Bad Dog Agility Podcast
where the naughty dogs train
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Run Happy Series: What Happy Handlers Do Differently
06/09/2026
Run Happy Series: What Happy Handlers Do Differently
In this episode (47:35) In the third live podcast of the Run Happy series, Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer walk through the eight things happy handlers do differently, then take on real problems submitted by listeners, from weaves that fall apart in the ring to start line stays that disappear at trials. It is the practical follow-up to the Valley of Despair: how to think about the work, and what to actually do about the problems in front of you. You Will Learn The eight mindset shifts that separate handlers enjoying the sport from those stuck in the Valley of Despair How your own emotional state travels down the leash, and what to do when you feel yourself slipping into the valley How to approach problems with: weave poles, broken start line stays, treat-dependent dogs, and stopped contacts that turn into fly offs at trials Mentioned This podcast is relevant for both the start line stay (dogs that break) and the release (dogs that freeze at the startline): Missed the second podcast in the series? Listen to it here: Missed the first podcast in the series? Listen to it here:
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Run Happy Series: The Valley Every Handler Hits
06/08/2026
Run Happy Series: The Valley Every Handler Hits
In this episode (35:10) In this episode, Sarah, Esteban, and Jennifer go deep into the lowest point of the Emotional Cycle of Change. They cover what it looks like in agility, why it happens, and the two ways out, only one of which actually works. You Will Learn How to recognize the valley of despair in your own training, and why landing there doesn’t mean something is wrong with you or your dog The two ways out of the valley, and why the one that feels best may not be helpful Why context is key for both the dog and the handler when you’re working your way out of the valley Mentioned Missed the first podcast in the series? Listen to it here: Sponsored By
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Run Happy Series: Are You Having Fun?
06/03/2026
Run Happy Series: Are You Having Fun?
In this episode (27:55) In this episode, Sarah, Esteban, and Jennifer kick off the Run Happy series, a special three-part run of podcasts taped live on video. They walk through the emotional cycle of change, from the honeymoon phase of a new dog all the way through the hard middle and out the other side, and explain why losing the fun in agility hurts both your enjoyment and your training. You Will Learn The five stages of the emotional cycle of change and how each one shows up in agility Why agility that stops being fun is a double whammy Why hitting the valley of despair is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong with you or your dog Mentioned Sponsored By
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394: Surviving the Agility Desert
05/27/2026
394: Surviving the Agility Desert
In this episode (29:04) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban tackle a question from a VIP member about life in an agility desert and what it means to live hours from the nearest instruction or trial site. You Will Learn What actually defines an agility desert, and why distance from trials and distance from instruction are different problems How community keeps remote handlers connected and motivated Why online training has become the mainstay of survival in the desert Mentioned The VIP will Open Soon! Join the Waitlist: Sponsored By
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393: Using the Course Map
05/21/2026
393: Using the Course Map
In this episode (24:06) Course maps are one of those tools every handler uses but few of us really think about. On this week’s episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban dig into how they each use course maps, when course maps actually help, and when staring at one might be holding you back. You Will Learn How to use a course map Jennifer’s “changes in concavity” theory Sarah’s “no 2 plan A’s” theory Mentioned VIP members: We mentioned the excellent webinar with Zach Davis, you can find it under the “Webinars” tab in the VIP members area. Non-VIP: Your chance to join is coming soon! Sponsored By
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392: Hitting the Road
05/13/2026
392: Hitting the Road
In this episode (29:33) A listener wrote in asking for advice on planning their first long-distance trip to a major event, and the three of us had a lot to say. We talk through how dogs and humans experience the same travel day differently, whether you’re better off with fewer long driving days or more shorter ones, and whether it’s worth stopping to practice along the way. If you’ve got a big trip on the horizon, this one’s for you. You Will Learn How dogs and humans experience the same travel day differently, and why that matters for planning The case for fewer, longer driving days versus more days with shorter drives Whether stopping to practice agility en route is worth the added planning Practical considerations that often get overlooked by first-time travelers Sponsored By
