Canine Handler Fitness Podcast

Liz Joyce
  • 5.0 (5)
  • FITNESS

Welcome to the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, the show that meets dog sport handlers exactly where they are—whether you're just getting started or chasing world-level performance. Hosted by Liz Joyce, leading expert in dog handler fitness. Each bite-sized episode dives into the real physical demands of dog handling, offering practical, compassionate, and performance-driven tips to help you move better, feel stronger, and fuel your performance. We break down the nuances of handler fitness needs, uncover what's holding you back, and build your foundation brick by brick—always with tools you can use right away. Expect short, sharp episodes packed with insight, motivation, and real-world action steps. Because here, fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about giving every handler the tools they need to be strong, mobile, fast, agile, and ready for the ring.

  1. 23H AGO

    We're Over Stomach Drama: How to Reduce Gas & Bloating

    Feeling bloated during runs or just frustrated by digestive discomfort? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle gas and bloating for active handlers. We’ll cover how food choices, air intake, snacking habits, and gut bacteria all play a role. I’ll walk you through easy, practical steps to improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and feel lighter on your feet. No gross stories—just results you can feel during runs and in everyday life. What You’ll Learn: How your gut bacteria influence digestion and bloating. Common food triggers and sneaky habits that cause gas. Tips for reducing swallowed air and improving nutrient absorption. How to track and manage your digestive reactions using simple tools. Why small, consistent changes make the biggest difference. For handlers wanting all the tools to feel light, strong, and ready to run with your dog, check out the All Access Pass—it’s packed with mobility, strength, and recovery strategies for optimal performance.

    19 min

  2. OCT 9

    Soft Surfaces: Tips to Make It Easier

    Ever notice how running on grass feels completely different from running on asphalt? Or how sprinting on sand leaves you feeling like you just ran twice as far? In this episode, we dive into why variable and soft surfaces change the game for handlers. These surfaces don’t just challenge your legs—they challenge your core, stabilizers, and even your nervous system, shaping the way your body responds to speed, turns, and fatigue on the course. Understanding this can give you a serious edge, even if you can’t sprint on sand every day. Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently. Key Takeaways Soft surfaces challenge your body differently: Sand, grass, and turf reduce joint impact while activating stabilizer muscles. This builds strength, balance, and resilience, helping you and your dog handle sharper turns and faster sprints. Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently. Adaptation is gradual: Sudden sessions on soft surfaces can overwork muscles and increase injury risk. Gradually introduce short intervals to allow your body to adapt. Surface awareness matters: Even if you can’t train on soft surfaces regularly, understanding how your body reacts to variable terrain helps you replicate those neuromuscular adaptations on harder ground. Footwear and form influence results: Proper shoes or even barefoot practice (when safe) can help your body “read” the surface better and transfer strength into speed. Soft surfaces? No problem. My All Access Pass gives you the workouts and guidance to stay fast, strong, and agile no matter what. You can start your FREE TRIAL here!

    12 min

  3. OCT 2

    When To Stop Pushing Through: How Going Gently Gets You Ahead

    Sometimes the smartest move in fitness isn’t pushing harder—it’s pulling back. In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness, I’m talking about Get Going Gently—how to start smart when life, injury, or health conditions demand a slower pace. You’ll learn: When it’s essential to go gently: post-op, post-injury, illness, or stressful life changes How to approach training safely with chronic conditions like CFS, hypermobility, autoimmune flares, or fibromyalgia The 60–80% rule: how staying just below your threshold builds strength, endurance, and resilience How gentle isn’t the finish line—it’s the launch pad for bigger gains Whether you’re easing back into fitness or learning to pace yourself strategically, this episode gives you the guidance and encouragement to take that first step today, then progress safely toward your strongest self. Enrollment for my new course, Get Going Gently, through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy closes Oct 15. Sign up today, this is only happening once! Sign up here

    21 min

  4. SEP 25

    3 Game-Changing Sprint Cues for Handlers

    Most agility handlers want to be faster — but the truth is, speed doesn’t just happen. It comes from how you move. In this episode, Liz reveals how focusing on just one or two key running cues can completely transform your sprinting form, helping you cover ground faster, move more efficiently, and stay ahead of your dog. What you’ll learn: Why sprinting technique matters as much for handlers as it does for athletes. How the right cues simplify running and free your body to move naturally. How just 1–2 small focus points can unlock speed you didn’t think you had. Practical ways to bring these cues into your agility training runs. Takeaway:Faster running doesn’t come from wishful thinking — it comes from training smart with the right guidance. If you’re ready to stop getting left behind and finally move like the handler your dog deserves, my programs are built to take you there step by step. You can check it out here! If you want to stop feeling stuck behind your dog, hit play now — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode built to make handlers stronger, faster, and more confident.

