Bad Dog Agility Podcast

293: Forward-Chaining and Back-Chaining

In this episode (17:30) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain how they use back-chaining and forward-chaining to help dogs learn more quickly. You Will Learn What back-chaining is and when to use it. What forward-chaining is and when to use it. Which technique is more favored by Bad Dog Agility instructors. Mentioned A Quick Training Tip for Improving 2 On 2 Off Contact Performance

292: What To Do When Things Start Off Poorly at a Big Event

In this episode (19:40) In this episode, the BDA coaches give handlers advice on what to do when things start off poorly at a trial that’s very important to them. You Will Learn How the format of the event impacts handler psychology. Jennifer’s 3 step plan for dealing with early disappointment. Esteban’s key tip for moving on after a bad run.

291: Fall Agility Update

In this episode (32:14) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban highlight recent and upcoming events in the agility world. You Will Learn When and where USDAA Cynosport, UKI’s US Open, the AKC Invitational, Westminster, and the European Open team tryouts will be held. Where Jennifer was last weekend. How COVID affects these events. Mentioned Previous discussion on the Incredible Dog Challenge: Episode 199: How to Speed Up Your Agility Dog

290: Speed vs Accuracy

In this episode (29:17) In this episode, the BDA team talks about the relationship between speed and accuracy in dog agility. You Will Learn Why many people believe speeding up a dog will decrease accuracy. How techniques for improving your course time depends on your situation. The #1 easy thing to fix to improve your dog’s course time. Why it’s easier to speed up your dog if you’re a really bad handler. Mentioned Swift winning all fours rounds at tryouts: https://www.youtube.c...

289: The End of Coach’s Eye

In this episode (25:48) Instructors at Bad Dog Agility have been using the Coach’s Eye app to analyze maps and videos of runs for years, but no longer! Coach’s Eye is being retired and users have one year of support from the company. Not to worry, Sarah has already found a replacement app, OnForm. You Will Learn What is happening with Coach’s Eye. Sarah’s recommended app to replace Coach’s Eye. What Jennifer and Esteban think of the new app. Upgrades and differences between Coach’...

288: Interview with 2-Time Highest Scoring All-American Westminster Winner Lisa Topol

In this episode (42:46) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban are joined by Lisa Topol, the 2021 AND 2019 Highest Scoring All-American dog at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. You Will Learn How Lisa is like Lebron James. What you should expect from your rescue dog. How Plop got his name. Why shelters and rescues are full of great agility prospects. Why it is important to know your goal for every agility run. Mentioned/Related https://www.akc.org/expert-...

287: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

In this episode (14:35) What would you do if you were without an agility partner for two years? In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer talk with Collene Gaolach, an agility competitor without a partner who has continued to learn and improve as a handler WITHOUT a dog. You Will Learn Why Collene does agility with “her invisible dog”. How walking and running a course without a dog can improve your handling skills. How you can quickly set up full courses with placeholders. Why the “why’...

286: Why Agility?

In this episode (37:09) This podcast is taken from a live video presentation. In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explore WHY people love agility and how trainers can use their WHY to map out the next 12 months of their agility lives. You Will Learn The 9 categories of why people do agility. How your “why” affects your planning. What happens when your goal setting doesn’t match up with your “why”.

285: Private Lessons

In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about private lessons in dog agility and how you can use them more effectively. You Will Learn Differences in private lessons between novice and advanced handlers. Why setting expectations is important. How to maximize your learning during a private lesson. How private lessons can be used in a variety of ways.

284: How to Get a Perfect 1600 on Your Next Agility Run

In this episode (38:37) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban apply concepts from “How to Get a Perfect 1600 SAT Score” to dog agility. Implement these study habits to your training for maximum results! You Will Learn How to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality practice. How to emphasize quality over quantity. How to be ruthless about understanding your mistakes. How to find patterns in your weaknesses. How to eliminate careless errors. How to develop amazi...

