Bad Dog Agility Podcast

In this episode (38:23)

This podcast is taken from a live video presentation. In this podcast, Sarah, Esteban and Jennifer discuss how handlers acquire competence in dog agility. Instructors usually talk about training the dog, but we believe the handler has even more to learn than the dog!

You Will Learn

• How to apply the four stages of competence to dog agility.
• How determining your stage of competence can reduce your frustrations.
• How agility handling is like driving a car.
• The stage where most agility trainers get stuck.

Mentioned/Related

• You can watch the video replay here: "What Stage Are You In?". What was your biggest take away from this workshop video? Leave us a comment on the replay page!
• Click here to request the worksheet.

In this episode (42:42)

In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban share their thoughts on two buzzwords for contact performance: "consistency" and "criteria".

You Will Learn

• Why instructors emphasize consistency.
• How altering your criteria at a trial creates a range of behaviors from your dog.
• How to fix broken contacts.
• Why dogs creep down contacts.

Mentioned/Related

• Sarah Stremming and CogDog Radio
• Episode 111: The Myth of the Ring-Wise Dog

In this episode (34:37)

In this episode, we share numerous examples of proofing that you can do with your dog while training. Proofing in practice will give you better performance in the ring as your dog will feel more confident.

You Will Learn

• Why you should proof against distractions that you will likely see at agility trials.
• The most common distractions a novice dog faces in the ring.
• At what point in training you should start proofing.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 204: How to Use Proofing in Your Dog Agility Training
• Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog
• Episode 73: How to Generalize Behaviors with Your Novice Dog
• Why Your Dog Performs Better at Home Than at Trials
• Download the Proofing Checklist

In this episode (46:42)

All information is researched but not exhaustive and not reviewed by an outside expert. Although Esteban is a licensed physician, this is NOT medical advice → you should get medical advice specific to your situation and health from your doctor, not from us or this podcast.

CLICK HERE to download this outline as a PDF Why Should We Wear Masks?

Study came out 3 weeks ago titled "Universal Masking is Urgent in the COVID-19 Pandemic:SEIR and Agent Based Models, Empirical Validation, Policy Recommendations"

• The authors (who are from Hong Kong, UK, France and Finland) compared countries with high levels of mask-wearing to ones with low levels. Using computer modeling and real-world data, they found masks could reduce transmission.
• The study concluded that if 80% of the population wore masks, there would be more than a 90% drop in infection rates.

Etiquette and Politics Concerning Masks

• Wearing a mask does not give sick people permission to attend a trial.
• Allergies and upper respiratory infections can look similar, don't assume the best case (that you have allergies). Instead, assume you are sick and stay home.
• Risk tolerance is key, but this is subjective and based on personal risk factors. However, understand that you will likely be unhappy for two different reasons:
  • Either you feel that there are not enough rules in place (and/or too many violations) so that you don't feel comfortable being there because you fear getting the virus. If so, STAY HOME.
  • Or you feel that there are too many rules in place (and they are unnecessary) so that you don't feel comfortable being there because people are upset with you for "bending" or breaking the rules. If so, STAY HOME.
• Sample statement from AKC premium: "If you are concerned about the possibility of exposure to the coronavirus OR if you are unwilling to follow the states rules, it would be best if you did not enter this July trial." Every personal situation is addressed by that statement.

CDC Guidelines

Who Should Wear?

• People older than 2 years of age in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain

Who Should Not Wear?

• Anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. In Esteban's opinion, these people should not be at agility trials because they are at high risk for complications from coronavirus infection.

General Considerations

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Comfort is important. Kap 7 masks 82% Polyester/18% elastane
  • Shopping time, you should have a mask for every day of the week, like underwear! Children require a smaller fit. Leave your children at home. Leave guests at home–don't bring them to agility trials.
  • If it doesn't fit well, especially around the nose, you will suck in unfiltered air from around your face.
• Include multiple layers of fabric
  • PM2.5 N95 Activated Carbon Filter Mask Insert (100 for $100)
    • Blocks at least 95% of viruses as small as 0.3 microns
    • Virus even smaller but carried on droplets that are 5-10 microns
    • Thread count of 180 or better for materials like sheets/pillowcases
  • HEPA vacuum bags (hard to breathe)
  • NO A/C BAGS DUE TO FIBERGLASS
• Be secured with ties or ear loops.
  • Ties are more adjustable than a rubber band behind the ear!
  • Metal to form the nose helps contour the mask to avoid gaps
• Allow for breathing without restriction.
• Remove very carefully, don't touch the mask part, just touch the ties.
• Be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
  • Air dry is okay, leave it in the sun if possible.
  • Hotter is better than colder for washing and drying.

Two situations for masks: low risk and high risk. Agility trials will be high risk. Crowded grocery stores are high risk. Walking outdoors alone is low risk. Use your filters and higher quality masks for higher risk situations and opt for comfort and no filters in low risk situations.

