Maximum FUN Dog Agility

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains why keeping a written list of your dog’s cues can make training clearer, more organized, and more effective.

Many handlers create new verbal cues as they teach behaviors, tricks, and agility skills, but over time it becomes easy to accidentally duplicate cues or choose words that sound too similar. A simple cue list can prevent confusion for both the handler and the dog.

This episode explores how maintaining a cue list can improve communication, help you plan training sessions, and give you a powerful reminder of how much your dog has already learned.

dog training cues, verbal cues in dog training, agility training communication, organizing dog training behaviors, improving clarity in dog training

• Why similar-sounding cues can create confusion for your dog
• How a cue list helps prevent duplication of verbal cues
• Why clear and distinct cues improve training communication
• How a cue list can help you plan training sessions more easily
• How reviewing your dog’s cue list can keep you motivated in training

One of the most common questions beginning agility students ask is, “What verbal cue should I use for this behavior?”

While the specific cue word is often less important than consistency and clarity, choosing cues that are easy to remember and clearly distinct from each other can make training much easier.

In this episode, Lorrie shares examples from her own early training experiences when she unintentionally created several cues that started with the same sound. Words like table, tire, tunnel, and teeter all seemed logical at the time, but they could easily be confused when spoken quickly during training.

Dogs can also struggle with cues that sound similar, especially when the handler is working at a distance. Words such as “down” and “bow” may seem different to humans but can sound very similar to dogs.

Keeping a simple written list of your dog’s cues can help prevent these issues. A cue list allows you to review which words you already use, track how fluent each behavior is, and plan training sessions more effectively.

This list can also become a valuable source of motivation. Seeing the full collection of behaviors your dog has learned is a great reminder of how far you’ve come as a training team.

• choosing clear verbal cues in dog training
• avoiding similar-sounding cues
• tracking training progress and fluency
• organizing dog training sessions
• improving communication with your dog

Keeping a list of your dog’s cues helps prevent confusion, improves clarity in training, and makes it easier to plan future training sessions. It can also serve as a powerful reminder of your progress and accomplishments as a team.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

Free training resources and downloads
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If you’d like additional tools to support your dog agility training, check out the free resources available in the Maximum Fun Dog Sports shop.

You’ll find guides and training materials designed to help agility teams improve communication, confidence, and connection.

Visit the shop here:
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

Episode 013 – Is Your Dog Actually Stubborn?
Episode 014 – Your Dog Determines the Reward
Episode 015 – Why Reward Placement Matters to Your Agility Dog

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains why reward placement can dramatically influence your dog’s understanding during training.

Handlers often focus on timing and reward type, but where the reward is delivered can be just as important. The location of the reward can reinforce position, encourage forward motion, or unintentionally create behaviors you didn’t intend.

By understanding how reward placement affects your dog’s movement and focus, you can solve common training problems and make learning easier for your agility partner.

reward placement in dog training, agility training techniques, improving dog training timing and position, dog agility foundation skills, positive reinforcement training methods

• Why reward placement plays a critical role in dog training success
• How rewarding from the wrong location can create training problems
• Why rewarding in position helps build duration and accuracy
• How reward placement influences your dog’s direction and movement
• Practical examples of how changing reward placement can fix common agility training issues

When dogs struggle with a behavior during training, handlers often assume the problem is related to motivation, difficulty level, or lack of repetition. However, the true cause can sometimes be something much simpler: reward placement.

In this episode, Lorrie shares several examples from students who were encountering common training challenges. In each case, the issue appeared to involve different skills such as duration, forward drive, or impulse control.

Surprisingly, the solution for all of them involved adjusting where the reward was delivered.

For example, a dog stepping off a fit disc was anticipating moving toward the handler to receive a treat. By rewarding while the dog remained on the disc instead of calling the dog forward, the behavior immediately improved.

Similarly, a dog struggling with nose targeting was anticipating a reward from the opposite hand instead of maintaining contact with the target hand. Delivering the reward directly where the behavior occurred clarified the task.