283: Running Other People’s Dogs

In this episode (43:30) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about running other people’s dogs, including why and how they do it. You Will Learn Why people ask other people to run their dog. Why you need the “keys to the car” to make it work. How your training and handling strategies depend on exactly why you’re running someone else’s dog. Why you should consider pet insurance for someone else’s dog. Why people co-own dogs in agility. Tips for a successful team a...

282: Should You Switch From Stopped to Running Contacts?

In this episode (34:24) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban reveal the many factors handlers have to take into consideration when they answer the question, “Should I convert my stopped contact to a running contact?” You Will Learn Why there’s sometimes a penalty for teaching old dogs new tricks. What makes you and your a stronger or weaker candidate for retraining. The difference between converting a dogwalk or a-frame. How much time you will likely gain after making the...

281: What Do Handlers Eat at Big Events?

In this episode (14:29) In this episode, Jennifer and Esteban share their not-so-secret agility trial eating habits with Sarah. You Will Learn What Jennifer and Esteban eat at big agility events. How they time their meals around agility runs. What snacks they prefer for quick energy. The #1 thing agility competitors forgot to consume, especially in the winter.

280: NAC Wrap-Up with Judge Tim Verrelli

In this episode (1:08:22) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban welcome special guest Tim Verrelli, judge of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals. Podcast co-host Jennifer Crank doubles as a special guest as she won the 16″ Finals at this event. You Will Learn Who won the NAC and PNAC titles this year. Which podcast participant has been doing agility the longest. What breeds Tim has run in agility. When Tim designed the Finals course. Why Esteban loved the Finals course. ...

279: Pinwheel Problems

In this episode (17:57) In this episode, the BDA team discusses one of the most classic jump sequences in all of agility: the pinwheel. You Will Learn What a pinwheel is. How most people handle pinwheels. Problems people encounter on pinwheels. Why dogs sometimes mistakenly turn away from the handler on pinwheels. How to handle pinwheels better. How to vary your reinforcement schedule to help your dog stay motivated on pinwheels.

278: How to Help Your Dog the Right Way

In this episode (18:56) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss how to help our dog be successful and improve their learning at the same time. You Will Learn Why helping your dog be correct doesn’t always teach your dog the right lesson. How you can help your dog without changing your handling. Why it’s helpful to work through problems when they occur. Mentioned/Related How to Help Your Agility Dog Get It Right On the Job Training using Placement of Reward

277: What Are Your Nerves Telling You?

In this episode (34:35) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share their own experiences with nerves before an agility run. You Will Learn What you can learn from your nerves. How you can alleviate your nerves by taking a closer look. How nerves change depending on the dog on and context. How great athletes handle nerves at big events. Mentioned/Related Are you 98% excited and 2% scared? Or 98% scared and 2% excited? 🙂 Episode 169: Creating a Crate to Crate Routine

276: Building Success

In this episode (34:35) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss the process of constructing a building for agility. You Will Learn What goes into building a space for agility. What factors were most important to Jennifer. The pros and cons of renting out your space. The maintenance requirements of different surfaces. The timeline of Jennifer’s building from the first stake in the ground to when she was given the keys!. Mentioned/Related The turf Jennifer used is True Turf ...

275: Handler Fitness and Agility

In this episode (43:18) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban are joined by Chris Kerton aka Kert, Handler Fitness Coach for Team Great Britain and owner of Karma Fitness. You Will Learn How fitness training can be specialized for dog agility handlers. Why anaerobic fitness is important for agility. How strength training can help prevent injury. Why mistakes may be more common toward the end of courses. Mentioned/Related Contact Kert on Facebook Train with Kert at Karm...

274: 21 Days to a Better 2021

In this episode (34:35) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share their tricks for developing new habits that will help your dog agility in 2021. You Will Learn Why you need to move past will power to create new habits. How his family locked Esteban out of eating candy. Why people like to socialize after an agility trial. How to use Netflix to condition your dogs. When you might benefit from an accountability partner. Mentioned/Related Episode 210: How to Goal Set fo...

