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

In this episode (48:02)

In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt talk about the this year’s event!

You Will Learn

• What was going through Perry’s mind as she sat on the hot seat for over a dozen dogs on the way to capturing the win.
• Perry’s advice to Emily just before Finals.
• What Perry, Emily and Jenn thought of the new schedule/format.

Mentioned/Related

• Train with Perry and Emily at United Dog.
• March 22th, 2023 Wednesday Wrap Up (AKC Nationals)
• The Evolution of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals Course
• The Challengers Map
• The Finals Map

In this episode (29:31)

In this episode, the BDA team talks about how we approach training as we get closer and closer to a big event.

You Will Learn

• Why Jennifer and Esteban resist “bubble wrapping” their dogs before big events.
• Why you should focus on rate of reinforcement if you make a mistake in a trial close to the big event.
• Why Esteban often skips the practice run.
• How your focus on mistakes in the past can cause additional mistakes in the future.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season
• Join our mailing list to get the Wednesday Wrap-Up in your email! This link will take you to a free Front Cross training video AND sign you up for the mailing list.
• Check out the Before and After online course (registration closes March 16th, 11:59pm)

In this episode (31:16)

In this episode, the BDA team talks about preparing for a new puppy.

You Will Learn

• How Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban prepare for each new puppy.
• How to use your day to day routine to create a supplies list.
• Jenn’s shopping weakness.
• The one essential tool that Jenn only uses with new puppies.

Mentioned/Related

• Don’t forget your:
  • Crates (LOT OF CRATES!)
  • Crate covers
  • X-Pens
  • Gates
  • Harness
  • Snuffle Mat
  • Antlers
  • Puzzles and Enrichment Games
  • Hol-ee Roller

In this episode (33:07)

In this episode, the BDA team ponders the question: is there ever a time when a handler-dog team should NOT improve on or acquire a new skill?

You Will Learn

• How your agility instructor influences your decision making.
• How to prevent yourself from “settling” for a suboptimal performance.
• How to challenge your dog and yourself on course.
• When settling for less is okay.
• How Jennifer and Sarah are preparing people for the AKC National Agility Championship in March.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 225: Using ROI to Structure Your Training
• Episode 250: Is Your Dog Agility “Good Enough”

(Photo Credit: Great Dane Photography)

In this episode (36:56)

In this episode, 20″ AKC Invitational winner Jane Bronson joins the podcast to talk about her dogs and multi-year experience at the event.

You Will Learn

• How to pronounce nederlandse kooikerhondje.
• What it takes to make the finals at the AKC Invitational.
• What Jane and Jennifer thought of the course designs.
• How AKC.tv covered the event.

Mentioned/Related

• Watch the Invitational on AKC.tv
• Check out the Finals Map.
• Course Design Trends at the AKC Invitational
• Episode 202: AKC Invitational with Carrie DeYoung
• How to say Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
• The AKC Standard for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.

In this episode (39:37)

In this episode, the BDA crew helps you start your 2023 with an agility flourish as they tackle the issue of New Year’s resolutions, including pros and cons, as well as tips for success.

You Will Learn

• Why you should or (shouldn’t) make New Year’s Resolutions.
• How goal setting and action planning are different.
• How the intention-behavior gap affects your New Year’s resolutions.
• How approach goals and avoidance goals impact your psychology.
• What the acronym SMART stands for.
• How hard your goals should be.

Mentioned/Related

• Goal Setting and Action Planning for Health Behavior Change
• Episode 274: 21 Days to a Better 2021
• Episode 210: How to Goal Set for Big Events in 2019
• Episode 155: Three Emotions Keeping You From Setting Agility Goals
• Episode 44: Dog Agility Dreams & Goals
• Achieve Your Dog Agility Goals