Bad Dog Agility Podcast

Jennifer and Sarah talk about their experiences at the 2024 National Agility Championship with Esteban providing the livestream spectator perspective.

• Jenn's thoughts on the facility, the surface, and the organization of the event.
• Why the Hybrid round was a surprise.
• Esteban's view on the target q-rate for big events.
• Who was crowned National Agility Champion!

• You can find course maps and results here: https://akccompanionevents.com/index.php?eventSelected=National%20Agility%20Championship. Note that at some point, the results will be moved to this page: https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/events/akc-national-agility-championship/akc-national-agility-championship-past-events/
• What to learn more about the event? Check out our Preview Podcast: Episode 337: 2024 AKC National Agility Championship Preview

The 2024 AKC National Agility Championship takes place March 14-17 in Perry, Georgia. In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer explore the event's structure, key contenders and share how you can follow along with the event in near real-time.

• The structure of the 2024 AKC National Agility Championship.
• How to watch the event for free.
• How dogs qualify for the Challengers Round.
• Who is judging the event.

• You can find course maps, running orders, and results here: https://akc.jotform.com/app/233567920055862
• Watch here for FREE: https://akc.tv/event?id=10836
• BEWARE OF SCAMS! Many Facebook scams happen around these big events. Review this webinar: How to Spot a Fake Dog Agility Facebook Page or Group
• From last year's event: The Evolution of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals Course
• Follow Jenn Crank with the Bad Dog Agility Before and After Video Series!

In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share their experiences and advice on how to leave the ring after the dog fails to meet the expected criteria. They discuss key dog training concepts, ethics, and explain who should and who should not use this strategy.

• When it's appropriate to walk your dog off the course.
• Why you should not leave the ring for handling errors.
• How to leave the ring properly.
• How positive reinforcement and negative punishment relate to each other.
• Which dogs are poorly suited for this training option.

• Episode 111: The Myth of the Ring-Wise Dog
• Proofing for Dog Agility
• Episode 256: Proofing Checklist for Dog Agility

Join us as we explore the benefits of choosing adult dogs for agility training, discussing how their known characteristics can offer advantages over starting with a puppy. We cover sources for finding adult dogs, including rescues and breed-specific rehomes, and delve into the unique benefits of choosing an adult dog for your next agility dog.

• The benefits of acquiring an adult dog for agility training.
• How the issue of size can be important for certain breeds.
• Various sources to find adult dogs suitable for agility.
• How the idea of control affects how people think about acquiring their next agility dog.

• Episode 334: How Top Trainers Get Their Next Dog
• Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1
• Episode 330: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 2

In this podcast, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain how top agility handlers get their next dog while giving their own #1 quality they look for in a new dog or puppy.

• The importance of understanding precisely what you want in a dog before beginning your search.
• The value of observing and interacting with a variety of agility dogs that do not belong to you.
• The significance of repeat breedings and why they matter.

• Let's Talk Puppies!
• BDA Puppy Resources

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.

• 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.

• 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, 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.

• 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.

AKC Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung joins the podcast to discuss the latest round of proposed changes, giving us the insider perspective on how and why these recommendations came about and what they mean for the agility community.

• The background and details of the proposed agility updates and changes.
• The process and considerations behind these agility regulation recommendations.
• The fate of the table.
• What exactly a "bar" jump is.
• How you can make suggestions to AKC agility.

• The latest Rules and Regulations can be found here: https://www.akc.org/rules/
• The current Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT) at the time of the podcast.
• The current AKC Agility Judge's Guidelines at the time of the podcast.

photo credit: Great Dane Photos

In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Lavalley. We explore the complexities of ETO, its effect on dogs' agility performance, and share personal experiences dealing with this challenge. Make sure you listen to Part 1 first: Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1

• What Early Take Off (ETO) is and how it affects agility dogs.
• The common signs and symptoms of ETO.
• Handling adjustments for dogs with ETO.
• How students and instructors should approach ETO.

• Episode 329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1
• Clean Run Focus Issue on Early Take Off
• You can find Set Point in Susan Salo's jump grid book.
• Don't miss the 2024 NAC Prep Course! Click here for information and to sign up!

In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Lavalley. We explore the complexities of ETO, its effect on dogs' agility performance, and share personal experiences dealing with this challenge.

• What Early Take Off (ETO) is and how it affects agility dogs.
• The common signs and symptoms of ETO.
• Handling adjustments for dogs with ETO.
• How students and instructors should approach ETO.

• Clean Run Focus Issue on Early Take Off
• You can find Set Point in Susan Salo's jump grid book.