In this episode (50:08) The AKC National Agility Championship is finally here! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or attending your first NAC, this episode is packed with last-minute insights to help you stay focused, execute with confidence, and get the most out of your experience. We'll discuss mindset, strategy for making the Finals or Challenger Round, and key mental and physical preparation tips. No matter where you finish, the trip is always worth it—let's get you in the right frame of mind to succeed! You Will Learn <ul> <li>How to set realistic expectations and avoid the trap of thinking "If I can't make Finals, it's not worth it."</li> <li>The two ways forward: making the Finals or the Challenger Round—and why you should stick around until you're absolutely sure you're out.</li> <li>Why clean runs matter more than ever and how to adjust your handling strategy to prioritize them.</li> <li>How to approach the Challenger Round and Finals strategically, including the importance of seeding, judge tendencies, and staying composed.</li> <li>The mental and physical preparation needed to perform your best—including rest, nutrition, visualization, and handling ring conflicts.</li> </ul> Mentioned <ul> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/what-does-it-take-to-make-finals-at-akc-nationals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What Does It Take to Make Finals at AKC Nationals?</a></li> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/how-to-make-the-finals-at-akc-nationals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals</a></li> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/visualization-and-mental-preparation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visualization and Mental Preparation</a></li> <li>Join us for the <a href= "https://baddogagilityacademy.com/join-the-before-and-after-2025-akc-national-agility-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Before and After Online Course</a>!</li> </ul>

In this episode (50:08) The AKC National Agility Championship is finally here! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or attending your first NAC, this episode is packed with last-minute insights to help you stay focused, execute with confidence, and get the most out of your experience. We'll discuss mindset, strategy for making the Finals or Challenger Round, and key mental and physical preparation tips. No matter where you finish, the trip is always worth it—let's get you in the right frame of mind to succeed! You Will Learn How to set realistic expectations and avoid the trap of thinking "If I can't make Finals, it's not worth it." The two ways forward: making the Finals or the Challenger Round—and why you should stick around until you're absolutely sure you're out. Why clean runs matter more than ever and how to adjust your handling strategy to prioritize them. How to approach the Challenger Round and Finals strategically, including the importance of seeding, judge tendencies, and staying composed. The mental and physical preparation needed to perform your best—including rest, nutrition, visualization, and handling ring conflicts. Mentioned What Does It Take to Make Finals at AKC Nationals? How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals Visualization and Mental Preparation Join us for the 2025 Before and After Online Course!

In this episode (50:08) The AKC National Agility Championship is finally here! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or attending your first NAC, this episode is packed with last-minute insights to help you stay focused, execute with confidence, and get the most out of your experience. We'll discuss mindset, strategy for making the Finals or Challenger Round, and key mental and physical preparation tips. No matter where you finish, the trip is always worth it—let's get you in the right frame of mind to succeed! You Will Learn <ul> <li>How to set realistic expectations and avoid the trap of thinking "If I can't make Finals, it's not worth it."</li> <li>The two ways forward: making the Finals or the Challenger Round—and why you should stick around until you're absolutely sure you're out.</li> <li>Why clean runs matter more than ever and how to adjust your handling strategy to prioritize them.</li> <li>How to approach the Challenger Round and Finals strategically, including the importance of seeding, judge tendencies, and staying composed.</li> <li>The mental and physical preparation needed to perform your best—including rest, nutrition, visualization, and handling ring conflicts.</li> </ul> Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/what-does-it-take-to-make-finals-at-akc-nationals/" rel="noopener noreferrer">What Does It Take to Make Finals at AKC Nationals?</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/how-to-make-the-finals-at-akc-nationals/" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/visualization-and-mental-preparation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visualization and Mental Preparation</a></li> <li>Join us for the <a href="https://baddogagilityacademy.com/join-the-before-and-after-2025-akc-national-agility-championship/" rel="noopener noreferrer">2025 Before and After Online Course</a>!</li> </ul>

