Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (38:13) In this episode, we're joined by Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club, Carrie DeYoung to talk about the recent changes to the International Sweepstakes Class (ISC). You Will Learn How ISC was used over the past two decades within AKC. Why the AKC made changes to the ISC program. How levels work (A1, A2, A3, J1, J2, J3). How to find your ISC results online. Menti...

In this episode (36:25) In this episode, we talk about the mental management required from the HANDLER after a DOG injury. Coming back from an injury requires a great medical team and a dedicated trainer. Rehab is hard work! But many handlers are surprised to discover that mental aspects of returning to the ring, even with the blessing of your veterinarian, is the hardest part of the process. You...

In this episode (48:02) In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt talk about the this year's event! You Will Learn What was going through Perry's mind as she sat on the hot seat for over a dozen dogs on the way to capturing the win. Perry's advice to Emily just before Finals. What Perry, Emily and Jenn thought of the new schedule/format. Mentioned...

In this episode (29:31) In this episode, the BDA team talks about how we approach training as we get closer and closer to a big event. You Will Learn Why Jennifer and Esteban resist "bubble wrapping" their dogs before big events. Why you should focus on rate of reinforcement if you make a mistake in a trial close to the big event. Why Esteban often skips the practice run. How your focus on mistake...

In this episode (31:16) In this episode, the BDA team talks about preparing for a new puppy. You Will Learn How Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban prepare for each new puppy. How to use your day to day routine to create a supplies list. Jenn's shopping weakness. The one essential tool that Jenn only uses with new puppies. Mentioned/Related Don't forget your: Crates (LOT OF CRATES!) Crate covers X-Pens Ga...

In this episode (33:07) In this episode, the BDA team ponders the question: is there ever a time when a handler-dog team should NOT improve on or acquire a new skill? You Will Learn How your agility instructor influences your decision making. How to prevent yourself from "settling" for a suboptimal performance. How to challenge your dog and yourself on course. When settling for less is okay. How J...

(Photo Credit: Great Dane Photography) In this episode (36:56) In this episode, 20″ AKC Invitational winner Jane Bronson joins the podcast to talk about her dogs and multi-year experience at the event. You Will Learn How to pronounce nederlandse kooikerhondje. What it takes to make the finals at the AKC Invitational. What Jane and Jennifer thought of the course designs. How AKC.tv covered the even...

In this episode (39:37) In this episode, the BDA crew helps you start your 2023 with an agility flourish as they tackle the issue of New Year's resolutions, including pros and cons, as well as tips for success. You Will Learn Why you should or (shouldn't) make New Year's Resolutions. How goal setting and action planning are different. How the intention-behavior gap affects your New Year's resoluti...

(Photo Credit: A. Wooten Photography) In this episode (38:09) In this episode, the BDA crew identifies top priorities for people's winter agility training outside of the ring. You Will Learn What skills you can teach and/or improve outside of the ring. Why winter might be a great time to get a new dog or puppy. Why Esteban started the Wednesday Wrap Up How the decline of USDAA and growth of UKI mi...

In this episode (23:52) In this episode, we talk with Paul Campanella and Tom Bradley about the non-profit Take the Lead. "Take the Lead was established in 1993 to provide direct services, support and care for those in the purebred dog community who were facing the devastating challenges of life-threatening or terminal illness. In addition, we are now able to provide assistance in cases of civil d...

In this episode (29:01) In this episode, we talk with junior handler Jada Sawhney who just came back from the Border Collie Specialty and the Incredible Dog Challenge with podium finishes! You Will Learn How Jada got started in agility. Why we chose Jada as a Bad Dog Agility Sponsored Athlete. How the opportunities for juniors have changed over the last 15 years. How the Border Collie Specialty an...

In this episode (47:44) In this episode, we talk with Angie Benacquisto, the first American to win the European Open! You Will Learn How Angie prepared herself to be able to run the long lines typical of international agility at the highest levels. The effect that the competition rules have on the competitiveness of the event. How Angie's path to gold included 15th non-clean runs. Mentioned/Relate...