273: Strategy or Execution?

In this episode (25:09) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban define strategy and execution while exploring the difference between them. You Will Learn The difference between strategy and execution. How to use course maps to develop your strategies. How to develop strategies without course maps. Why visualization can help your strategic planning. How instructors can tailor classes for strategy or execution. Why execution applies to dog training as well as handling. Me...

272: All About the Tunnel - Part 2

In this episode (19:32) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban show why the tunnel may be a far more complex obstacle than most competitors realize. (Click here for Part 1) You Will Learn The handling impact of curving or straightening a tunnel. How tunnels interact with different dog heights. Whether you should train on light or dark-colored tunnels. How to properly bag and anchor your tunnel. What length tunnel you should train on. If “tunnel suckers” actually exist. ...

271: All About the Tunnel – Part 1

In this episode (31:41) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban show why the tunnel may be a far more complex obstacle than most competitors realize. You Will Learn The handling impact of curving or straightening a tunnel. How tunnels interact with different dog heights. Whether you should train on light or dark-colored tunnels. How to properly bag and anchor your tunnel. What length tunnel you should train on. If “tunnel suckers” actually exist. Why handlers shouldn’t...

270: Winter Training

In this episode (26:00) In this podcast episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban help you prepare for winter training! You Will Learn How to create a plan for your winter season. Why you should tailor your training to the individual dog. Which agility behaviors can be taught without equipment. Why top competitors focus on conditioning. How to develop drive, focus, and motivation away from equipment. When you should take a complete break from agility.

269: Frustration Barking in Agility

268: Are You Using Too Many Call-Offs?

In this episode (20:04) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain what “call-offs” are and how they impact our handling and our dogs on course. You Will Learn The definition of a “call-off”. The pros and cons of call-offs. The difference between proactive and reactive handling. How various dogs respond differently to call-offs. Mentioned/Related Episode 246: Should You React or Anticipate in Dog Agility?

267: Finding the Motivation to Train

In this episode (19:05) In this episode, Jennifer and Sarah help Esteban overcome his lack of motivation to train. You Will Learn How to motivate yourself to train when you don’t feel like. How to schedule your training. Why you should set the bar low. Mentioned/Related Episode 146: Record Keeping Trick for Dog Agility Episode 82: What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed And YES, Esteban DID train his dog!

266: Jekyll and Hyde Contacts

In this episode (37:41) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban have a detailed discussion on why some dogs have better contacts in training than in trials, and how you can fix that. You Will Learn Common mistakes made when trainers try to fix contact issues. How to reward your dog for good contacts at a trial without taking food into the ring. Why and how to leave the ring with your dog for a contact error. Why you should leave the training field with your dog for a contact ...

265: Fall Update on Agility Trials and COVID-19

In this episode (50:28) In this episode, the team discusses the impact of Covid-19 on major dog agility events in the United States, highlighting various adjustments and postponements including the recently announced changes for Westminster 2021. You Will Learn How Covid-19 has impacted major agility events. How the US Open went 100% virtual. What Covid-19 precautions are in effect at the AKC Invitational. When European Tryouts for Team USA have been postponed to. Westminster’s ...

264: Extending Obstacles

In this episode (39:25) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban highlight the challenges of dog agility’s “extending” obstacles: the tire, the double/ascending, the triple, the panel, the wall/viaduct, and the broad/long jump. You Will Learn Why these obstacles tend to cause dogs to extend their jumping/striding. How dogs measure their take off point: which bar do they consider the “main” one? How to overcome problems with specialty jumps. Mentioned New Online Course: The In...

263: Cheerleading Your Agility Dog—Bring It On

In this episode (19:40) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about cheerleading in dog agility. You Will Learn Why people use cheerleading in dog agility. Why cheerleading may not be the fix you think it is. When cheerleading is okay. Which BDA instructor was a cheerleader in the movie Bring It On.