    10 min

  5. SEP 17

    Being an Agility Athlete with Laura Bussing

    In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Bussing—an agility athlete, competitor, coach, judge, canine fitness advocate, and expert in agility behavior. Laura has been a lifelong athlete, and in recent years she’s poured that same drive and intensity into dog sports. We first connected back in 2022, and since then I’ve had a front-row seat to watch her growth—not just as a competitor, but as an athlete in every sense of the word. Laura brings practical tools, valuable lessons, and a perspective that’s always worth learning from, whether you’re brand new to agility or a seasoned handler. Tune in for a conversation about what it really takes to thrive in dog sports—mentally, physically, and as a team with your dog. 📍 Where to find Laura: WebsitePodcastFacebook 👉 Laura trains using our All Access Pass, and you can too! Start your 2-week free trial today and explore the same workouts, stretching, and core training that help top handlers like Laura perform their best. [Click here] to get started today.

    38 min

  6. SEP 11

    September: The #1 Time to Recommit

    Everyone thinks January is the “fresh start” month for fitness—but here’s the reality: by March, nearly 80% of people have already quit. The resolution rush doesn’t stick. Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March. Here’s the smarter play: start in September. September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos. Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in and starting January riding a wave of momentum. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why January is the worst time to start fitness The real reasons September sets you up for success How to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy schedule The exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curve This is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it. 👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead. Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March. Here’s the smarter play: start in September. September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos. Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in. You’re not making resolutions—you’re making progress. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why January is the worst time to start fitness The real reasons September sets you up for success How to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy schedule The exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curve This is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it. 👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead. Ready to be a September Starter? Click here to access your FREE 2 Week Trial to my All Access Pass.

    17 min

  7. SEP 4

    Living in a Hypermobile Body with Dr. Ashton Wilson: Tips, Tricks & Training Secrets

    I see a lot of hypermobile people in dog sports, and while flexibility can be a huge advantage, it often comes with hidden challenges that impact health, performance, and day-to-day life. In this episode, we dive into the mystery of hypermobility — a niche but increasingly researched area of connective tissue disorders — and why understanding it is crucial for taking control of your body and your life. With Dr. Ashton Wilson, we explore: Common comorbidities that often accompany hypermobility, from joint instability and chronic pain to digestive and autonomic issues Practical strategies for managing these conditions so you can stay active, strong, and confident in dog sports and life Which doctors and specialists to see and how to know when it’s time for a referral Conversation prompts to advocate for yourself effectively with your medical team Tools and tips for medical appointments — even when practitioners aren’t familiar with hypermobility, so you leave feeling understood and prepared This episode is empowering and actionable. The information shared here isn’t just theory — it’s the knowledge you need to train smarter, move stronger, and take control of your health and performance. Knowing your body and the ways hypermobility can affect it gives you the insight to make bold, informed choices — essentially giving you the tools to approach your life with strategy, strength, and confidence. You can book your own virtual consultation with Dr. Wilson and her team here. You can also find her insightful Instagram page here!

    58 min

  8. AUG 28

    Better Recovery, Better Runs: Cool-Downs for Handlers

    You’ve been sprinting, queuing, moving equipment, maybe driving, and who knows — you might’ve been wrangling some big feelings too. That first window right after your run, when your heart is still thumping, is one of the most powerful moments of your entire agility day. In this episode, we talk about how to cool down your body and your nervous system so you finish your day not thinking, “I survived,” but instead feeling ready for more. Here’s why a cool-down is essential: Your nervous system is still lit up — heart racing, muscles buzzing, adrenaline flowing, and your brain may still be replaying runs. A proper cool-down helps you shift from go mode to recovery mode. Eases physical tension and reduces next-day soreness. Supports energy conservation during long trial days or weekend events by bringing your nervous system back down to baseline. Improves overall performance — a body and mind that recover efficiently can handle more, react faster, and stay consistent run after run. You’ll also learn: The most effective post-run stretches and mobility drills for hips, shoulders, calves, and core Quick strategies for short sessions vs. full trial days Tools to optimize recovery — foam rollers, bands, and mini routines that fit your schedule Bottom line: The moments after your run aren’t just “cool down” time — they’re prime recovery and performance-building time. Use them wisely and you’ll feel strong, energized, and ready to tackle your next challenge. 📥 Download your WarmUp EBook here with step-by-step routines and visual demos to make recovery simple, effective, and fun. 🎧 Listen now and turn your post-run routine into your secret weapon for energy, consistency, and performance!

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, the show that meets dog sport handlers exactly where they are—whether you're just getting started or chasing world-level performance. Hosted by Liz Joyce, leading expert in dog handler fitness. Each bite-sized episode dives into the real physical demands of dog handling, offering practical, compassionate, and performance-driven tips to help you move better, feel stronger, and fuel your performance. We break down the nuances of handler fitness needs, uncover what's holding you back, and build your foundation brick by brick—always with tools you can use right away. Expect short, sharp episodes packed with insight, motivation, and real-world action steps. Because here, fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about giving every handler the tools they need to be strong, mobile, fast, agile, and ready for the ring.

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