In this episode, we share our personal agility goals for the upcoming year, as well as strategies for successfully reaching your own goals. We also discuss the importance of separating your self-worth from your agility accomplishments and failures.

• Effective strategies for setting and achieving agility training goals.
• How to maintain consistency and motivation in dog agility training.
• The value of community and connection within the agility world.

• Episode 325: The UKI North American Invitational
• Episode 44: Dog Agility Dreams & Goals
• Episode 274: 21 Days to a Better 2021
• Episode 316: Make or Ditch New Year's Resolutions?
• Episode 124: Dealing with Disappointment in Dog Agility

photo credit: Great Dane Photos

In this episode, join Jennifer, Esteban, and Sarah as they delve into the world of verbal cues in dog agility. Explore the nuances of verbal versus non-verbal commands, how timing affects cues, and the impact of handler skills on training success.

• The difference between verbal and non-verbal cues in agility training.
• How the timing of verbal cues can impact a dog's performance.
• The role of handler proficiency in the effectiveness of verbal commands.
• Understanding the number of verbal cues needed for effective agility training.

• Episode 50: Puppy Paralysis
• Episode 295: The Timing of Verbal Cues
• How Committed Are You?

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Perry DeWitt to discuss her phenomenal success in both the UKI US Open and the AKC European Open Team Tryouts. We delve into her winning strategies, training techniques, and experiences in these top-level competitions.

• Perry's approach to handling multiple dogs at different jump heights.
• The complexities and rewards of competing and training with a spouse.
• Perry's advice to both new and seasoned competitors.

• Episode 321: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt
• Episode 213: Interview with Westminster Champion Perry DeWitt
• Agility as a puzzle: Episode 324: Resource for AKC Agility Course Maps

In this episode, Esteban and Sarah are joined by Greg Derrett, CEO and Co-founder of UKI, to discuss the inaugural UKI North American Invitational.

• The concept and logistics behind the UKI North American Invitational.
• Who gets invited to the event.
• How this invitational differs from other agility opens.
• The growth and future plans of UKI and the US Open.

• Link to the UKI North American Invitational
• Link to the UKI North American Invitational 2024 Documents
• Story of Astroturf
• Previous podcast covering the US West Coast Open: Episode 304: UKI in 2022 with Greg Derrett
• Episode 247: Interview with Greg Derrett on UKI At Home Agility Program
• Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

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