361: Last-Minute AKC NAC Prep

In this episode (24:35) As handlers, we've all been there—our dogs make a mistake, and suddenly, we feel this overwhelming pressure to "fix it" right away. But in our rush to correct the issue, we often sacrifice good training for mediocre training, just to feel like we've accomplished something in the moment. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban each tackle a common mistake handlers make when addressing common training mistakes (yes, that's a mouthful!). We break down why handlers struggle with these moments and how shifting your mindset can help you prioritize long-term success over short-term fixes. You Will Learn <ul> <li>Why handlers feel pressure to "fix" mistakes and how that impacts training</li> <li>The most common handler mistakes when addressing: <ul> <li>-Mid-sequence errors (Sarah)</li> <li>-Missed contacts & weave poles (Jennifer)</li> <li>-Start-line issues (Esteban)</li> </ul> </li> <li>A mindset shift that will help you prioritize quality training over quick fixes</li> </ul> Mentioned <ul> <li> <ul> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/episode-139-the-testtrainadjust-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Episode 139: The Test/Train/Adjust Cycle</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>

In this episode (24:35) As handlers, we've all been there—our dogs make a mistake, and suddenly, we feel this overwhelming pressure to "fix it" right away. But in our rush to correct the issue, we often sacrifice good training for mediocre training, just to feel like we've accomplished something in the moment. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban each tackle a common mistake handlers make when addressing common training mistakes (yes, that's a mouthful!). We break down why handlers struggle with these moments and how shifting your mindset can help you prioritize long-term success over short-term fixes. You Will Learn Why handlers feel pressure to "fix" mistakes and how that impacts training The most common handler mistakes when addressing: -Mid-sequence errors (Sarah) -Missed contacts & weave poles (Jennifer) -Start-line issues (Esteban) A mindset shift that will help you prioritize quality training over quick fixes Mentioned Episode 139: The Test/Train/Adjust Cycle

In this episode (24:35) As handlers, we've all been there—our dogs make a mistake, and suddenly, we feel this overwhelming pressure to "fix it" right away. But in our rush to correct the issue, we often sacrifice good training for mediocre training, just to feel like we've accomplished something in the moment. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban each tackle a common mistake handlers make when addressing common training mistakes (yes, that's a mouthful!). We break down why handlers struggle with these moments and how shifting your mindset can help you prioritize long-term success over short-term fixes. You Will Learn <ul> <li>Why handlers feel pressure to "fix" mistakes and how that impacts training</li> <li>The most common handler mistakes when addressing: <ul> <li>-Mid-sequence errors (Sarah)</li> <li>-Missed contacts &amp; weave poles (Jennifer)</li> <li>-Start-line issues (Esteban)</li> </ul> </li> <li>A mindset shift that will help you prioritize quality training over quick fixes</li> </ul> Mentioned <ul> <li> <ul> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/episode-139-the-testtrainadjust-cycle/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 139: The Test/Train/Adjust Cycle</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>

360: How Handlers Compromise Good Training

In this episode (21:39) This week, we delve into a topic suggested by one of our listeners: the fine line between babysitting and supporting your agility dog. In this podcast, we explore how the right balance of guidance and independence can significantly impact your dog's confidence and performance on the course. You Will Learn <ul> <li>How the handling support your dog needs changes over their experience level.</li> <li>How you use trial and error to discover how much support your dog needs.</li> <li>Why Sarah thinks it's a good thing to occasionally pull your dog off the correct obstacle.</li> <li>How to use placement of reward to increase the dog's commitment to the obstacle.</li> </ul> Mentioned/Related <ul> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/episode-187-physical-and-mental-commitment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Episode 187: Physical and Mental Commitment</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/how-committed-are-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Committed Are You?</a></li> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/episode-104-building-confidence-through-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges</a></li> </ul>

In this episode (21:39) This week, we delve into a topic suggested by one of our listeners: the fine line between babysitting and supporting your agility dog. In this podcast, we explore how the right balance of guidance and independence can significantly impact your dog's confidence and performance on the course. You Will Learn How the handling support your dog needs changes over their experience level. How you use trial and error to discover how much support your dog needs. Why Sarah thinks it's a good thing to occasionally pull your dog off the correct obstacle. How to use placement of reward to increase the dog's commitment to the obstacle. Mentioned/Related Episode 187: Physical and Mental Commitment How Committed Are You? Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges

