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?

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

• Episode 321: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt
• Episode 213: Interview with Westminster Champion Perry DeWitt
• Agility as a puzzle: Episode 324: Resource for AKC Agility Course Maps

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

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

• Link to the AKC agility course maps Facebook group
• Episode 323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC

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

• Episode 93: The New AKC Premier Class is Coming
• An example of the ISC results online.
• An example A1 Course (courtesy of the AKC Agility Course Maps Facebook Group)
• An example A2 Course
• An example A3 Course
• An example J2 Course
• An example J3 Course
• CHAI TEA???

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

• Episode 6: CCL Injuries and TPLO
• Episode 194: Forced Breaks in Your Dog Agility Training
• Learn about the Invitational Prep Course