Bad Dog Agility Podcast (general)

In this episode (25:42)

In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss how to pick the right agility organization for your debut and your agility career.

You Will Learn

  • The biggest factors that will affect your choice of agility organization.
  • Why you don’t REALLY have to choose.
  • Which organizations have rules that are favorable to new agility teams.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast239.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm CDT

In this episode (30:03)

In this episode, Director of Westminster Companion Events joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about the upcoming Masters Championship at Westminster, including important changes for both competitors and viewers.

You Will Learn

  • What upgrades Westminster has made for competitors.
  • How you can view the preliminary rounds on livestream.
  • Which network the Finals will be broadcast on tape delay.
  • Who the judges are for this year. How the prize pool will be distributed.
  • Why Meet the Breeds will not take place in conjunction with agility this year.

Fix and Go at Westminster

After the podcast, we received confirmation from Paul Campanella, Director of Agility for the Westminster Kennel Club, that Fix and Go WILL be allowed during the Preliminary rounds at the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. However, FNG runs are scored as an E, and an E in a preliminary round disqualifies the team for the finals. Fix and Go will NOT be permitted during the Finals.

Mentioned/Related

Previous Westminster Posts

If you’re going to the event and want to immerse yourself in all things Westminster, here’s a list of all of our previous Westminster coverage.

Direct download: BDAPodcast238.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:59pm CDT

In this episode (53:32)

In this episode, AKC Executive Field Representative Kitty Bradley joins the podcast to explain the new rule changes for the American Kennel Club.

You Will Learn

  • Why the AKC is allowing a third tunnel option.
  • How the AKC is addressing the issue of spacing between jumps.
  • Why you should remove the tape from your weave poles.
  • What is “Fix And Go” and how is it different from “For Exhibition Only”.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast237.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49am CDT

In this episode (32:29)

In this episode, we discuss how to enjoy your training and use that enjoyment to create greater success in dog agility.

You Will Learn

  • Why enjoyment is important for your mental state.
  • How enjoyment can get you to success more quickly.
  • Why you should focus on daily “little wins”.
  • What we’ve learned from playing Fortnite.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast236.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:11pm CDT

In this episode (26:15)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share some things they’ve learned from raising two puppies at the same time.

You Will Learn

  • how puppy personalities affect training
  • if fear periods are real
  • how puppies comunicate
  • why puppies are not small dogs
  • how dog people idealize previous dogs
Direct download: BDAPodcast235.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm CDT

In this episode (20:37)

In this episode, we discuss how to use non qualifying runs to improve your agility.

You Will Learn

  • Why taping non qualifying runs is important.
  • Why we set up problem sequences from trials as soon as possible.
  • How to use non qualifying runs to boost your confidence for future trials.
Direct download: BDAPodcast234.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:13pm CDT

In this episode (54:57)

In this episode, Denise Fenzi returns to the podcast to talk about the common strategies that we use to help our dogs cope with distractions and anxiety-provoking situations in agility.

You Will Learn

  • the relationship between a dog’s emotional state and agility performance
  • how counterconditioning should work
  • why distraction training often fails
  • how to build your dog’s confidence

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast233.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm CDT

In this episode (56:52)

In this episode, Tamás Tráj joins the podcast to discuss course design, safety and international agility.

You Will Learn

  • How Tamás approaches course design.
  • Why Hungary added a 4th jump height.
  • What factors are influencing the possible addition of jump heights to FCI agility.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast232.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:13am CDT

In this episode (38:52)

Dr. Amy Cook joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about noise sensitivity in agility dogs. Dr. Cook earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley and has been training dogs and dog trainers for 25 years. Part 2 of 2.

You Will Learn

  • Why agility dogs can be very sensitive to noises.
  • Common noises that often cause problems for agility dogs.
  • How to implement the solution to noise issues.
  • What type of conditioning you need to fix the problem.
  • How to “prehab” rather than “rehab” your agility dog.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast231.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:23am CDT

In this episode (35:32)

Dr. Amy Cook joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about noise sensitivity in agility dogs. Dr. Cook earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley and has been training dogs and dog trainers for 25 years. Part 1 of 2.

You Will Learn

  • Why agility dogs can be very sensitive to noises.
  • Common noises that often cause problems for agility dogs.
  • How to implement the solution to noise issues.
  • What type of conditioning you need to fix the problem.
  • How to “prehab” rather than “rehab” your agility dog.

Mentioned/Related

Direct download: BDAPodcast230.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:51pm CDT