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

In this episode (37:33)

Esteban and Sarah Fernandezlopez welcome Sarah Baker to the podcast to discuss the European Open and the Border Collie Classic.

You Will Learn

• Who won the European Open Team and Individual events at each height.
• How the European Open is different than the Agility World Championship.
• How the Border Collie Classic event is structured.
• Why clustered times may indicate the course should be harder.
• Why Isaac has been losing friends.

Mentioned/Related

• YouTube Video: Sarah Baker and Hops at the 2018 European Open, the 2018 Border Collie Classic, and Team USA practice
• Episode 200: Interview with EO Champion Max Sprinz
• Episode 85: Have We Solved the Game of Agility?

In this episode (43:16)

Jennifer and Sarah welcome 2018 Large Dog European Open Champion Max Sprinz to the podcast.

You Will Learn

• How Max trained Baxx’s running contacts.
• How Max uses distance skills in his handling.
• Why Max emphasizes foundation work in his training.
• German rules on training in the ring.

Mentioned/Related

• YouTube Video: Max and Bäxx at the 2018 European Open
• Video Analysis of Lisa Frick and Hoss from 2012
• Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges

In this episode (37:20)

In this podcast, we discuss how you can improve your dog’s time by focusing on efficiency on course and increasing your dog’s natural speed and drive.

You Will Learn

• How the format of the Incredible Dog Challenge differs from all other agility trials.
• Why your dog doesn’t always need to run faster to get faster times.
• Three quick tips to improve your dog’s speed.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 117: Drive for Agility (Three Aspects of Agility Training Part 2)
• When do Agility Dogs Peak?
• Episode 49: Using Differential Rewards