In this episode (21:39) This week, we delve into a topic suggested by one of our listeners: the fine line between babysitting and supporting your agility dog. In this podcast, we explore how the right balance of guidance and independence can significantly impact your dog's confidence and performance on the course. You Will Learn <ul> <li>How the handling support your dog needs changes over their experience level.</li> <li>How you use trial and error to discover how much support your dog needs.</li> <li>Why Sarah thinks it's a good thing to occasionally pull your dog off the correct obstacle.</li> <li>How to use placement of reward to increase the dog's commitment to the obstacle.</li> </ul> Mentioned/Related <ul> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/episode-187-physical-and-mental-commitment/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 187: Physical and Mental Commitment</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/how-committed-are-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Committed Are You?</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/episode-104-building-confidence-through-challenges/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 104: Building Confidence Through Challenges</a></li> </ul>

339: Support vs Babysitting in Dog Agility Handling

In this episode (27:26) Join us as we discuss the importance of defining and achieving clear criteria for teeter performance. Learn about the challenges unique to the teeter that vary by the breed and weight of a dog, and how to determine exactly which criteria may be best suited to your dog. You Will Learn <ul> <li>The importance of having clear criteria for teeter performances in agility.</li> <li>Common challenges in training the teeter and how they differ from other contact obstacles.</li> <li>Strategies for setting, teaching, and maintaining effective teeter criteria.</li> <li>Judging perspectives on teeter performances and training tips to meet competitive standards.</li> </ul> Mentioned/Related <ul> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/episode-257-consistent-contact-criteria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Episode 257: Consistent Contact Criteria</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/teeter-drop-times/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Teeter Drop Times</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/all-about-the-teeter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All About the Teeter</a></li> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/episode-107-training-the-teeter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Episode 107: Training the Teeter</a></li> <li><a href= "https://baddogagility.com/dog-agility-virtual-matchup-small-vs-large/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dog Agility Virtual Matchup: Small vs Large</a></li> </ul>

In this episode (27:26) Join us as we discuss the importance of defining and achieving clear criteria for teeter performance. Learn about the challenges unique to the teeter that vary by the breed and weight of a dog, and how to determine exactly which criteria may be best suited to your dog. You Will Learn The importance of having clear criteria for teeter performances in agility. Common challenges in training the teeter and how they differ from other contact obstacles. Strategies for setting, teaching, and maintaining effective teeter criteria. Judging perspectives on teeter performances and training tips to meet competitive standards. Mentioned/Related Episode 257: Consistent Contact Criteria Teeter Drop Times All About the Teeter Episode 107: Training the Teeter Dog Agility Virtual Matchup: Small vs Large

In this episode (27:26) Join us as we discuss the importance of defining and achieving clear criteria for teeter performance. Learn about the challenges unique to the teeter that vary by the breed and weight of a dog, and how to determine exactly which criteria may be best suited to your dog. You Will Learn <ul> <li>The importance of having clear criteria for teeter performances in agility.</li> <li>Common challenges in training the teeter and how they differ from other contact obstacles.</li> <li>Strategies for setting, teaching, and maintaining effective teeter criteria.</li> <li>Judging perspectives on teeter performances and training tips to meet competitive standards.</li> </ul> Mentioned/Related <ul> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/episode-257-consistent-contact-criteria/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 257: Consistent Contact Criteria</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/teeter-drop-times/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Teeter Drop Times</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/all-about-the-teeter/" rel="noopener noreferrer">All About the Teeter</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/episode-107-training-the-teeter/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 107: Training the Teeter</a></li> <li><a href="https://baddogagility.com/dog-agility-virtual-matchup-small-vs-large/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dog Agility Virtual Matchup: Small vs Large</a></li> </ul>

333: Teeter Criteria

In this episode (29:33) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban touch on the evolution of seminars in the agility world, while sharing essential tips on choosing the right seminars while maximizing value and minimizing cost. You Will Learn <ul> <li>How to choose the right seminars based on your training stage and goals.</li> <li>The advantages of learning from various instructors and the importance of a primary coach.</li> <li>Strategies for financial planning and maximizing the value of seminars.</li> <li>The evolving role of seminars in agility training.</li> </ul>

In this episode (29:33) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban touch on the evolution of seminars in the agility world, while sharing essential tips on choosing the right seminars while maximizing value and minimizing cost. You Will Learn How to choose the right seminars based on your training stage and goals. The advantages of learning from various instructors and the importance of a primary coach. Strategies for financial planning and maximizing the value of seminars. The evolving role of seminars in agility training.