Reward placement can also influence forward drive in agility. If a dog consistently receives rewards behind the handler, the dog learns to turn back after completing obstacles. By occasionally placing rewards ahead of the dog, you can encourage forward movement toward the next obstacle.

Understanding how reward placement shapes behavior allows handlers to solve training problems more efficiently and create clearer communication with their dogs.

• reward placement in positive reinforcement training
• reinforcing position and duration
• building forward drive in agility training
• troubleshooting common dog training issues
• improving clarity in training cues

Where you deliver a reward can shape your dog’s movement, focus, and understanding of the behavior you are teaching. By thoughtfully placing rewards where the correct behavior occurs, you can make training clearer, easier, and more successful.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want to improve communication, confidence, and teamwork with your agility dog, explore The Agility Playground.

The membership includes structured lessons designed to help agility teams develop independence, clarity of cues, and stronger connection on course.

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 007 – What Are Screw-Up Cookies?
Episode 011 – Lower Your Training Criteria When Teaching New Skills
Episode 014 – Your Dog Determines the Reward

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains an important concept in dog training: the dog decides what is rewarding.

Handlers often assume certain treats or toys should motivate their dogs, but motivation doesn’t work that way. A reward only works if the dog actually values it.

Through a story from one of her agility seminars, Lorrie demonstrates how discovering the right reward can completely transform a dog’s engagement and enthusiasm for training.

dog training rewards, motivation in dog training, agility training engagement, finding high-value rewards for dogs, positive reinforcement dog training

• Why dogs determine what counts as a reward in training
• How the wrong reward can reduce engagement and enthusiasm
• Why some dogs are motivated by unusual or unexpected rewards
• How identifying the right reward can dramatically improve training success
• Practical ways to discover what motivates your individual dog

Rewards are one of the most powerful tools in dog training, but they only work if the dog truly values them.

In this episode, Lorrie shares the story of Sprint, a fast and intelligent sighthound who struggled with engagement during agility training. Sprint would perform one or two obstacles and then lose interest, choosing instead to explore the training area or return to her crate.

Traditional rewards such as food and common toys failed to hold her attention, even when high-value treats were used.

The breakthrough came when Lorrie asked what Sprint enjoyed doing most outside of training. The answer was simple: chasing moving objects.

Using a makeshift lure created from a fishing pole and a plastic bag, Sprint suddenly showed enthusiasm and focus for training. The ability to chase the moving object became the reward she had been missing.

This example highlights an important principle: handlers do not decide what motivates a dog. The dog does.

Some dogs are motivated by food or toys, but others may prefer activities such as chasing, splashing in water, or playing with unusual objects. Identifying what your individual dog truly values can dramatically improve engagement and learning.

• identifying high-value rewards for dogs
• increasing motivation in agility training
• using unconventional rewards in dog training
• engagement and focus during training sessions
• positive reinforcement training strategies

The effectiveness of a reward is determined by the dog, not the handler. When you discover what your dog truly values, training becomes more engaging, more effective, and far more fun for both halves of the team.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want to build stronger engagement, clearer communication, and more effective training sessions with your dog, explore The Agility Playground.

The membership includes training exercises, coaching calls, and lessons designed to help agility teams improve motivation, independence, and teamwork.

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 007 – What Are Screw-Up Cookies?
Episode 011 – Lower Your Training Criteria When Teaching New Skills
Episode 013 – Is Your Dog Actually Stubborn?

Additional Resources: 

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds tackles a question many dog owners and agility handlers ask: Is my dog being stubborn?

When a dog refuses a cue, ignores a behavior they “know,” or suddenly stops performing a skill, it’s easy to assume stubbornness is the problem. But in most cases, something else is actually going on.

This episode explores the real reasons dogs appear stubborn and how understanding those reasons can dramatically improve your training.

stubborn dog behavior, dog training problems, why dogs ignore cues, dog agility training challenges, positive reinforcement dog training

• Why dogs are unlikely to be intentionally stubborn
• How physical discomfort can cause dogs to refuse behaviors
• Why fear or environmental stress can affect performance
• How lack of generalization can make trained behaviors fall apart in new locations
• Why reward value and motivation play a critical role in training success
• How inconsistent cues can create confusion for your dog
• Why instinct can overpower training in some situations

When dogs refuse to perform behaviors they previously learned, many owners assume the dog is simply being stubborn. However, this explanation often overlooks important factors that influence canine behavior.

