Bad Dog Agility Podcast

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    

(Photo Credit: A. Wooten Photography) In this episode (38:09) In this episode, the BDA crew identifies top priorities for people’s winter agility training outside of the ring. You Will Learn What skills you can teach and/or improve outside of the ring. Why winter might be a great time to get a new dog or puppy. Why Esteban started the Wednesday Wrap Up How the decline of USDAA and growth of UKI might be related. How Jennifer qualified a sheltie for the AKC Invitational. Mentioned/Related Does Your Dog Check Out When You Lead Out? (Facebook Live) Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season Episode 202: AKC Invitational with Carrie DeYoung Soccer vs Football Linguistic History December 7, 2022 Wednesday Wrap Up (EOTT, Cynosport, Holiday Movies) Episode 154: Kids and Dogs and Jennifer Crank

In this episode (23:52) In this episode, we talk with Paul Campanella and Tom Bradley about the non-profit Take the Lead. “Take the Lead was established in 1993 to provide direct services, support and care for those in the purebred dog community who were facing the devastating challenges of life-threatening or terminal illness. In addition, we are now able to provide assistance in cases of civil disasters.” You Will Learn The story behind Take the Lead. How to apply for assistance from Take the Lead. How you can contribute to Take the Lead. A sneak peek into the 10th Anniversary of the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster! Mentioned/Related Take the Lead Support the Take the Lead Mission by becoming a member: https://takethelead.org/membership/

In this episode (29:01) In this episode, we talk with junior handler Jada Sawhney who just came back from the Border Collie Specialty and the Incredible Dog Challenge with podium finishes! You Will Learn How Jada got started in agility. Why we chose Jada as a Bad Dog Agility Sponsored Athlete. How the opportunities for juniors have changed over the last 15 years. How the Border Collie Specialty and the Incredible Dog Challenge are structured. Why Sarah and Esteban are agility boomers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_LUiuByyPA Mentioned/Related Announcing Jada as a Bad Dog Agility Sponsored Athlete! Watch Jada’s runs from the Incredible Dog Challenge.

In this episode (47:44) In this episode, we talk with Angie Benacquisto, the first American to win the European Open! You Will Learn How Angie prepared herself to be able to run the long lines typical of international agility at the highest levels. The effect that the competition rules have on the competitiveness of the event. How Angie’s path to gold included 15th non-clean runs. Mentioned/Related Episode 275: Handler Fitness and Agility Watch Angie and Sundae’s winning run!

In this episode (32:15) In this episode, we discuss how travel before big events affects performance and what you can do about it! You Will Learn The travel strategy that has led Jennifer to national championships and world medals! Why thinking about what causes you stress can help direct your travel plans. How the body responds to chronic versus acute physical stress. The importance of warming up after travel.

In this episode (26:37) In this episode, Jennifer explains how to deal with ring conflicts and shares her advice for running multiple dogs at a trial. You Will Learn Strategies for dealing with ring conflicts. How to deal with the stress of running multiple dogs at a trial. When you should try to avoid ring conflicts. How to train yourself to deal with ring conflicts. The importance of visualization to success. Mentioned/Related How to Use the Practice Jump Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

In this episode (58:44) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with Jennifer Crank and Jean Lavalley about Bee’s record setting Westminster win. You Will Learn Why it is harder for the 16″ dog to be named the overall winner than it is for the 20″ dog. What Westminster records Jennifer has set and which record she has her eye on. The story behind “Team Bee” throwing out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game! Mentioned/Related Watch Bee’s Winning Run: here (view from stands) and here (Westminster Facebook) and here (Fox broadcast plus lots of great behind the scenes including the announcement of the overall winner) Cool Westminster Winner Announcement

In this episode (46:25) In this podcast, Jane Dewey joins the podcast to talk about putting on a trial from the club perspective. You Will Learn The responsibilities of the club and club members. Why small clubs may rent out their name. The difference between a club and a business. Mentioned/Related Podcast #1 in our Behind the Scenes series: Episode 305: Interview with Judge Sheyla Gutierrez Podcast #2 in our Behind the Scenes series: Episode 306: Interview with Trial Secretary Noreen Bennett The Growth of AKC Games

In this episode (1:08:31) In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Jennifer Crank, Betsey Lynch, and Amber McCune talk about the NAC experience in this big wrap up podcast! You Will Learn How competitors felt about the dirt surface. How the color of the dirt may have impacted dogs. What the champions thought about the Finals course. What the venue was like. Mentioned/Related The 20 Foot Trap Episode 305: Interview with Judge Sheyla Gutierrez Train with Amber at American K9 Country