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391: Performing Under the Lights
05/07/2026
391: Performing Under the Lights
In this episode (45:24) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban address a question from a listener who felt overwhelmed at a big event under the bright lights of the cameras and the importance of the moment. The team shares their own experiences competing on live televised finals and dig into what the research says about choking under pressure and the techniques that actually help. You Will Learn Why pre-performance routines matter and how to use them strategically How post-performance processing routines can also impact high stakes performance How to handle it when your routine gets disrupted before a run Four research backed techniques for overcoming choking under pressure Mentioned/Related Watch Rebecca ““ Sponsored By
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390: When to Add to Your Pack
04/30/2026
390: When to Add to Your Pack
In this episode (17:25) Sarah and Jennifer tackle a listener question about timing: when is the right moment to add a puppy to your pack, and how will it affect your relationship with your current competition dog? They share their own histories with bringing in new dogs and talk through what they’d recommend. You Will Learn The age range for your current competition dog that Sarah and Jennifer think makes for the smoothest puppy transition What to expect (and what not to worry about) when it comes to your older dog’s relationship with you after a puppy arrives Whether having an older dog around really helps a puppy learn, and the downside most people don’t consider Sponsored By
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389: 320,000 Dogwalks
04/23/2026
389: 320,000 Dogwalks
In this episode (1:17:56) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban welcome Dr. Arielle Pechette Markley and Dr. Abigail Shoben to discuss their CARIS research update analyzing data from 1,385 trials and over 300,000 runs per obstacle. They break down the findings from the largest coordinated safety study in agility history on contact obstacle incidents and what the numbers actually mean for handlers and dogs. You Will Learn The actual incident rates by obstacle: dogwalk leads at 2.1 per 1,000 runs, followed by teeter (1.04) and A-frame (0.40) Why 91.5% of contact incidents result in no apparent injury, with actual injury rates as low as 1 in 33,000 runs for dogwalks How these prospective findings compare to previous retrospective studies and why the methodology matters for interpreting risk Which agility obstacle has a much higher incident rate than any of the contact obstacles Mentioned The everyone is talking about: . The “speed study”: Sponsored By
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388: What ISC Entry Data Tells Us
04/16/2026
388: What ISC Entry Data Tells Us
In this episode (28:03) The AKC International Sweepstakes Class launched mid-2023, bringing European-style FCI course design to AKC trials at three levels of difficulty. Now, with two full years of data in hand, Sarah takes a deep dive into the numbers to see where the program stands and what the trends might tell us about where it’s headed. You Will Learn How ISC entries compare to overall AKC participation, and what the 2024 vs. 2025 growth numbers actually look like Why big dogs dominate ISC entries, and how the 20″ and 24″ height classes compare to their share of the broader AKC entry pool What the shift away from Level 1 toward Levels 2 and 3 suggests about who is running ISC and how the competitor base is maturing Mentioned Sponsored By
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387: Video Assisted Review in AKC and UKI
04/09/2026
387: Video Assisted Review in AKC and UKI
In this episode (37:31) Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban are joined by Chris Durkee of 4 Legged Flix to talk about Video Assisted Review (VAR), a technology now being used at the highest levels of agility competition in the United States. VAR was deployed at both the recent AKC National Agility Championship and the UKI Invitational, with video services provided by 4 Legged Flix. You Will Learn Why contact obstacle judging is so difficult How VAR works and what triggers a review How judges interacted with VAR and whether it affected their confidence or decision-making Whether VAR more often adds faults that were missed or overturns faults that were incorrectly called What events may adopt VAR going forward Mentioned Sponsored By
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386: Boy Dog or Girl Dog?
04/02/2026
386: Boy Dog or Girl Dog?
