347: Interview with Penny Leigh, Director of the AKC Agility League
Release Date: 09/05/2024
366: What Separates the Top 10% from Everyone Else
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode (20:38) What really sets the top agility teams apart? In this episode, Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer each choose one key factor they believe gives elite teams an edge—and it’s not what you might think. Talent, speed, age, or breed? Nope. We’re talking about habits and strategies that any team can develop, starting today. Whether you’re aiming for national finals or just trying to feel more confident in your runs, this conversation will give you clarity on where to focus your time and energy. You Will Learn Why success in agility isn’t reserved for the naturally...
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365: Why You Need a Coach (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode (29:07) Coaches and instructors play a crucial role in our growth as agility handlers. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban reflect on the many different types of coaching available to competitors, both inside and outside the agility world, and how they can help shape your skills, mindset, and confidence. You don’t have to be in a weekly class to benefit from a coach. And you don’t need a title to be one. Whether it’s a fellow competitor, a sports psychologist, a trial buddy, or an online instructor helping you prep for a big event, coaching is everywhere, and...
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364: Mastery or Survival - The Class vs. Trial Mindset
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (27:23) In this episode, we dive into a question every agility handler wrestles with: Should you train in class the way the course should be run to build skills—or adapt your handling as if you’re at a trial, doing whatever it takes to get through clean? Jennifer kicks off the conversation with a story from her in-person class, where a handler faced this very dilemma. Esteban shares how he uses small-space sequences to help handlers try out multiple options—rear cross, front cross, blind cross—and then analyze which is actually faster...
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363: New Research Focusing on Dog Agility Safety
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (39:13) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah are joined by Dr. Arielle Pechette Markley, a Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation veterinarian and researcher, to discuss a groundbreaking initiative in dog agility safety: the Coalition for Agility Reporting on Incidents and Safety (CARIS). We’re excited to share that major agility organizations around the world—including AKC, ASCA, CPE, FCI, NADAC, RKC, UKI, and USDAA—have come together in an unprecedented show of cooperation to support independent, evidence-based research into agility safety....
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362: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Abbey Beasley
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (53:30) In this episode, we discuss the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship, including a historic win by our own Jennifer Crank in the 16″ class. We’re also joined by 12″ winner Abbey Beasley to talk about the toughest course challenges, trends in course design, and what this year’s results signal for the agility landscape. Note: In the podcast we said we thought that none of the top seed dogs won, which was incorrect; Amelia Geninger and Eclipse (24″) were the top seed and won the title. They were the only top seed to win. You Will...
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361: Last-Minute AKC NAC Prep
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode (50:08) The AKC National Agility Championship is finally here! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or attending your first NAC, this episode is packed with last-minute insights to help you stay focused, execute with confidence, and get the most out of your experience. We’ll discuss mindset, strategy for making the Finals or Challenger Round, and key mental and physical preparation tips. No matter where you finish, the trip is always worth it—let’s get you in the right frame of mind to succeed! You Will Learn How to set realistic expectations and avoid the trap of...
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360: How Handlers Compromise Good Training
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode (24:35) As handlers, we’ve all been there—our dogs make a mistake, and suddenly, we feel this overwhelming pressure to “fix it” right away. But in our rush to correct the issue, we often sacrifice good training for mediocre training, just to feel like we’ve accomplished something in the moment. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban each tackle a common mistake handlers make when addressing common training mistakes (yes, that’s a mouthful!). We break down why handlers struggle with these moments and how shifting your mindset can help you prioritize long-term...
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359: Team USA Coach Nancy Gyes Retires
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode (1:16:07) In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Gyes as she reflects on two decades of coaching the AKC USA World Team at the FCI Agility World Championship. From her experiences as a competitor on the first-ever team in 1996 to leading the U.S. to international success, Nancy shares insights on how the sport has evolved, what it takes to stay competitive globally, and her thoughts on the future of U.S. agility. Plus, find out what’s next for Nancy as she steps down from her role. You Will Learn What it was like competing on the first AKC/USA World Team in 1996. The...
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358: Westminster Masters Agility Championship 2025 with Emily Klarman
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Emily Klarman, the newly crowned 2025 Westminster Masters Agility Champion! Emily shares her experience competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the Finals which was aired LIVE on Fox. You Will Learn Insights into the course design and how it compared to previous years. The impact of the surface on handling and performance. How the venue setup (including those huge poles!) affected the competition. The energy of the crowd and how it influences the dogs. Mentioned
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357: Preparation Checklist for Big Events
Bad Dog Agility Podcast
photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (18:38) Big events bring excitement, pressure, and the opportunity to showcase all your hard work. But success doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of solid preparation, both physically and mentally. In this episode, we break down the key strategies that will set you up for success at major competitions, from learning the rules to fine-tuning your mental game. You Will Learn How to analyze event rules and judge tendencies to avoid surprises on competition day. Why studying past courses and running them in training gives you a competitive...
info_outlineIn this episode (40:23)
Penny Leigh joins the podcast to talk about the AKC Agility League. The next season of the League is open NOW and registration closes September 11th. Talk with your friends and form your teams to join!
You Will Learn
- The purpose and history of the agility league.
- How the agility league can benefit you and your dog.
- Why the league is not a replacement for trials.
- How to create a team and get started!
- How training schools and facilities are building classes around the league season.
Mentioned/Related
- The main AKC Agility League webpage: https://www.akc.org/akc-agility-league/
- Info on How to Get Started
- How to Wheel a Course for AKC Agility League