In this episode, Lorrie explains why dogs rarely make conscious decisions to ignore cues. Instead, behaviors that appear stubborn usually have underlying causes.

Physical discomfort is one of the most important possibilities to consider. A dog that suddenly stops performing a familiar behavior may be experiencing pain that isn’t obvious during everyday activities.

Fear and environmental stress can also affect performance. A negative experience associated with a specific obstacle or location may cause hesitation that looks like refusal or stubbornness.

Another common issue is lack of generalization. Dogs often learn behaviors in very specific contexts, and they may not immediately understand that the same cue applies in different environments, on different equipment, or under new distractions.

Reward value also plays a role. Dogs naturally weigh effort against reward, and behaviors that require high effort may need more valuable rewards to maintain motivation.

By examining these possibilities instead of assuming stubbornness, handlers can identify the real issue and help their dogs succeed.

• generalization in dog training
• reward value and motivation
• instinct versus trained behavior
• consistent cueing in dog training
• using positive reinforcement methods

Dogs that appear stubborn are usually responding to physical discomfort, fear, confusion, lack of experience, or insufficient motivation. By identifying the real cause of the behavior, handlers can address the issue and help their dogs perform with greater confidence.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want to improve communication, confidence, and teamwork with your agility dog, check out The Agility Playground.

The membership includes structured training exercises designed to help agility teams develop independence, clarity of cues, and stronger connection on course.

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 005 – Five Mistakes You’re Making With Your Dog Agility Training
Episode 007 – What Are Screw-Up Cookies?
Episode 011 – Lower Your Training Criteria When Teaching New Skills

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds shares a surprising confession about her dog training routine: she feeds her dogs from the table.

Before you assume that means dogs begging at the table, drooling on plates, or hovering during meals, this episode explains the training principle behind the method.

By rewarding the behavior she actually wants during mealtimes, Lorrie has trained her dogs to stay calmly away from the table instead of begging nearby.

dog training during mealtime, teaching dogs not to beg at the table, positive reinforcement dog training, rewarding behavior in the correct location, dog training consistency

• Why rewarding behavior while it happens is essential for effective dog training
• How feeding dogs from the table can actually prevent begging behavior
• Why location matters when reinforcing behavior
• How to teach dogs to stay calmly away from the table during meals
• Why consistency and repetition help dogs learn household rules quickly

Many dog owners struggle with dogs begging during meals. The common advice is simply to ignore the dog or avoid feeding them anything from the table.

In this episode, Lorrie explains a different approach that focuses on rewarding the behavior you want while it happens and where it happens.

Instead of trying to stop begging after it begins, her dogs learn early that the only way to earn food during mealtime is by staying at least six feet away from the table.

During training, dogs are rewarded in their designated spots while the meal is happening. By reinforcing calm behavior away from the table, dogs quickly learn that hovering near people eating doesn’t pay off.

This approach relies on a simple training principle: dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarded. When the reward consistently happens in the correct location, the dog naturally chooses that behavior.

Over time, the behavior becomes automatic, allowing dogs to relax during meals without constant reminders or management tools.

• rewarding behavior where it occurs
• using positive reinforcement for household manners
• teaching dogs to stay away from the table during meals
• reinforcing calm behavior through consistent rewards
• building self-control in everyday situations

Dogs learn fastest when rewards happen at the exact moment and location of the behavior you want. By reinforcing calm behavior away from the table during meals, you can teach dogs to stay relaxed and avoid begging without constant correction.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want to strengthen communication, confidence, and teamwork with your agility dog, check out The Agility Playground.

The membership includes training exercises designed to improve independence, clarity of cues, and connection between you and your dog.

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 005 – Five Mistakes You’re Making With Your Dog Agility Training
Episode 011 – Lower Your Training Criteria When Teaching New Skills
Episode 007 – What Are Screw-Up Cookies?

