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 this new event.

You Will Learn

• Jennifer’s firsthand insights and highlights from competing in the Longines Agility Grand Prix 2024.
• How the event promotes dog agility to a wider audience.
• Behind-the-scenes look at the planning and execution that goes into organizing the event.
• Insights into the criteria and process for selecting competitors for future events.

Mentioned/Related

• The British Agility Website: https://britishagility.co.uk/
• British Agility on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/britishagility.co.uk/
• Meet the athletes: https://www.facebook.com/reel/767676161746514
• Watch the Promo Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1779892522531298

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 factors can impact your agility journey.

You Will Learn

• The significance of health clearances in agility training and breeding.
• Why hips, elbows, and eyes are crucial health checks for agility dogs.
• How breed-specific clearances can inform your training and breeding decisions.
• The role of breeders and owners in ensuring the health and fitness of agility dogs.
• Practical advice on when and how to get these health clearances for your dog.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1
• Episode 330: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 2

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 level.
• How you use trial and error to discover how much support your dog needs.
• Why Sarah thinks it’s a good thing to occasionally pull your dog off the correct obstacle.
• How to use placement of reward to increase the dog’s commitment to the obstacle.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 187: Physical and Mental Commitment
• How Committed Are You?
• Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges

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 Champion!

Mentioned/Related

• You can find course maps and results here: https://akccompanionevents.com/index.php?eventSelected=National%20Agility%20Championship. Note that at some point, the results will be moved to this page: https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/events/akc-national-agility-championship/akc-national-agility-championship-past-events/
• What to learn more about the event? Check out our Preview Podcast: Episode 337: 2024 AKC National Agility Championship Preview

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 Challengers Round.
• Who is judging the event.

Mentioned/Related

• You can find course maps, running orders, and results here: https://akc.jotform.com/app/233567920055862
• Watch here for FREE: https://akc.tv/event?id=10836
• BEWARE OF SCAMS! Many Facebook scams happen around these big events. Review this webinar: How to Spot a Fake Dog Agility Facebook Page or Group
• From last year’s event: The Evolution of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals Course
• Follow Jenn Crank with the Bad Dog Agility Before and After Video Series!

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 handling errors.
• How to leave the ring properly.
• How positive reinforcement and negative punishment relate to each other.
• Which dogs are poorly suited for this training option.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 111: The Myth of the Ring-Wise Dog
• Proofing for Dog Agility
• Episode 256: Proofing Checklist for Dog Agility

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 acquiring an adult dog for agility training.
• How the issue of size can be important for certain breeds.
• Various sources to find adult dogs suitable for agility.
• How the idea of control affects how people think about acquiring their next agility dog.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 334: How Top Trainers Get Their Next Dog
• Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1
• Episode 330: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 2

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.
• The significance of repeat breedings and why they matter.

Mentioned/Related

• Let’s Talk Puppies!
• BDA Puppy Resources

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 challenges in training the teeter and how they differ from other contact obstacles.
• Strategies for setting, teaching, and maintaining effective teeter criteria.
• Judging perspectives on teeter performances and training tips to meet competitive standards.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 257: Consistent Contact Criteria
• Teeter Drop Times
• All About the Teeter
• Episode 107: Training the Teeter
• Dog Agility Virtual Matchup: Small vs Large

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 primary coach.
• Strategies for financial planning and maximizing the value of seminars.
• The evolving role of seminars in agility training.

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 regulation recommendations.
• The fate of the table.
• What exactly a “bar” jump is.
• How you can make suggestions to AKC agility.

Mentioned/Related

• The latest Rules and Regulations can be found here: https://www.akc.org/rules/
• The current Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT) at the time of the podcast.
• The current AKC Agility Judge’s Guidelines at the time of the podcast.

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 Take Off (ETO) is and how it affects agility dogs.
• The common signs and symptoms of ETO.
• Handling adjustments for dogs with ETO.
• How students and instructors should approach ETO.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1
• Clean Run Focus Issue on Early Take Off
• You can find Set Point in Susan Salo’s jump grid book.
• Don’t miss the 2024 NAC Prep Course! Click here for information and to sign up!

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 dogs with ETO.
• How students and instructors should approach ETO.

Mentioned/Related

• Clean Run Focus Issue on Early Take Off
• You can find Set Point in Susan Salo’s jump grid book.

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

• Episode 325: The UKI North American Invitational
• Episode 44: Dog Agility Dreams & Goals
• Episode 274: 21 Days to a Better 2021
• Episode 316: Make or Ditch New Year’s Resolutions?
• Episode 124: Dealing with Disappointment in Dog Agility

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

• Episode 50: Puppy Paralysis
• Episode 295: The Timing of Verbal Cues
• How Committed Are You?