332: Agility Seminars

Enjoy a special episode dedicated to the AKC World Agility Team tryouts. In this episode (46:27) Mini Dogs at time: 01:24 Sarah and Brittany Midi Dogs at time: 08:46 Brittany and Esteban Maxi Dogs at time: 24:42 Esteban and Sarah Mentioned 2012 AKC World Agility Team tryouts AKC Agility Results agilityvet.com Ways to Listen Subscribe<a href="http://baddogagility.com/episode-2-akc-world-agility-team-tryouts/">Click here to read the full article →</a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=aQtUWrAWtng:bxLs9RNIbJE:yIl2AUoC8zA"></a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=aQtUWrAWtng:bxLs9RNIbJE:qj6IDK7rITs"></a>

Enjoy a special episode dedicated to the AKC World Agility Team tryouts. In this episode (46:27) Mini Dogs at time: 01:24 Sarah and Brittany Midi Dogs at time: 08:46 Brittany and Esteban Maxi Dogs at time: 24:42 Esteban and Sarah Mentioned 2012 AKC World Agility Team tryouts AKC Agility Results agilityvet.com Ways to Listen SubscribeClick here to read the full article →

Enjoy a special episode dedicated to the AKC World Agility Team tryouts. In this episode (46:27) Mini Dogs at time: 01:24 Sarah and Brittany Midi Dogs at time: 08:46 Brittany and Esteban Maxi Dogs at time: 24:42 Esteban and Sarah Mentioned 2012 AKC World Agility Team tryouts AKC Agility Results agilityvet.com Ways to Listen Subscribe<a href="http://baddogagility.com/episode-2-akc-world-agility-team-tryouts/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to read the full article →</a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=aQtUWrAWtng:bxLs9RNIbJE:yIl2AUoC8zA" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=aQtUWrAWtng:bxLs9RNIbJE:qj6IDK7rITs" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>

Episode 2: AKC World Agility Team Tryouts

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Bad Dog Agility podcast. In this episode (14:06) Training Tip: A crate can be a very useful tool for dog agility training in a class or at home. News Topic: The upcoming 2012 AKC Agility World Team tryouts. Mentioned Dog Crates (free shipping) 2012 AKC Agility World Team<a href="http://baddogagility.com/episode-1-using-a-crate-during-training/">Click here to read the full article →</a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=u-t3nqjCE_Q:8Yb8uuzUqsE:yIl2AUoC8zA"></a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=u-t3nqjCE_Q:8Yb8uuzUqsE:qj6IDK7rITs"></a>

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Bad Dog Agility podcast. In this episode (14:06) Training Tip: A crate can be a very useful tool for dog agility training in a class or at home. News Topic: The upcoming 2012 AKC Agility World Team tryouts. Mentioned Dog Crates (free shipping) 2012 AKC Agility World TeamClick here to read the full article →

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Bad Dog Agility podcast. In this episode (14:06) Training Tip: A crate can be a very useful tool for dog agility training in a class or at home. News Topic: The upcoming 2012 AKC Agility World Team tryouts. Mentioned Dog Crates (free shipping) 2012 AKC Agility World Team<a href="http://baddogagility.com/episode-1-using-a-crate-during-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to read the full article →</a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=u-t3nqjCE_Q:8Yb8uuzUqsE:yIl2AUoC8zA" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a> <a href="http://feeds.baddogagility.com/~ff/bdapodcast?a=u-t3nqjCE_Q:8Yb8uuzUqsE:qj6IDK7rITs" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>

Episode 1: Using a Crate During Training

Dog agility training tips and discussions.  We often interview agility instructors and competitors as well.

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Dog agility training tips and discussions. We often interview agility instructors and competitors as well.

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