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains why lowering training criteria can dramatically improve how quickly your dog learns new agility skills.

Many agility handlers try to train new skills under full competition conditions. While this approach might seem logical, it can actually slow learning and create unnecessary frustration for both handler and dog.

By temporarily lowering criteria on skills your dog already knows, you can increase reward opportunities, improve confidence, and help your dog understand new concepts more quickly.

dog agility training tips, lowering training criteria in dog agility, teaching distance in agility, improving reward rate in dog training, agility training session design

• Why training new agility skills under full competition conditions can slow learning
• How lowering criteria increases your dog’s opportunity to earn rewards
• Why high reward rates improve motivation and confidence in agility training
• How to adjust obstacles to focus on the specific skill you are teaching
• Practical ways to simplify agility exercises while building new skills

When teaching new skills in dog agility, many handlers set up their training exercises exactly the way they would appear in competition. While the intention is to “train like you trial,” this approach can unintentionally make learning harder for the dog.

In this episode, Lorrie shares a conversation with a seminar student who had been working hard to build distance with her dog. After many attempts, the dog successfully completed a sequence 25 feet away, but knocked a bar in the process. Because of the bar down, the handler felt she couldn’t reward the effort.

The solution turned out to be surprisingly simple: lower the jump bars while working on distance skills.

When teaching a new skill, lowering the difficulty of unrelated elements helps your dog focus on the specific concept you are trying to teach. For example, lowering jump heights, using fewer weave poles, or simplifying obstacle sequences allows the dog to succeed more often and earn rewards more frequently.

Higher reward rates reduce frustration, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Once the new skill is understood, the normal performance criteria can gradually be restored.

• lowering criteria during skill acquisition
• increasing reward rate in agility training
• simplifying training exercises for faster learning
• building confidence through successful repetitions
• separating obstacle performance from handling skills

When teaching a new agility skill, temporarily lowering the criteria for other elements can help your dog learn faster. By increasing reward opportunities and reducing frustration, you create a clearer learning environment that leads to stronger, more confident performance.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

If your agility group would like to learn more about distance handling, communication, and obstacle independence, Lorrie offers seminars designed to help teams improve their training and handling skills.

To discuss available seminar dates, contact:
[email protected] 

Episode 004 – Six Cs for Distance Handling
Episode 005 – Five Mistakes You’re Making with Your Dog Agility Training
Episode 009 – Dog Agility Distance Handling: What is CLAWS?

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds discusses a frustrating message many agility handlers hear from instructors: “Just run faster.”

For many agility competitors, especially those with injuries, chronic health conditions, or mobility limitations, that advice simply isn’t realistic. This episode explores why agility instruction needs to evolve to support the majority of handlers who love the sport but cannot rely on speed and athleticism alone.

Lorrie shares a real story from one of her seminar students and explains why agility training should focus on communication, independence, and thoughtful handling strategies, not just physical speed.

dog agility distance handling, agility training for handlers who cannot run, independent obstacle performance, inclusive agility training methods, alternatives to running in dog agility

• Why telling handlers to “just run faster” is not a realistic training solution
• How physical limitations affect many agility competitors
• Why distance handling and obstacle independence create better training options
• How instructors should match their teaching methods to the needs of each team
• Why ethical coaching sometimes means referring students to another instructor

Many agility instructors teach handling systems that rely heavily on speed, constant motion, and physically demanding maneuvers. While these approaches can be effective for highly athletic handlers, they do not work for every agility team.

In this episode, Lorrie shares the story of a student who sought help with her fast Border Collie but had a health condition that prevented her from running. After months of lessons focused on start line behavior, the only advice the instructor ultimately offered was to “just run faster.”

For many agility competitors, that type of advice is discouraging and unhelpful.

Agility is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities. Many competitors began training years earlier and continue competing long after injuries, aging, or medical conditions make running difficult.

Instead of expecting every handler to fit into a single handling system, instructors should help teams develop strategies that work for their individual abilities. Approaches that emphasize distance handling, obstacle independence, and clear communication allow more teams to succeed and continue enjoying the sport.

