Bad Dog Agility Podcast

Latest Episodes:

328: Navigating your Agility Ambitions in 2024 Jan 09, 2024

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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 motivation in dog agility training.
The value of community and connection within the agility world.

Mentioned/Related

327: How Many Verbal Cues Do You Need? Jan 03, 2024

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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 timing of verbal cues can impact a dog's performance.
The role of handler proficiency in the effectiveness of verbal commands.
Understanding the number of verbal cues needed for effective agility training.

Mentioned/Related

326: Interview with US Open Champion Perry DeWitt Dec 26, 2023

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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 rewards of competing and training with a spouse.
Perry's advice to both new and seasoned competitors.

Mentioned/Related

325: The UKI North American Invitational Dec 19, 2023

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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.

Mentioned/Related

Link to the UKI North American Invitational
Link to the UKI North American Invitational 2024 Documents
Story of Astroturf
Previous podcast covering the US West Coast Open: Episode 304: UKI in 2022 with Greg Derrett
Episode 247: Interview with Greg Derrett on UKI At Home Agility Program
Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

324: Resource for AKC Agility Course Maps Dec 12, 2023

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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 against critiquing maps or judges.
How agility competitors use these maps for training, trend analysis, and mental puzzles.
Sammi Flynn's journey from a novice to group admin and the challenges involved.

Mentioned/Related

323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC Sep 27, 2023

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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.

Mentioned/Related

322: Handler Mental Recovery After Canine Physical Recovery Sep 22, 2023

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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 Will Learn

Why getting back in the ring is the hardest part, mentally, for the handler.
Why trying to monitor your dog while you run is working against your goals.
That not every limp means catastrophe.
Five benign things that might cause your dog to limp.

Mentioned/Related

321: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt Apr 06, 2023

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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/Related

Train with Perry and Emily at United Dog.
March 22th, 2023 Wednesday Wrap Up (AKC Nationals)
The Evolution of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals Course
The Challengers Map
The Finals Map

320: What NOT to Train Right Before a Big Event Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

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 mistakes in the past can cause additional mistakes in the future.

Mentioned/Related

Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season
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