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.

• 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.

• Link to the AKC agility course maps Facebook group
• Episode 323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC

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).

• 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.

• 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, 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.

• 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.

• Episode 6: CCL Injuries and TPLO
• Episode 194: Forced Breaks in Your Dog Agility Training
• Learn about the Invitational Prep Course

In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt talk about the this year’s event!

• 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.

• 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, the BDA team talks about how we approach training as we get closer and closer to a big event.

• 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.

• 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, the BDA team talks about preparing for a new puppy.

• 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.

• 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, 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?

• 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.

• Episode 225: Using ROI to Structure Your Training
• Episode 250: Is Your Dog Agility “Good Enough”

(Photo Credit: Great Dane Photography)

In this episode, 20″ AKC Invitational winner Jane Bronson joins the podcast to talk about her dogs and multi-year experience at the event.

• 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.

• 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, 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.

• 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.

• 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, the BDA crew identifies top priorities for people’s winter agility training outside of the ring.

• 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.

• 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