Ultimately, good coaching means helping students find solutions that work for them, even if that means referring them to another instructor who can better meet their needs.

• distance handling strategies in dog agility
• independent obstacle performance
• adapting agility handling to physical limitations
• inclusive agility coaching approaches
• building agility systems around each team’s strengths

Dog agility should be accessible and enjoyable for people of many different physical abilities. By focusing on communication, independence, and thoughtful handling strategies, agility teams can succeed without relying solely on speed.

Great coaching is about helping each team find the method that works best for them.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want agility training strategies that emphasize distance, communication, and obstacle independence, check out The Agility Playground.

The Agility Playground helps agility teams build confidence, connection, and independence on course, regardless of a handler’s physical ability.

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 003 – Why Teach Distance for Dog Agility
Episode 004 – The Six Cs for Distance Handling
Episode 009 – Dog Agility Distance Handling: What is CLAWS?

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains one of the most important concepts in dog agility training: independent obstacle performance.

You’ll learn what true obstacle independence means, why it matters for both distance handling and overall course success, and how the CLAWS system helps handlers break independence into four clear, trainable skills.

Whether your goal is to run smoother courses, improve your dog’s confidence, or successfully complete distance challenges like Gamblers, FAST, or Chances, these independence skills are essential.

dog agility distance handling, independent obstacle performance, agility obstacle independence training, distance handling skills for agility dogs, dog agility CLAWS method

• What independent obstacle performance really means in dog agility
• Why many agility teams struggle with independence during distance challenges
• How course design in games like Gamblers and Chances tests obstacle independence
• The four key independence skills summarized by the CLAWS mnemonic
• Why handlers often accidentally become part of the dog’s environmental cues

Independent obstacle performance is one of the most valuable skills an agility dog can develop. When a dog truly understands an obstacle, they can perform it correctly regardless of where the handler is positioned on the course.

However, many teams unknowingly train their dogs to rely on the handler’s location or motion to complete obstacles. This becomes obvious during distance challenges, where dogs may hesitate, leave obstacles early, or return to their handler when they realize their partner is not nearby.

In this episode, Lorrie shares examples from real agility competitions where teams struggled because their dogs had not been trained for true obstacle independence. She then introduces the CLAWS system, a simple mnemonic that breaks independence training into four clear components handlers can practice.

By developing these skills, agility teams gain more flexibility on course, improve speed and positioning, and become capable of handling more advanced course challenges.

The CLAWS mnemonic helps handlers remember the four skills required for true obstacle independence:

C – Call Over or Through
Your dog should complete an obstacle correctly when you are ahead of them.

LA – Laterally Away
You should be able to move laterally away from your dog after directing them to an obstacle.

W – With on a Parallel Line
Your dog should maintain a parallel path with you without drifting inward toward the handler.

S – Send Ahead
Your dog should confidently move ahead to complete an obstacle without turning back toward you.

When a team can successfully perform all four of these skills, they have developed strong independent obstacle performance.

True obstacle independence gives agility teams more options on course, improves speed and positioning, and makes distance handling possible. By training the four CLAWS skills, handlers can build confidence and clarity for both themselves and their dogs.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

Start your free 7-day trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

If you want structured exercises that help your dog develop independence, distance skills, and confidence on course, check out The Agility Playground.

This membership helps agility teams improve communication, obstacle performance, and distance handling through step-by-step lessons and supportive coaching.

Start your free trial here:
https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D 

Episode 003 – Why Teach Distance for Dog Agility
Episode 004 – The Six Cs for Distance Handling in Dog Agility

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

Feeling nervous before your first dog agility trial is completely normal. In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds shares practical advice for beginning competitors who feel anxious about stepping into the agility ring.

Through personal stories and real experiences from agility competitions, Lorrie explains why those nerves are so common and how you can shift your mindset to enjoy your runs and build confidence over time.