262: Wise Feedback for Dog Agility

In this episode (19:43) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban discuss the three elements of “wise feedback” in dog agility. Learn how you can give yourself (or your students) more valuable feedback that leads to immediate improvement. You Will Learn What the three elements of wise feedback are. Common feedback mistakes that handlers make. Why high standards are important for feedback. Why instruction is more helpful than evaluation.

261: Does Your Dog Head Check?

In this episode (23:21) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain why dogs head check when they run on course, and how you can eliminate this problem. You Will Learn Why your dog head checks on course. When a head check is not a problem. How to eliminate problematic head checking. Mentioned/Related Episode 246: Should You React or Anticipate in Dog Agility? Episode 170: Homeostasis in Dog Agility

260: Effective Use of Ring Rentals

In this episode (15:35) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about how you can make the best possible use of your training time when you rent a facility or field for agility practice. You Will Learn Why you should have a plan before you arrive at the field. Tips for pre-training preparation. When you should quit before your rental time expires.

259: Moving Toward Mastery

In this episode (55:04) This podcast is taken from a live video presentation. In this podcast, Sarah, Esteban and Jennifer use the front cross as an example to show you how to advance from one stage of competence to the next. You Will Learn How to use the knowledge-execution paradigm to advance your skills. The how, what, where, when, and why of front crossing. Why you should practice without the dog. How you add speed to your own handling. Mentioned/Related Episode 258: Four St...

258: Four Stages of Competence

In this episode (38:23) This podcast is taken from a live video presentation. In this podcast, Sarah, Esteban and Jennifer discuss how handlers acquire competence in dog agility. Instructors usually talk about training the dog, but we believe the handler has even more to learn than the dog! You Will Learn How to apply the four stages of competence to dog agility. How determining your stage of competence can reduce your frustrations. How agility handling is like driving a car. The ...

257: Consistent Contact Criteria

In this episode (42:42) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban share their thoughts on two buzzwords for contact performance: “consistency” and “criteria”. You Will Learn Why instructors emphasize consistency. How altering your criteria at a trial creates a range of behaviors from your dog. How to fix broken contacts. Why dogs creep down contacts. Mentioned/Related Sarah Stremming and CogDog Radio Episode 111: The Myth of the Ring-Wise Dog

256: Proofing Checklist for Dog Agility

In this episode (34:37) In this episode, we share numerous examples of proofing that you can do with your dog while training. Proofing in practice will give you better performance in the ring as your dog will feel more confident. You Will Learn Why you should proof against distractions that you will likely see at agility trials. The most common distractions a novice dog faces in the ring. At what point in training you should start proofing. Mentioned/Related Episode 204: How to Us...

255: Wearing Masks in Dog Agility

In this episode (46:42) All information is researched but not exhaustive and not reviewed by an outside expert. Although Esteban is a licensed physician, this is NOT medical advice → you should get medical advice specific to your situation and health from your doctor, not from us or this podcast.  CLICK HERE to download this outline as a PDF Why Should We Wear Masks? Study came out 3 weeks ago titled “Universal Masking is Urgent in the COVID-19 Pandemic:SEIR and Agent Based Models, E...

254: Management Versus Training

In this episode (19:37) In this episode, Sarah Baker joins the podcast to explain the difference between management and training, and how you should apply those concepts to addressing behaviors, from barking in the crate to missed weave pole entries. You Will Learn When you should “manage” and when you should “train”. How good management protects your training. Why management is not just for puppies. How management can halt your progress in training. Mentioned/Related Let’s Talk...

253: Your Dog’s Learning Pattern

In this episode (26:44) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss different learning patterns you may see in your training and how they affect your planning. You Will Learn Why you should not panic when things seem to fall apart in practice. Why it may be important to keep things the same when your dog struggles. How to recognize when you need a new training approach. Mentioned/Related Episode 78: The Power of Latent Learning

252: How to Integrate Tugging into Your Training

In this episode (24:55) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you integrate tugging into your agility training. You Will Learn The 5 aspects of tugging. Why tugging has become more valuable in AKC agility. How to overcome weaknesses in your tugging chain. How to avoid a common mistake when using a second toy in retrieve work. Where you can learn how to teach tugging to your dog or students. Mentioned/Related Facebook Live: Let’s Talk Tugging! Our online course: The Complet...

