Agility Culture

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...

In this episode, I discuss what a "real" socialized dog is and what it is not. Can your dog mind its business and what should that look like. Balancing out real life with dog sports so your dog can be resilient in every environment. The true socialized dog will excel in dog sports. Online Classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/ My Website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I dive into strengthening the partnership with your teammate by improving a critical component of your handling. I'm talking about the agility specific training for handler fitness with expert, Liz Joyce, founder of Canine Handler Fitness. Liz will share her insights into how fitness will improve your handling but also improve your overall health. Find Liz here: https://canine...

In this Episode, I get the inside scoop on the historic European Open with Team USA member and World Champion, Dudley Shumate. We discuss the rise of USA Agility's success on the world stage, the ISC Program and the mental challenges of competing at the highest level. Dudley shares great insights into her preparation for this event and gives some great advice on upping your skills.

In this episode, I discuss how you can grow your dog's skills in the ring by strategically leveraging FEO. Think of these as "Fluency Evaluation Opportunities"! I'll discuss the 4 phases of learning and how the agility organizations have provided us with a vital tool in team development. I'll give you ideas on how to do FEO with a food motivated dog too! Online Class links be...

In this episode, Ashley Deacon and Kim Fuqua join me to discuss the trends with youth handlers and how to attract and support them in your community with grassroots efforts. Ashley will share his insights to the recent Youth Championships and Kim will share important considerations of being a Junior handler's parent. Both give ideas on growing junior handler programs in your area. Links below: Bou...

In this intriguing episode, l examine the advocacy for dogs and handler safety with Special Guest, Roger Ly, Judge, Trial Organizer, Competitor and Multi-time World Team Member. We discuss a recent controversy at the IFCS World Agility Championship and his decision to pull runs. We tackle the risk vs. reward of competition and when to advocate when you feel there is an unsafe factor. Laura Bussing...