Dog agility competition nerves, beginner agility trial tips, building confidence in dog agility handlers, agility competition mindset, overcoming performance anxiety in agility

• Why nervousness is a normal part of starting dog agility competitions
• Why experienced handlers aren’t judging your runs the way you might think
• How memorable agility moments often come from connection, not perfect runs
• Why most people at a trial aren’t actually watching your run
• How courage and experience gradually build confidence in the agility ring

Starting to compete in dog agility can be exciting, but it can also bring a lot of nerves for new handlers. Many beginners worry about forgetting the course, making handling mistakes, or having their dog do something unexpected in the ring.

In this episode, Lorrie shares a personal story from her time as a musician performing a solo piece in front of an audience. That experience taught her an important lesson about courage: sometimes confidence only comes after you face the fear and move forward anyway.

Agility competitions are very similar. What feels like a glaring spotlight when you walk into the ring is usually far less intimidating in reality. Most competitors are focused on their own dogs, conversations with friends, or preparing for their next run.

Through humorous and memorable stories from agility trials, Lorrie reminds listeners that nearly every mistake imaginable has already happened in the agility ring. The moments that truly matter are the ones where you feel connected with your dog and enjoy the teamwork you’ve built together.

• Managing nerves in dog agility competitions
• Building confidence through experience
• Focusing on teamwork instead of perfection
• Developing a healthy competition mindset
• Enjoying the connection between handler and dog

Nervousness is a normal part of starting something new. As you gain experience in dog agility competitions, those nerves gradually turn into confidence. Focus on enjoying the run with your dog and celebrating the moments where your teamwork shines.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

If you’re looking for more ways to improve your dog agility training, be sure to explore the courses, eBooks, and free training resources available from Maximum Fun Dog Sports.

You’ll find practical tools designed to help agility teams improve communication, confidence, and independence on course.

Visit the shop and resources here:
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

If you’re preparing for your agility competition journey, you may also enjoy:

Episode 003 – Why Distance Handling Matters in Dog Agility Training
Episode 005 – 5 Common Dog Agility Training Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains a concept she often teaches in seminars called “screw-up cookies.” These rewards help keep your dog motivated and confident when training sessions don’t go exactly as planned.

Sometimes handlers get so focused on fixing mistakes that they forget to reward their dog’s effort. Screw-up cookies are a reminder that even when we make mistakes during training, our dogs still deserve to be paid for trying.

• What “screw-up cookies” are and why they are useful in dog training
• Why dogs need to be rewarded even when training doesn’t go perfectly
• How forgetting to reward effort can reduce motivation and confidence
• Why handlers often forget rewards when an exercise goes wrong
• How consistent reinforcement keeps dogs engaged in agility training

Training sessions don’t always go smoothly. When an exercise works perfectly, most handlers remember to reward their dog at the end of the repetition. But when things go sideways, it’s easy to get caught up in trying again and accidentally skip the reward.

In this episode, Lorrie shares one of the most common reminders she gives during agility seminars: “Reward your dog!”

Screw-up cookies are the treats or rewards your dog earns when the handler makes a mistake or when a training attempt doesn’t go exactly as planned. Even if the repetition wasn’t perfect, your dog still deserves reinforcement for trying and for staying engaged in the game.

Rewarding effort keeps motivation high, strengthens your dog’s confidence, and maintains trust in your communication. When dogs consistently earn rewards for working with you, they stay enthusiastic about training and more willing to try again.

• Reinforcing effort during dog training
• Maintaining motivation during agility practice
• Building confidence through consistent rewards
• Avoiding frustration during training sessions
• Strengthening communication between handler and dog

Even when training doesn’t go perfectly, your dog still deserves to be rewarded for effort. Giving your dog a “screw-up cookie” helps maintain motivation, confidence, and trust in your cues, keeping training sessions positive and productive.

Maximum Fun Dog Sports
https://www.maximumfundogs.com 

The Agility Playground membership

If you’re enjoying the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, here are a few ways you can help more agility teams discover it:

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Your support helps other handlers find practical, positive training advice so they can build stronger partnerships with their dogs.

Thanks for being part of the Maximum Fun Agility community!

If you want to improve the effectiveness of your dog agility training sessions, listen to:

Episode 005 – 5 Common Dog Agility Training Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Additional Resources:

Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com
Shop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop
Email: [email protected]
Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles
The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D