Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (37:31) Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban are joined by Chris Durkee of 4 Legged Flix to talk about Video Assisted Review (VAR), a technology now being used at the highest levels of agility competition in the United States. VAR was deployed at both the recent AKC National Agility Championship and the UKI Invitational, with video services provided by 4 Legged Flix. You Will Learn Why contact obstacle judging is so difficult How VAR works and what triggers a review How judges interacted with VAR and whether it affected their confidence or decision-making Whether VAR more often adds faults that were missed or overturns faults that were incorrectly called What events may adopt VAR going forward Mentioned Episode 151: Judging with Video Review Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

In this episode (57.15) In this episode, Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer sit down with Peter Wirth, the handler of that amazing Corgi, 8″ National Champion Welly. We also discuss the challenges of this year's courses, including the low Q rates, multiple falls off the dogwalk, and the weave pole challenge that eliminated half the Finals field. You Will Learn What Peter and Jennifer thought about the high number of weave pole faults in the Finals What the Q rates were in both Prelims and Finals and what they tell us What this year's NAC might signal about the future direction of course design Mentioned Hammy the Corgi as a Potato Episode 379: The Medium-Speed Dog's Guide to NAC

In this episode (27:08) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban explore what a dog agility series on Netflix or another streaming platform could look like. They discuss several possible formats and why agility has the ingredients for mainstream success. You Will Learn Different formats a dog agility series could take on a streaming platform The kinds of stories and personalities that would make the sport compelling for a wider audience Why dog agility has strong potential as a binge-worthy series What makes the sport visually exciting and emotionally engaging for viewers Mentioned A Different Breed: a docuseries on Amazon Prime Race for the Crown Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

In this episode (30:21) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about the realities of raising and training puppies alongside someone else. We explore how shared puppy journeys can strengthen relationships, strain them, and ultimately teach us a lot about expectations, pressure, and perspective. You Will Learn Jennifer's experience raising littermates with her mom and later with her best friend and training partner Why getting puppies at the same time can create both the best and the hardest moments in an agility partnership How side-by-side progress can make you feel behind, increase stress, or quietly shift expectations The upside of having a training partner going through the same puppy stage at the same time Mentioned Episode 157: The Comparison Trap Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

In this episode (18:10) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban break down how the format of the AKC National Agility Championship impacts strategy, especially for handlers with medium-speed dogs. Most competitors at Nationals are not the fastest dogs in the country, and they're not the slowest either. They're somewhere in the middle. And that middle is where smart strategy matters most. We talk about how the structure of the event affects qualification paths, what realistic advancement looks like, and how to approach Nationals in a way that gives your dog the best chance to succeed. Most importantly, we discuss how to set expectations so that no matter the outcome, you don't feel like you wasted your time. You Will Learn How the NAC format shapes strategy for medium-speed dog handlers trying to qualify for the Finals Why your dog may have a better chance of making the Finals than you think How to set realistic expectations so you walk away from Nationals feeling proud, not defeated Mentioned How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals Episode 292: What To Do When Things Start Off Poorly at a Big Event Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

In this episode (26:49) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about the often ignored reality of agility: most of the time, dogs are not running, they are waiting. They explore why "waiting your turn" is a human concept, how dogs experience these in between moments through anticipation or regulation, and why early anticipation can lead to anxiety for some dogs while others switch on and off easily. The conversation highlights the importance of noticing how much waiting exists and being intentional about what dogs are actually doing during that time. You Will Learn Why "waiting your turn" is not a personality trait, but a set of skills shaped by arousal, uncertainty, and environment How dogs experience "waiting" through anticipation, regulation, or disengagement rather than passive stillness Why minimizing or reshaping waiting periods can be more effective than trying to train dogs to endure them Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness Saint Rocco's Treats

In this episode (30:01) In this episode, we break down why so many handlers walk to the start line with a clear plan and instantly forget everything the moment the run begins. You Will Learn Why your brain blanks on course and how stress shuts down the prefrontal cortex, reducing timing, sequencing, and decision-making. How adrenaline affects handling, including tunnel vision, and reversion to default movement patterns. What the Yerkes-Dodson curve tells us about optimal arousal for performance and why beginners fall off the curve sooner. How to use the physiological sigh as a rapid, science-based tool to reset your nervous system right before a run. Mentioned Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility Episode 188: Handler Desensitization Sponsored By: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce

In this episode (37:02) Burnout isn't just something that happens at work—it happens in dog agility, too. In this episode, we dive into what burnout looks like for handlers, why it happens, and how to recover in a healthy way. You Will Learn The three major predictors of burnout identified across 30+ studies: Why agility is uniquely vulnerable to burnout (and what's missing compared to other sports). Practical ways to recover and prevent burnout for both you and your dog. Sponsored By Saint Rocco's Treats Clip & Go Agility