Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (36:23) In this episode, we explore a powerful quote from an Olympian about the delicate balance between wanting success and not needing it for self-worth. We dive into the psychology of high achievement, the importance of resilience, and how to pursue goals without letting them define who you are. This episode will help you rethink what it means to strive for success while keeping...

In this episode (40:23) Penny Leigh joins the podcast to talk about the AKC Agility League. The next season of the League is open NOW and registration closes September 11th. Talk with your friends and form your teams to join! You Will Learn The purpose and history of the agility league. How the agility league can benefit you and your dog. Why the league is not a replacement for trials. How to crea...

In this episode (24:23) Dudley Shumate joins the podcast to talk about the inaugural Senior Open, a new international event for competitors 55 and older, hosted by the FCI. The event was held in Belgium from July 18-21, 2024. You Will Learn The structure of the Senior Open Agility World Championship (SOAWC). How the US Team was selected. Dudley's advice to competitors, especially seniors. Mentione...

In this episode (25:19) In this episode, Jenn shares her experience at the 2024 Premier Cup which was held June 29th at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. You Will Learn How to get an invite to this event. Jenn's history with this event. Details and stories about this year's surface, venue, and weather. The winners of each height class. Mentioned/Related Where to Watch the 2024 AKC P...

In this episode (25:03) In this episode, we share our personal experiences and tips for helping dogs who get anxious during Fourth of July fireworks, discussing both successful and unsuccessful strategies. You Will Learn Strategies to create a comfortable and secure environment for your dog during fireworks. How to prepare in advance for fireworks with physical activity. Tips on using background n...

In this episode (27:19) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share and discuss the qualifying rates for all jump heights in AKC agility, covering both Jumpers with Weaves and Standard, from Novice A to Masters level. You Will Learn The qualifying rates for each height class in AKC agility for 2023. How to calculate your predicted QQ rate. What Q rate is considered "good." The pros and con...

In this episode (50:25) Join us for an exciting episode where Sarah, Esteban, and Jennifer interview Cynthia Hornor about the big win with her remarkable dog, Nimble, the first 12″ overall champion at the prestigious Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. You Will Learn Insights into how competitors felt about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show venue. Detailed discussion on the design of t...

In this episode (21:48) This week, we're thrilled to have Anthony Clarke, founder of British Agility, on our podcast. Co-host Jennifer Crank recently competed in the Longines Agility Grand Prix 2024 in Miami, a new agility event held in partnership with the Longines Global Champions Tour. We'll share insights from both the organizer's and competitor's perspectives, giving you an inside look into t...

In this episode (21:15) This week, we're joined by Dr. Brittany Schaezler to dive into the topic of health clearances for agility dogs. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned handler, understanding the standard health clearances is essential for your agility dog's well-being and performance. We discuss everything from hip and elbow dysplasia to eye conditions and how these health fac...

In this episode (21:39) This week, we delve into a topic suggested by one of our listeners: the fine line between babysitting and supporting your agility dog. In this podcast, we explore how the right balance of guidance and independence can significantly impact your dog's confidence and performance on the course. You Will Learn How the handling support your dog needs changes over their experience...

In this episode (39:51) Jennifer and Sarah talk about their experiences at the 2024 National Agility Championship with Esteban providing the livestream spectator perspective. You Will Learn Jenn's thoughts on the facility, the surface, and the organization of the event. Why the Hybrid round was a surprise. Esteban's view on the target q-rate for big events. Who was crowned National Agility Champio...

In this episode (48:29) The 2024 AKC National Agility Championship takes place March 14-17 in Perry, Georgia. In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer explore the event's structure, key contenders and share how you can follow along with the event in near real-time. You Will Learn The structure of the 2024 AKC National Agility Championship. How to watch the event for free. How dogs qualify for the Chall...

In this episode (46:45) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share their experiences and advice on how to leave the ring after the dog fails to meet the expected criteria. They discuss key dog training concepts, ethics, and explain who should and who should not use this strategy. You Will Learn When it's appropriate to walk your dog off the course. Why you should not leave the ring for ha...

In this episode (28:37) Join us as we explore the benefits of choosing adult dogs for agility training, discussing how their known characteristics can offer advantages over starting with a puppy. We cover sources for finding adult dogs, including rescues and breed-specific rehomes, and delve into the unique benefits of choosing an adult dog for your next agility dog. You Will Learn The benefits of...

In this episode (30:08) In this podcast, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain how top agility handlers get their next dog while giving their own #1 quality they look for in a new dog or puppy. You Will Learn The importance of understanding precisely what you want in a dog before beginning your search. The value of observing and interacting with a variety of agility dogs that do not belong to you....

In this episode (27:26) Join us as we discuss the importance of defining and achieving clear criteria for teeter performance. Learn about the challenges unique to the teeter that vary by the breed and weight of a dog, and how to determine exactly which criteria may be best suited to your dog. You Will Learn The importance of having clear criteria for teeter performances in agility. Common challeng...

In this episode (29:33) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban touch on the evolution of seminars in the agility world, while sharing essential tips on choosing the right seminars while maximizing value and minimizing cost. You Will Learn How to choose the right seminars based on your training stage and goals. The advantages of learning from various instructors and the importance of a prima...

In this episode (44:19) AKC Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung joins the podcast to discuss the latest round of proposed changes, giving us the insider perspective on how and why these recommendations came about and what they mean for the agility community. You Will Learn The background and details of the proposed agility updates and changes. The process and considerations behind these agility reg...

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (44:38) In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Lavalley. We explore the complexities of ETO, its effect on dogs' agility performance, and share personal experiences dealing with this challenge.  Make sure you listen to Part 1 first:  Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1 You Will Learn What Early...

In this episode (47:05) In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Lavalley. We explore the complexities of ETO, its effect on dogs' agility performance, and share personal experiences dealing with this challenge. You Will Learn What Early Take Off (ETO) is and how it affects agility dogs. The common signs and symptoms of ETO. Handling adjustments for...

In this episode (39:04) In this episode, we share our personal agility goals for the upcoming year, as well as strategies for successfully reaching your own goals. We also discuss the importance of separating your self-worth from your agility accomplishments and failures. You Will Learn Effective strategies for setting and achieving agility training goals. How to maintain consistency and motivatio...

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (48:58) In this episode, join Jennifer, Esteban, and Sarah as they delve into the world of verbal cues in dog agility. Explore the nuances of verbal versus non-verbal commands, how timing affects cues, and the impact of handler skills on training success. You Will Learn The difference between verbal and non-verbal cues in agility training. How the ti...

In this episode (43:39) In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Perry DeWitt to discuss her phenomenal success in both the UKI US Open and the AKC European Open Team Tryouts. We delve into her winning strategies, training techniques, and experiences in these top-level competitions. You Will Learn Perry's approach to handling multiple dogs at different jump heights. The complexities and rew...

In this episode (48:22) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah are joined by Greg Derrett, CEO and Co-founder of UKI, to discuss the inaugural UKI North American Invitational. You Will Learn The concept and logistics behind the UKI North American Invitational. Who gets invited to the event. How this invitational differs from other agility opens. The growth and future plans of UKI and the US Open. Ment...

In this episode (32:59) In this episode, we're joined by Sammi Flynn, the admin of a Facebook group dedicated to archiving AKC Agility course maps. This group, with over 6,300 members, collects maps from various agility trials to aid in training and competition preparation. You Will Learn The purpose of the Facebook group and its approach to collecting agility course maps. The group's policy again...