251: How to Get the Most Out of Your Online Learning

In this episode (28:00) In this episode, the BDA crew shares some ideas for getting the most out of your online learning experience. You Will Learn How to find the right online classes to fill your needs. How many courses you should take at the same time. The pros and cons of Facebook classes. What auditing and visualization have in common. Mentioned/Related Episode 3: Start Line Stays; Online Agility Classes Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You

250: Is Your Dog Agility "Good Enough"

In this episode (30:35) In this podcast, we discuss the paradox of choice and the idea of “good enough” as a way to organize your dog agility training. You Will Learn How more choices can lead to less satisfaction. Why perfectionism paralyzes you. How you can use the concept of “good enough” to better you agility training and make difficult decisions. Mentioned/Related The Power of ‘Good Enough’ The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz Our previous podcast: Episode 148: The Par...

249: Agility Relief with Anthony Clarke

In this episode (20:34) In this podcast, Anthony Clarke joins the podcast to talk about this week’s 4-day charity event called #AgilityRelief. You Will Learn Why Anthony created this 4-day event. Which charities will be supported. How the challenges are structured. How podcast co-host Jennifer Crank will be involved. How YOU can participate! Mentioned/Related Agility Relief on Facebook Event #1, April 13th 630pm BST (London)/12:30pm CDT (Houston): The Great British BARK OFF ...

248: How Should We Train During the COVID Pandemic?

In this episode (26:25) In this podcast, we talk about how you can structure your training during this time of cancelled trials and group classes. You Will Learn Why you should give yourself permission to take time off right now. How a daily schedule can help your mental state. How you can shift from event based to skill based goals. Why you may be facing overwhelm during this time. Questions to ask yourself to help structure your priorities. Mentioned/Related Episode 82: What...

247: Interview with Greg Derrett on UKI At Home Agility Program

In this episode (1:25:53) In this podcast, UKI founder Greg Derrett joins Esteban and Sarah to talk about UKI’s new “At Home Agility By Video”. You Will Learn Why UKI created this program. How UKI plans to keep competitors and dogs safe. How challenging the courses will be. Why the US Open dates were changed. How agility organizations are coping with shut downs. Mentioned/Related UKI Agility International Premium for the 30×30 Trial Premium for the 50×50 Trial Premium fo...

246: Should You React or Anticipate in Dog Agility?

In this episode (28:22) In this podcast, we talk about two different handler strategies: reaction and anticipation. Many times during a run, a handler will react to an action by their dog—the dog does something (good or bad) and the handler decides what to do next based on what the dog does. At other times, a handler will anticipate that their dog will do something (usually good) and make a decision BEFORE the dog acts. Confused? Listen to the podcast! You Will Learn How competitors REA...

245: Interview with Repeat Crufts Championship Winner Dan Shaw

In this episode (31:28) In this episode, 2020 Crufts Championship Winner Dan Shaw joins the podcast. You Will Learn How the coronavirus crisis changed the Crufts event. Dan’s strategy for the preliminary rounds. Why Dan prefers to NOT run last in Finals. How you can train with Dan online. Where Dan will put his dog training focus during the time that agility shows are suspended. Mentioned/Related Watch Dan’s Runs Here Dan on Facebook Train with Dan Shaw and Dave Munnings o...

244: Protecting You and Your Dog from COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

In this episode (48:08) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah discuss what you should know about the Coronavirus outbreak in order to protect yourself and your dogs. You Will Learn How to find the most accurate, up-to-date information about the Coronavirus Why this outbreak is different from past Coronavirus outbreaks Which people are at the highest risk for dying Which preventative measures you should take Why you should protect your dog from getting the virus How the Coronaviru...