiler: trick question) How to determine whether a rear cross or front cross is faster. (spoiler: trick question) How to determine which is faster, a quick dog with shorter strides or a larger dog with long strides. (spoiler: trick question) How to identify perceptions that may be holding you back in your dog agility training. The price of corn. Mentioned Episode 108: Choices on Course Episode 63: A Newcomer's Guide to Handling Systems

In this episode (19:51) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban discuss "the paradox of choice" and how it might apply to dog agility. You Will Learn What "the paradox of choice" is. How the paradox of choice might affect your feelings and perceptions in agility. Who may be susceptible to influence by the paradox of choice. The scariest single digit number. Mentioned Episode 3: Start Line Stays; Online Agility Classes Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz

In this episode (54:46) Sarah and Esteban talk with Susan Garrett about helping your dog drop less bars. You Will Learn Susan Garrett's protocol for knocked bars, and which dogs it's appropriate for. Common training mistakes people make when addressing bar knocking. If you should be quiet when your dog is jumping. How to help your dog avoid brushing wings/uprights. How Response Cost influences a dog's bar knocking. The importance of jump training, handling, and strength and conditioning for success. How Susan trains jumping with her young dog. The next big challenge in dog agility. The significance of a rhetorical question. Mentioned Facebook Group — Handling 360: Free Agility Workshop Susan's Facebook Live "Re-Do" of the AWC Large Dog Course Sarah's favorite Susan Garrett run from the 2016 Agility World Championship. Previous Podcast Interview with Susan Garrett — Episode 43: Susan Garrett Interview on Positive Training and Handling Systems Previous Podcast on Record Keeping — Episode 146: Record Keeping Trick for Dog Agility Episode 100: Interview with Crufts Judge Lee Gibson – Part 1 Episode 136: Interview with WAO Judge Anthony Clarke