Bad Dog Agility Podcast

Esteban & Sarah
  • 4.8 (149)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dog agility training tips and discussions. We often interview agility instructors and competitors as well.

  1. 2D AGO

    381: Puppies with Friends

    In this episode (30:21) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about the realities of raising and training puppies alongside someone else. We explore how shared puppy journeys can strengthen relationships, strain them, and ultimately teach us a lot about expectations, pressure, and perspective. You Will Learn Jennifer's experience raising littermates with her mom and later with her best friend and training partner Why getting puppies at the same time can create both the best and the hardest moments in an agility partnership How side-by-side progress can make you feel behind, increase stress, or quietly shift expectations The upside of having a training partner going through the same puppy stage at the same time Mentioned Episode 157: The Comparison Trap Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

    30 min

  2. FEB 19

    380: Mixed Breed Dogs in Agility

    In this episode (41:20) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban dive into the often-debated world of purpose-bred sport mixes, purpose-bred mixes in general, and how they compare to rescues, mutts, and "All American" dogs. We explore why these dogs exist, why they generate strong opinions, and how much of the controversy is rooted in history, philosophy, and expectations. Most importantly, we unpack how dogs from many backgrounds can thrive in sport while serving very different goals within the broader dog world. You Will Learn The difference between purpose-bred sport mixes, general mixes, mutts, and rescues What the "All American Dog" designation really represents in competition How breed recognition and performance success address different priorities Mentioned/Related Episode 288: Interview with 2-Time Highest Scoring All-American Westminster Winner Lisa Topol All American Dog Ranking by PowerScore for 2025 Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness Saint Rocco's Treats

    41 min

  3. FEB 12

    379: The Medium-Speed Dog's Guide to NAC

    In this episode (18:10) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban break down how the format of the AKC National Agility Championship impacts strategy, especially for handlers with medium-speed dogs. Most competitors at Nationals are not the fastest dogs in the country, and they're not the slowest either. They're somewhere in the middle. And that middle is where smart strategy matters most. We talk about how the structure of the event affects qualification paths, what realistic advancement looks like, and how to approach Nationals in a way that gives your dog the best chance to succeed. Most importantly, we discuss how to set expectations so that no matter the outcome, you don't feel like you wasted your time. You Will Learn How the NAC format shapes strategy for medium-speed dog handlers trying to qualify for the Finals Why your dog may have a better chance of making the Finals than you think How to set realistic expectations so you walk away from Nationals feeling proud, not defeated Mentioned How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals Episode 292: What To Do When Things Start Off Poorly at a Big Event Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

    18 min

  4. FEB 5

    378: Westminster Masters Agility Champion Amber McCune

    In this episode (45:48) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban are joined by Masters Agility Champion Amber McCune to break down the 2026 Westminster Masters Agility Championship. The conversation ranges from course design and footing to venue history and how the event experience has changed over the years. You Will Learn How course design, footing, and venue choices shape both performance and the competitor experience at Westminster. How Jenn and Amber adjusted their handling to account for the unique format for making finals. Why Amber didn't get to wear a sparkly dress. Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness

    46 min

  5. JAN 29

    377: Wait Your Turn

    In this episode (26:49) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about the often ignored reality of agility: most of the time, dogs are not running, they are waiting. They explore why "waiting your turn" is a human concept, how dogs experience these in between moments through anticipation or regulation, and why early anticipation can lead to anxiety for some dogs while others switch on and off easily. The conversation highlights the importance of noticing how much waiting exists and being intentional about what dogs are actually doing during that time. You Will Learn Why "waiting your turn" is not a personality trait, but a set of skills shaped by arousal, uncertainty, and environment How dogs experience "waiting" through anticipation, regulation, or disengagement rather than passive stillness Why minimizing or reshaping waiting periods can be more effective than trying to train dogs to endure them Sponsored By Canine Handler Fitness Saint Rocco's Treats

    27 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    376: Optimal Lines in Agility

    In this episode (28:39) This week on the podcast, we take a closer look at how dogs actually run a course and what handlers can do to help them run it faster and with more confidence. We explain why dogs run lines rather than individual obstacles and how understanding your dog's stride, structure, and turning ability helps you choose the best line for any sequence. We also talk about why the fastest path is not always the shortest and how video comparison reveals the true optimal line for your dog. You Will Learn Why you should handle lines, not individual obstacles How pulling, position, and continuous cues shape your dog's line Why tight turns slow dogs and when a wider arc is actually faster How to compare options on video to find the best line for your dog Mentioned Episode 179: Which is Faster, a Front Cross or Rear Cross? Episode 108: Choices on Course Sponsored By Saint Rocco's Treats Canine Handler Fitness

    29 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling

    In this episode (30:01) In this episode, we break down why so many handlers walk to the start line with a clear plan and instantly forget everything the moment the run begins. You Will Learn Why your brain blanks on course and how stress shuts down the prefrontal cortex, reducing timing, sequencing, and decision-making. How adrenaline affects handling, including tunnel vision, and reversion to default movement patterns. What the Yerkes-Dodson curve tells us about optimal arousal for performance and why beginners fall off the curve sooner. How to use the physiological sigh as a rapid, science-based tool to reset your nervous system right before a run. Mentioned Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility Episode 188: Handler Desensitization Sponsored By: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce

    30 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    374: Fail Better

    In this episode (20:34) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah talk about what it really means when things go wrong in the ring. A knocked bar, a wrong course, a dog that runs straight to the leash—none of these moments predict your future in agility. Instead, they're feedback about where you and your dog are in your training journey. You Will Learn The key difference between formative and summative feedback—and how it applies to training and trials. Why tying your success or failure to self-worth actually slows progress (and how to stop doing it). How to read your dog's "mistakes" as information about confidence, arousal, and understanding. Thank You for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us this week. To get Bad Dog Agility podcasts sent directly to your device as they become available, you can subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, or Spotify. Happy training and thank you for helping us reach over 2 million podcast downloads! Sponsored By: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce

    22 min
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4.8
out of 5
149 Ratings

About

Dog agility training tips and discussions. We often interview agility instructors and competitors as well.

Information

  • Creator
    Esteban & Sarah
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    385
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bad Dog Agility LLC
  • Show Website
    Bad Dog Agility Podcast

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