In this episode (14:59)

In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about the important of handling flexibility in dog agility.

You Will Learn

• How handling flexibility can help you run better on course.
• Two types of handling flexibility.
• How to develop flexibility in training sessions.

Mentioned/Related

• The 2019 Nationals Prep Course which closes February 1st.

In this episode (33:35)

In this episode, the BDA team discusses goal setting for big agility events.

You Will Learn

• The difference between a dream and a goal.
• How to create goals based on a specific agility event.
• Specific examples of goals from Jennifer and Esteban.
• What to do with your goals after the event.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season

In this episode (31:50)

In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban discuss the blind cross; the pros, the cons, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

You Will Learn

• How the blind cross can help people who lose their place on course.
• How the blind cross can help people with physical limitations.
• Why blind crosses may require the handler to be further ahead than the front cross.
• Two common mistakes to avoid when executing a blind cross.

Mentioned/Related

• Blind Cross Example
• Live Session on Blind Crosses
• Front Cross Example
• Live Session on Front Crosses
• Rear Cross Example
• Live Session on Rear Crosses
• Webinar: Which Cross Should You Use?

In this episode (38:39)

In this episode, Greg Fontaine shares how he has worked with the AKC to experiment with course design strategies aimed at providing better spacing for large dogs.

You Will Learn

• What Greg was trying to achieve with his designs.
• Two different course design strategies Greg used to provide additional yardage between jumps for large dogs.
• How these changes were approved organizationally.
• How these changes were handled logistically.

Mentioned/Related

• AKC Judging Guidelines
• Training article on how dogs anticipate spacing: The 20 Foot Trap

Nested Course Strategy

Large Spacing, Closer Traps Strategy

In this episode (29:42)

In this podcast, FCI silver medalist Jennifer Crank interviews FCI gold medalist Martina Magnoli Klimešová.

You Will Learn

• What skills and foundation Martina thinks are most important when working with puppies.
• When Martina starts formal agility training.
• How Martina approaches mental management.
• How Martina keeps her dog competitive enough to win gold at 10.5 years old.

Mentioned/Related

• Martina’s Facebook Profile
• Fit Class for Dogs
• Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility

In this episode (24:49)

In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss three key lessons from the Agility World Championship.

You Will Learn

• How Jennifer’s preparation led to her individual silver medal.
• How your preparation affects your mental management.
• Why courses today require elite dog training AND handling.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure
• Watch Jennifer's Silver Medal Runs

In this episode (23:05)

In this podcast, Jennifer, Sarah and Esteban give you practical tips for strengthening your dog’s contact obstacle performance.

You Will Learn

• 5 tips for improving contact performance
• When the color of your contact zone doesn’t matter
• Common mistakes handlers make when practicing contacts

In this episode (33:45)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss the concept of proofing, pointing out common misconceptions and explaining exactly how you should use proofing in your agility training.

You Will Learn

• How to define proofing.
• How to use proofing to your maximum advantage.
• The most common misconception about proofing.
• Why Americans don’t like the metric system.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog
• Episode 103: Green Dog Gotchas
• Episode 60: Preparing for Your Novice Debut
• Episode 203: BDA Goes to SeaWorld San Antonio

In this episode (50:06)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss how training a dolphin to swim upside down can help your dog run faster on course.

You Will Learn

• How SeaWorld trainers use various rewards during training.
• Which reward surprised Esteban the most.
• How SeaWorld trainers deal with mistakes.
• Whether Isaac is better at Math or Dating.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 49: Using Differential Rewards
• Episode 160: How to Work Through Mistakes in Your Agility Training
• Episode 200: Interview with EO Champion Max Sprinz

In this episode (50:09)

In this podcast, Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club Carrie DeYoung joins Sarah and Esteban to talk about the upcoming AKC Invitational, which will be held December 14-16, 2018 in Orlando, Florida.

You Will Learn

• Why many agility organizers outside of the United States are interested in the Invitational.
• How many dogs attend the Invitational.
• How many dogs compete in AKC Agility.
• How the junior championship event works.

Mentioned/Related

• How many points does it take to go to the AKC Invitational?
• The Rarest Breeds at the 2013 AKC Agility Invitational
• Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure