Startline

Another wonderful judge interview! Oksana couldn't figure out what our issues were in the 20" class after running a couple of Corgi's for many years so she got herself a super fast Australian Shepherd - now she knows! 

Listen to what she has learned with her 20" dog, how she commits herself to judging and the fun she has. Oksana always brings her big smile and dedication to judging; enjoy, learn and enter under her when you can, you won't regret it. But tie your shoes, you'll be running! 

Another fabulous judge interview. We dive into a little psychology of the sport and dogs, learn a ton about how Laura got into agility as well as judging. Find out what Laura likes most about agility and what she wishes every exhibitor knew. 

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AKC Agility Judge Zach Davis helped us kick off this delightful series with a wonderful interview into the insight of a judge. Find out just what happens and goes into getting yourself in the middle of the ring. Zach gives some valuable advice to exhibitors and we let him know just what we think of his course designs! 

Attending an agility event has become a hot topic. Opinions are flying but we encourage you to focus on the facts. Understanding the information available will help you make a decision that works for you.

Cara made the decision to attend the AKC Agility Invitationals with 2 of her dogs. She gives a recap in this episode and also discusses with Michele why she didn't go and why they both will not be attending AKC nationals despite having several dogs eligible. 

This is a judgment-free podcast.  Some of you aren't even trialing right now and that is the best decision for you. Some of you are and that is the best decision for you. We embrace those decisions and discuss how organizations like the AKC could assist in making things easier for some. 

Obsessing can run right down the leash and ruin your runs. We have firsthand experience with obsessions, learn how you can recognize and rise above the compulsive feeling to obsess!

The Rona is hanging around longer than any of us could have imagined. What was once how we did things has now become how are we doing things? Gather the information you can from your confirmation but otherwise, show up, be appreciative that you have the chance to run with your dogs, and be adaptable; things can change instantly - and that is Ok! 

We talk to the VP of USDAA, Andy Hartman to learn about how they have pivoted in the pandemic to bring agility to anyone, right from their home. New to agility or a long time addict, the at-home program has something perfect for you.

Go to https://www.usdaa.com/athome/index.cfm for more details on how you can play agility at home in the PAIN-demic! 

COVID-19 has changed the landscape of agility trials for the foreseeable future. The need for volunteers and more of them is even greater. We take a deep dive into the importance and fun you can have working at a trial, especially now in the paindemic.

There are several agility organizations where we have the privilege to trial with our pups. Most of us trial to showcase our relationship with our canine partners and while our dogs get rewarded in tugging or cookies, we get rewarded in ribbons. The collection of titles and ribbons becomes addicting and in each organization, there is the big daddy title - your championship. 

Explore along with us the various ways in which five of the most popular agility organizations award championships. If your team is consistent versus versatile, you'll want to learn about which organizations could be the most fun for your team

*One correction (possibly of many) the AKC agility grand championship was started four years ago, in October 2016. Cara mentions two years, she was wrong. 

"A goal without a plan is just a wish". 

We all wish to be great at agility but it takes planning, goal setting, evaluating and often changing your goals. It of course takes training, dedication, money and all that good stuff but in this episode, we specifically dive into the benefit of setting goals.

You also will help your team and mental strength by being prepared to change them. Learn about realizing that and how to accomplish it, knowing when to change your goals is hard. Goals without deadlines are just dreams, we can dream but we should also set realistic goals for our team. The more achievable they are and the more likely we are to reach them, the happier we will be. This ties back to the Stockdale Paradox (episode 9), if we set goals we cannot achieve, especially when out of our power, we let ourselves down. Don't be a downer for you or your dog. Set fun achievable ones you can reach and celebrate!