In this episode (27:55)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about how you can reject conventional notions of success and create your own agility adventure.

You Will Learn

• Who and what influence your idea of dog agility success.
• How you can be creative in determining your own agility path.
• Why letting go of certain goals can be freeing.
• Why you might be uncomfortable the next time you go to a bar.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility

In this episode (24:18)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban wonder if agility trainers should use a clicker during sequencing.

You Will Learn

• The difference between clicker training and using a clicker.
• The benefits of clicker training.
• How to start using a clicker with an experienced dog.
• Why dogs don’t dance well.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 10: Training with Food; Training with a Clicker

In this episode (24:18)

In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk about the nuance of speed in dog agility, and how to manipulate handler speed to get great runs on course.

You Will Learn

• The difference between relative and absolute speed.
• How to vary your speed for maximum benefit on course.
• How teenage boys feel about facial hair.

Mentioned

• Episode 172: Watching Your Dog on Course
• Episode 179: Which is Faster, a Front Cross or Rear Cross?

In this episode (44:08)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban tackle the question of which is faster: the front cross or the rear cross?

You Will Learn

• The psychology behind the idea that the front cross is faster than the rear cross.
• When you should choose a rear cross instead of a front cross.
• Which type of dog does better with front crosses than rear crosses.
• The importance of timing yourself in training.

Mentioned

• What’s Your Bread and Butter Agility Move?
• Online Course: 2017 AKC Agility Invitational Prep Course

In this episode (24:12)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about pushing the edge of commitment to create distance and increase confidence.

You Will Learn

• How to define commitment point.
• How to change your dog’s commitment point.
• Why handlers are afraid to push the edge of commitment.

Mentioned

• Speed Statistics Over 19 Years

In this episode (38:01)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the upcoming Masters Agility Championship at Westminster with Paul Campanella, the Director of Companion Events for the Westminster Kennel Club. They will cover new changes to the event, including the $10,000 grand prize, as well as plans for future events.

You Will Learn

• Which club is older, the Westminster Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club.
• Which agility clubs are eligible for the $10,000 award.
• Which height the overall Masters Agility Champion will likely come from.
• When entries to Westminster open and why you need to enter on the first day.

Mentioned

• Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Premium
• The Moneymaker Effect in Dog Agility
• Episode 48: Westminster Masters Agility Championship on Live TV
• Episode 88: Cesar Millan Crashes Westminster Agility
• Is the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Valuable to Dog Agility?
• Episode 123: The 2016 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster
• Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016
• Episode 153: Interview with 2017 Westminster Champion John Nys

In this episode (32:37)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about the many factors that people should think about when they are looking for the next agility dog.

You Will Learn

• Which factors to consider when you are thinking about your next agility dog.
• The difference between love and favoritism.
• The importance of recognizing the unique interests and talents of your new dog.
• The role that expectation plays in your relationship with your new dog.

In this episode (21:48)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk about what you can do when you find yourself in a difficult spot on the agility course.

You Will Learn

• How to identify tough spots on course.
• How to address tough spots with your training.
• How to generate small variations of tough spots to strengthen your handling.
• What to call a sharply dressed reptile.

Mentioned

• Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog
• Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility

In this episode (26:00)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban share their thoughts on how external circumstances often require changes in your agility plans.

You Will Learn

• How to stack your training days to maintain flexibility for bad weather and other intrusions in your routine.
• How to shift gears in a trial environment.
• The importance of changing your expectations without sacrificing your criteria at trials.
• The value of a thesaurus.

Mentioned

• On the Job Training using Placement of Reward
• Episode 162: Why Does My Dog Run Slower at the Trial?

In this episode (33:24)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban talk with Silvia Trkman about her recent European Open win and how she continues to be competitive in an ever-changing sport.

You Will Learn

• How your attitude toward challenges can affect your enjoyment of the sport and set you up for a career of success.
• Silvia’s thoughts on course design in Europe.
• What to watch for when reviewing your runs to increase your dog’s speed and reduce their confusion.
• How beginners can achieve success with their very first dog.

Mentioned

• Episode 24: Interview with Silvia Trkman
• Xtreme Foundations DVD
• Silvia’s Online Classes