Agility Culture

How can two handlers leave the same agility trial with completely different experiences? Drawing on feedback from the agility community, we explore how mindset, expectations, and our need to belong shape the way we interpret competition culture. Discover practical ways to curate your experience, protect your joy, and pursue your goals while staying connected to your dog. Canine Culture Website: ht...

Is your pre-run routine carefully preparing your dog? Is it winding them up or stressing them out? Laura explores how warm-ups, waiting ringside, reward games, and handler nerves shape your team’s readiness. Discover what the Yerkes–Dodson Law and canine arousal research can teach us about finding the balance between enthusiasm and focus, with practical ideas for more thoughtful, connected perform...

When agility progress stalls, adding more training can be tempting, but is it what your team needs? In this episode, Laura explores when clearer communication, better reinforcement, emotional readiness, physical recovery, or a stronger handler mental game can make the difference. Learn how to train with intention, recognize what’s missing and choose a more productive next step for you and your dog...

Are you training beautiful contact criteria in class—only to let it slide when you step into the competition ring? You may be unintentionally teaching your dog that the rules change when it matters most. Contact criteria isn't a mechanical issue. It's a communication issue . In this episode, I'm joined by special guest, Janey Bell, a top notch instructor and facility owner. We’ll talk...

In this episode, I answer some hot topic questions on NRM's, Training Priorities in Young dogs, obstacle struggles, Ring Stress, private coaching advantages and unwanted advice. Ring Stress Online Class https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressed Private Coaching Program https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-Online-Coaching

In this episode, I discuss the most commonly seen wasted training opportunities to enhance your dog's skills. In order to amplify understanding of a skill, we must strategically reward it in a manner that is significant to the dog. Have a listen and see what you can do to take your dog's skills to a high level of clarity.

Analysis of the responses to my viral post that asked the question "If you could change one thing in agility, what would that be?" 656 comments were studied for the most common to give us the Top 10, the most unusual and what wasn't mentioned. The recurring themes are quite interesting! Link to original post https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1526155965964464&set=a.5494991002968...

In this episode, I host special guest, Kaitlyn Kaminski of WAO & European Open Team USA. We discuss her compelling agility story of rising fast to the top shelf of USA agility. Kaitlyn recently competed at the World Agility Open running clean in 5/6 runs. Take a listen! My website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I discuss the importance of ring readiness for competition and keeping dogs under control. I dive into how to devlelop it and maintain it, along with why everyone should do their part to keep the agility community safe. The cornerstone of teamwork is Engagement. Website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

I discuss some of the common training problems and setbacks in agility training. I provide strategies on how to work out of a training session failure and how to set-up training sessions to prevent potential setbacks from occurring. Learn about factors that can cause training issues and how to avoid them. My website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this "ask me anything" episode, I answer questions from listeners that are all over the agility spectrum. Questions spanned from arousal issues, mental games for dogs, making practice engaging, managing multiple dogs in training, canine fitness schedules, startline routines and more! Puppy Cognition Study Overview: https://today.duke.edu/2025/12/inside-minds-puppies-how-do-they-develo...

In this episode, I share smart strategies for all of the pre-planning to maximize your course walk. Find out how to optimally prime your brain for the most bandwidth to get the most out of your 8 minutes. Clever insights and tricks that will likely lead to better outcomes in your runs. Mastering Course Memorization Online Class: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/course-memorization My w...

In this episode, I discuss the characteristics of sensitive dogs and the training considerations for them. Learning to train a sensitive dog in a manner that keeps their confidence high and their sensitivites low. More dogs are "sensitive" then we realize. Website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ Online Classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this episode, I discuss the intricacies of Ring Stress in Dog Agility. It's complicated. Every dog that competes has some amount of stress. Does yours have too much? I break down the underlying causes, the physical signs and give you strategies to help your dog. Whether your dog has ring stress or not, this eye-opening episode will be thought provoking into your agility partnership. Online...

In this episode, I discuss the real struggles and setbacks that every team will encounter in dog agility at some point. I reveal my own setbacks and how I've worked through frustration tolerance. Learn how to make honest self-evaluations of your overall teamwork in order to realize your goals. More information on my Private Online Coaching Program: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-...

In this Episode, I put on my Judge's hat and share my Top 10 Common Handling Mistakes and Top 10 Wonderful Things I witness as a UKI Judge. You may be surprised at what all a Judge observes when you are in our ring. My Business: Canine Culture https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ My Online Classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this Episode, I am joined by special guest, Karen Holik to talk about what really is a Once in a Lifetime Dog. It's not necessarily what you think it is. What if EVERY dog that comes into your life can be a Once in a Lifetime dog? We discuss the limitations we put on our current dog by comparing them to past dogs. Take a listen to our strategies at deepening your bond with each dog that com...

Stepping out of your Comfort Zone is the key to transformation. Discomfort is not the enemy to avoid, it is the catalyst to growth. To better. Special Guest Suzanne Wesley of Sonic Canines joins me to to discuss the Big Fish, Little Pond Effect and how you can become the best version of yourself in agility. Embracing challenge develops new skills and polishes old ones. Private Agility & Mental...

In Part 2 of this series in Learning Theory Applications for Agility, I discuss more nuances of classical and operant conditioning. I'll introduce you to the 4 stages of learning and we'll look inward at loosing our Egos and accepting the data our dogs give us when there is an error. Learn how to analyze your contributions to errors and how to help your dog run with clarity, confidence and...

Part 1 of a multi-part series on Learning Theory Applications in Agility. This episode breaks down Operant and Classical Conditioning training. Learn about leveraging neurotransmitters for ultimate learning and motivation. Discover what could be an unintended punisher to the dog. Find out how to tell what your dog is really feeling in training and competing. Online Classroom: https://canine-cultur...

In this Episode, I discuss the logistics of the ISC Championship in Franklin, TN. What went well, what could be improved, why was the attendance low and a review of my personal Output for the event. My website: Canine Culture LLC https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ My online classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

This episode discusses what you can and cannot control in competition. Learn about strategies to concentrate on for putting forth your best OUTPUT at the present time. I share tips on controlling your nerves at small and big competitions. My Website - Canine Culture LLC https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ My Online Classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this Episode, I'm joined by Special Guest, Chris Tucci. Chris and I have a very open and intriguing conversation about our experiences with reactive and/or aggressive dogs in classes, seminars and competition. We break it down and have some tips to share for keeping yourself and your dog safe in the high energy environments of dog agility competition.

This episode discusses the why, when and how of Start Routines to achieve Peak Performance in the agility ring. Crafting the perfect one for your dog greatly depends on their individual needs. Experimentation and proofing a Start Routine can lead to a faster more connected run. Yerkes-Dodson Law of Peak Performance: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Podcast Ring Impulse Control (Over-excited &a...

In this episode, I discuss a phenomenon I've coined, "Barrier Reinforcement Frustration". I will identify what it is and how you can avoid creating the situation that causes anxiety and frustration in our agility partners. Want to train with me? I teach seminars nationwide and have a robust online classroom. I specialize in canine performance problems in agility. You can find me here...