Special Dog Agility Considerations

• Your dog's comfort level with masks
• Other dogs' comfort level with masks
• Difference in your voice
• Difference in facial expression

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deferring to clubs in that they should "consider recommending that exhibitors wear masks. Exhibitors should be able to run without a mask if they desire. Judges may wear masks at their discretion if not required by the club." See the document here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/12160607/Agility-Covid-19-Suggested-Best-Practices.pdf

CPE Guidelines effective May 11: http://www.k9cpe.com/premiums/covid19letter05112020.pdf Philosophy: As dog sports are very "social", we are choosing not to use the term"social distancing" rather refer to it as "physical distancing".

MASKS: Masks are to be worn by anyone within the ring (building, walking, running, judging). Masks are up to the individual, club, local, state and government guidelines when not within the ring. Exhibitors who will be wearing masks will need to bring enough masks for the duration of the trial and dispose of single use masks properly.

Make sure your dog is ok with people wearing masks. We don't want a dog becoming fearful due to something they've never seen before.

From Esteban: We can come together as a community in order to save our sport and rebuild it in the coming years.

Resources:

• We should wear masks study is here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340933456_Universal_Masking_is_Urgent_in_the_COVID-19_Pandemic_SEIR_and_Agent_Based_Models_Empirical_Validation_Policy_Recommendations
• CDC guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
• Mayo Clinic interview about masks here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-mayo-clinic-expert-answers-questions-about-masks-after-cdc-updates-its-recommendation/
• Video: Pulmonologist Marjorie Patricia George MD demonstrates how to put on and remove a cloth mask properly https://youtu.be/iGE5eny_9gA
• Order swim suit material masks here: https://www.kap7.com/masks-1/
• Order masks with metal nose bridge and pocket inserts here: https://www.masqd.com/collections/masks
• Order mask filters here: https://www.masqd.com/collections/masks/products/mask-filter
• AKC Guidelines here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/12160607/Agility-Covid-19-Suggested-Best-Practices.pdf
• USDAA Guidelines here: https://usdaa.com/news/best-practices-when-agility-events-return.cfm
• CPE Guidelines here: http://www.k9cpe.com/premiums/covid19letter05112020.pdf

In this episode (19:37)

In this episode, Sarah Baker joins the podcast to explain the difference between management and training, and how you should apply those concepts to addressing behaviors, from barking in the crate to missed weave pole entries.

You Will Learn

• When you should "manage" and when you should "train".
• How good management protects your training.
• Why management is not just for puppies.
• How management can halt your progress in training.

Mentioned/Related

• Let's Talk Puppies!

In this episode (26:44)

In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss different learning patterns you may see in your training and how they affect your planning.

You Will Learn

• Why you should not panic when things seem to fall apart in practice.
• Why it may be important to keep things the same when your dog struggles.
• How to recognize when you need a new training approach.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 78: The Power of Latent Learning

In this episode (24:55)

In this episode, Sarah and Esteban help you integrate tugging into your agility training.

You Will Learn

• The 5 aspects of tugging.
• Why tugging has become more valuable in AKC agility.
• How to overcome weaknesses in your tugging chain.
• How to avoid a common mistake when using a second toy in retrieve work.
• Where you can learn how to teach tugging to your dog or students.

Mentioned/Related

• Facebook Live: Let's Talk Tugging!
• Our online course: The Complete Guide to Tugging

In this episode (28:00)

In this episode, the BDA crew shares some ideas for getting the most out of your online learning experience.

You Will Learn

• How to find the right online classes to fill your needs.
• How many courses you should take at the same time.
• The pros and cons of Facebook classes.
• What auditing and visualization have in common.

Mentioned/Related

• Episode 3: Start Line Stays; Online Agility Classes
• Episode 42: The Internet, Dog Agility, and You

In this episode (30:35)

In this podcast, we discuss the paradox of choice and the idea of "good enough" as a way to organize your dog agility training.

You Will Learn

• How more choices can lead to less satisfaction.
• Why perfectionism paralyzes you.
• How you can use the concept of "good enough" to better you agility training and make difficult decisions.

Mentioned/Related

• The Power of 'Good Enough'
• The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
• Our previous podcast: Episode 148: The Paradox of Choice in Dog Agility

In this episode (20:34)

In this podcast, Anthony Clarke joins the podcast to talk about this week's 4-day charity event called #AgilityRelief.

You Will Learn

• Why Anthony created this 4-day event.
• Which charities will be supported.
• How the challenges are structured.
• How podcast co-host Jennifer Crank will be involved.
• How YOU can participate!

Mentioned/Related

• Agility Relief on Facebook
• Event #1, April 13th 630pm BST (London)/12:30pm CDT (Houston): The Great British BARK OFF
• Event #2, April 14th 630pm BST (London)/12:30pm CDT (Houston): Fitness Jump
• Event #3, April 15th 630pm BST (London)/12:30pm CDT (Houston): Pup Star Super Star Lip Sync
• Event #4, April 16th 630pm BST (London)/12:30pm CDT (Houston): Fancy Feet Dance Off

The Competitors