The Wrong End of the Tunnel

Ever caught yourself thinking, “My dog just isn’t fast enough,” “We’ve made too many mistakes,” or “We’ll never be as good as that team”?In this episode, Kert and Jess sit down for an honest conversation about the agility myths that can quietly get in the way of enjoying training and making progress. They talk about the pressure to do more reps, go faster, avoid mistakes, and have a naturally talented dog—and why none of those ideas tell the full story.You’ll hear why speed is about more than simply rushing through training, why older dogs can still make brilliant improvements, and how a mistake can become useful information rather than something to panic about. Kert and Jess also share why the best handlers aren’t the ones who never get it wrong—they’re the ones who can recover quickly, stay connected to their dog, and keep moving forward.Whether you’re training a young dog, running an older partner, chasing competition goals, or simply wanting to enjoy agility more, this episode is a reminder to question the stories you’ve been told—and the ones you might be telling yourself.

Your first agility competition can feel like a huge leap, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.In this episode, Jess and Kert take a deep dive into everything you need to know before stepping into the ring for your first agility trial. From preparing your dog and getting comfortable with a new environment, to managing nerves, walking the course and dealing with those inevitable first-competition mishaps, they share practical advice and plenty of personal experience.They discuss why exposure and mock trials can be so valuable, how arriving early can help both you and your dog settle, what to take with you on competition day, and why the right clothing and footwear can make a bigger difference than you might expect.They also explore the mental side of competing, including how to handle mistakes, keep your focus on your dog, reward the things that go well and avoid letting one moment define your entire experience.And perhaps most importantly, Jess and Kert talk about enjoying your first trial rather than chasing perfection. Watching other competitors, volunteering, getting to know the agility community and simply soaking up the experience can all help build confidence for future competitions.Your first run only happens once, so record it, learn from it, and enjoy it. It might become a memory you'll cherish far more than you realise at the time.

It's time for a Hot Takes episode! Jessica Ajoux joins us to react to your opinions, unpopular takes, and thought-provoking questions about the world of dog agility.From standardising equipment, jump heights, and tunnel bags to course design, judging, and safety, we dive into some of the sport's most debated topics. We discuss whether greater standardisation would improve fairness, how obstacle design affects dogs of different sizes and breeds, and whether lower jumps could make the sport safer without sacrificing the challenge.Along the way, we explore training strategies, progression through the levels, reward placement, fix-and-go training, and what makes a dog truly suited to agility. We also tackle bigger issues including judging transparency, performance-enhancing drugs, dog welfare, and the balance between competitive success and keeping the sport fun for our canine partners.Whether you agreed with the hot takes or found yourself shouting at your speakers, this episode is packed with lively discussion, practical insights, and plenty of food for thought for handlers, competitors, judges, and agility enthusiasts alike.

In this episode, Kert and Aimee dive into the realities of balancing a passion for dog agility with the demands of family life and parenthood. From training schedules and competition weekends to sleepless nights and shifting priorities, they share their personal experiences of navigating agility while raising children.The conversation explores how routines benefit both dogs and children, why consistency matters, and the ways agility can teach valuable life skills such as resilience, patience, teamwork, and handling disappointment. Kert and Aimee also discuss the challenges of returning to competition after having children, managing expectations, and redefining success beyond rosettes and results.Whether you're a parent, an agility competitor, or simply someone trying to balance sport with everyday life, this episode offers honest reflections, practical insights, and a reminder that the memories we make along the way often matter more than the trophies we bring home.Join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, dogs, community, and finding joy in the journey.

This episode explores key aspects of dog agility training, handling, course walking, and mental preparation. Hosted by Kert and Dave, it offers practical tips to improve your training sessions, handling consistency, and mental resilience for competitions.

summaryIn this episode, Kert and Dave delve into the nuances of dog agility training, the impact of recent qualification changes, the importance of foundations, and the role of handler fitness. They also discuss managing heat during competitions and the significance of trainer loyalty and consistent training methods.

In this episode, we chat about something that’s on most agility handlers’ minds — injuries, and how to hopefully avoid them and keep our dogs safe.We talk through some of the common ways dogs pick up injuries in sport, along with a few ideas around training, setup, and general conditioning that might help reduce the risk. A conversation about the small things that can add up to keeping our dogs feeling good and enjoying the sport for longer.I hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Kert and Jess explore the mental side of dog agility, including nerves, focus, and mental routines like box breathing. They discuss practical strategies for managing anxiety and distractions to improve performance and enjoyment in competitions.

Today we have a chat about UKI Invitational, a unique agility competition where every dog gets to run multiple courses from top judges. Learn about the benefits of flexible jump heights and how this can transform your agility journey. We also cover training plans and prep.I hope you enjoy

In this episode, Kert and Jessica discuss the world of dog sports, focusing on dog agility, major competitions like Crufts and Westminster, and the growing trend of purpose-bred sports dogs. They explore the differences between US and UK dog sports, the significance of titles, and the impact of cross-breeding and sports mixes.

This week we welcome Jessica Ajoux to the podcast. Jessica is someone i have always admired in competition. She competes regularly at the highest level, and has a level of experience and insight that i hope you will find as interesting as i did.I had issues with the recording, and in the end, the audio quality has been effected.I didn't feel right to ask Jess to re-record it, but i thought it was a good podcast.So if you can cope with the audio (it does improve as the podcast runs), i hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Kert and Dave discuss the recent GB Tryouts, sharing insights on the performances, results, and the challenges faced during the competition. They delve into the intricacies of course design, judging standards, and the ongoing concerns regarding dog walk safety. The conversation also touches on potential changes in regulations and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in competitive environments.

In this episode, Kert and Dave discuss the new season of their podcast, focusing on the Open Showcase Competition (OSC) and its significance in the agility community. They delve into the mental challenges faced by competitors, insights on course design, and the recent winners of the OSC. The conversation also touches on management changes within the team, the impact of live streaming on accessibility, and the upcoming PSQ tryouts, emphasising the importance of team dynamics and preparation.