In this episode (32:15) In this episode, we discuss how travel before big events affects performance and what you can do about it! You Will Learn The travel strategy that has led Jennifer to national championships and world medals! Why thinking about what causes you stress can help direct your travel plans. How the body responds to chronic versus acute physical stress. The importance of warming up...

In this episode (26:37) In this episode, Jennifer explains how to deal with ring conflicts and shares her advice for running multiple dogs at a trial. You Will Learn Strategies for dealing with ring conflicts. How to deal with the stress of running multiple dogs at a trial. When you should try to avoid ring conflicts. How to train yourself to deal with ring conflicts. The importance of visualizati...

In this episode (58:44) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with Jennifer Crank and Jean Lavalley about Bee's record setting Westminster win. You Will Learn Why it is harder for the 16″ dog to be named the overall winner than it is for the 20″ dog. What Westminster records Jennifer has set and which record she has her eye on. The story behind "Team Bee" throwing out the first pitch at a Major...

In this episode (46:25) In this podcast, Jane Dewey joins the podcast to talk about putting on a trial from the club perspective. You Will Learn The responsibilities of the club and club members. Why small clubs may rent out their name. The difference between a club and a business. Mentioned/Related Podcast #1 in our Behind the Scenes series:  Episode 305: Interview with Judge Sheyla Gutierrez Pod...

In this episode (1:08:31) In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Jennifer Crank, Betsey Lynch, and Amber McCune talk about the NAC experience in this big wrap up podcast! You Will Learn How competitors felt about the dirt surface. How the color of the dirt may have impacted dogs. What the champions thought about the Finals course. What the venue was like. Mentioned/Related T...

In this episode (41:23) In this podcast, Noreen Bennett of PawPrint Trials joins the podcast to educate competitors about the role a trial secretary plays at AKC trials. You Will Learn The responsibilities of the trial secretary. How management of trial entries and results have evolved over the years. Why most trial entries are not handled electronically. The future of agility trial management. Ho...

In this episode (54:19) In this podcast, AKC judge Sheyla Gutierrez shares how she came to be a judge at the National Agility Championship as well as her thoughts on course design and responsibilities of a judge. You Will Learn Why AKC courses can be difficult to design. What course design trends are happening in AKC agility. How Sheyla came to judge at the upcoming NAC. What judges can and can no...

In this episode (49:53) UKI co-founder Greg Derrett joins the podcast talk about UKI in North America, including the US Open, cup events, and the new West Coast Open. You Will Learn How UKI started as an organization created by competitors, for competitors. Why UKI created the West Coast Open. How many members UKI has in North America. The difference between a "Cup" event and a "Classic" event. Ho...

In this episode (44:02) Swedish champion Enya Habel and German champion Anna Hinze join the podcast to talk about European agility, course design trends, jump heights, breed diversity, and how Covid-19 impacted the sport in their countries. You Will Learn What course design trends that FCI competitors are seeing. How many jump heights are in FCI agility trials. How many people compete at the Swedi...

In this episode (32:04) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about Whac-A-Mole and dog agility. You Will Learn Why training your dog can feel like playing Whac-A-Mole. The difference between training sequentially vs in parallel. How you can use problem-based training to fix your issues. Mentioned/Related Never heard of Whac-A-Mole? Here's the wikipedia:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

In this episode (15:25) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk the difference between OVERUSE and MISUSE and dive deeper into what your instructor may mean when using these terms. You Will Learn Why instructors (including us!) should be careful with terminology. Why "overuse" may be misuse in disguise. Why it's problematic to have one cue for a wide range of responses. Mentioned/Related...

In this episode (29:45) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk how having goals for trialing, beyond ribbons and titles, can help you improve your dog agility performance. You Will Learn How being clear on your trialing goals can save you time and money. What Jennifer and Esteban do with their ribbons. How your goals can shift through a dog's career. How you can structure your goals lea...

In this episode (33:17) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about "playing it safe" when you're running an agility course. When should you play it safe? What are the pros and cons of playing it safe? You Will Learn What it means to "play it safe". When handlers should or should not play it safe. Why Esteban changed his approach in recent years. How Jennifer changed her approach over...