Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (16:29)

Sarah and Esteban talk about dogs that perform better at home than at shows. Some dogs slow down at trials while other dogs run fast but consistently make mistakes on the same thing like start lines or weave poles. We share some tips for both training and trialing to help handlers work through these issues.

You Will Learn

  • Why some dogs run slower at shows than at home or practice.
  • Why you need to make your practices harder than the trial.
  • How to “practice” with your dog at a trial.
  • Proper attire for weddings!

Mentioned

Direct download: BDAPodcast162.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:02am CDT

In this episode (38:53)

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jennifer Crank and Sasha Zitter to talk about the Junior Handler program.

You Will Learn

  • How agility can teach children (and adults!) perseverance and sportsmanship.
  • How the Junior Handler program can help grow the sport of dog agility.
  • How clubs can help encourage Junior Handlers.
  • How competitors can help encourage Junior Handlers.
  • How the idea of the Boundless Junior Agility Camp became reality.

Mentioned

Direct download: BDAPodcast161.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:25am CDT

In this episode (39:11)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share some thoughts on the exact steps they take when the dog makes a mistake in agility training.

You Will Learn

  • Exactly how Esteban and Sarah react to mistakes when training.
  • How to keep your dog’s drive and enthusiasm up in the face of repeated mistakes.
  • Why Sarah uses “microbreaks” with her border collie.
  • Esteban’s thoughts on No Reward Marks (NRMs) in agility training.

Mentioned

Direct download: BDAPodcast160.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:36pm CDT

In this episode (23:42)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban apply the concept of “muscle memory” to dog agility. They talk about how it works, why it’s important, and how you can use it to your advantage.

You Will Learn

  • The definition of muscle memory.
  • How muscle memory works.
  • Why muscle memory can help your dog agility.
  • The most common way agility handlers undermine their own training.
  • The big problem muscle memory can create for the agility veteran.

Mentioned

Direct download: BDAPodcast159.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:23pm CDT

In this episode (37:15)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban are joined by Livestream Finals announcer Brittany Schaezler to wrap up the 2017 AKC National Agility Championship. They talk about the dirt, the judges, the courses, the winners, and their favorite runs from the weekend!

You Will Learn

  • If this year’s courses were tougher than last year’s courses.
  • Which course was the toughest this year.
  • How good the footing was for the dogs.
  • Who the winners were for each class.
  • The favorite runs for each livestream announcer.
  • Who ran the “clutch run” of the weekend.

Mentioned

Direct download: BDAPodcast158.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:49pm CDT

1