In this episode (26:28) Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer share personal experiences and unpack the common stereotypes around male and female dogs in agility. With Esteban running girls, Sarah running boys, and Jennifer having trained both, the trio brings a range of perspectives and lands in the same place: the sex of a dog matters a lot less than people think. You Will Learn Why Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer each gravitate toward (or away from) a particular sex and what actually drove those choices The most common stereotypes about male vs. female dogs in agility, and how much truth the three coaches find in them Why limiting your puppy search by sex may cause you to overlook the dog that could be your best partner yet How other factors like temperament, drive, relationship, and timing outweigh sex when it comes to finding and developing a great agility dog Sponsored By
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385: AKC National Agility Championship Wrap-Up with Guest Peter Wirth
03/26/2026
385: AKC National Agility Championship Wrap-Up with Guest Peter Wirth
In this episode (57.15) In this episode, Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer sit down with Peter Wirth, the handler of that amazing Corgi, 8″ National Champion Welly. We also discuss the challenges of this year’s courses, including the low Q rates, multiple falls off the dogwalk, and the weave pole challenge that eliminated half the Finals field. You Will Learn What Peter and Jennifer thought about the high number of weave pole faults in the Finals What the Q rates were in both Prelims and Finals and what they tell us What this year’s NAC might signal about the future direction of course design Mentioned
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384: 4 Feet or 5 – Does Bar Width Actually Matter?
03/19/2026
384: 4 Feet or 5 – Does Bar Width Actually Matter?
In this episode (27:08) Does the difference between 4-foot and 5-foot bars really matter in dog agility? In this episode, we dig into how bar width impacts everything from course design to your dog’s performance, and why this seemingly small difference can have bigger implications than you might think. You Will Learn How 4-foot vs 5-foot bars affect course design and handling decisions Whether bar width changes your dog’s jumping mechanics and consistency Why Jennifer and Esteban don’t like opening a course with a tire followed immediately by the dogwalk Mentioned Sponsored By
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383: Dog Agility on Netflix?
03/12/2026
383: Dog Agility on Netflix?
In this episode (27:08) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban explore what a dog agility series on Netflix or another streaming platform could look like. They discuss several possible formats and why agility has the ingredients for mainstream success. You Will Learn Different formats a dog agility series could take on a streaming platform The kinds of stories and personalities that would make the sport compelling for a wider audience Why dog agility has strong potential as a binge-worthy series What makes the sport visually exciting and emotionally engaging for viewers Mentioned : a docuseries on Amazon Prime Sponsored By
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382: What Dog Agility Can Learn from Olympic Swimming
03/05/2026
382: What Dog Agility Can Learn from Olympic Swimming
In this episode (32:17) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah explore what dog agility can learn from Olympic swimming, two fast sports where performances last seconds but preparation takes months or years. They discuss how tiny technical details, mental preparation, and strategic training decisions can dramatically impact performance when the margin for error is so small. You Will Learn Why the swimming concept of tapering may apply to preparing dogs for major agility competitions How the first few seconds of a run, from the lead-out to the first obstacle, can set the tone for everything that follows Why both sports demand trust in training and muscle memory during short, high-stakes performances How mental preparation and pre-run routines can help handlers manage nerves and perform at their best Mentioned Sponsored By
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381: Puppies with Friends
02/26/2026
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 Sponsored By
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380: Mixed Breed Dogs in Agility
02/19/2026
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 Sponsored By
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379: The Medium-Speed Dog’s Guide to NAC
02/12/2026
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 Sponsored By
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378: Westminster Masters Agility Champion Amber McCune
02/05/2026
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
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377: Wait Your Turn
01/29/2026
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
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376: Optimal Lines in Agility
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 Sponsored By
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375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling
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 Sponsored By:
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374: Fail Better
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 , , or . Happy training and thank you for helping us reach over 2 million podcast downloads! Sponsored By:
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373: Burnout in Dog Agility
11/06/2025
373: Burnout in Dog Agility
In this episode (37:02) Burnout isn’t just something that happens at work—it happens in dog agility, too. In this episode, we dive into what burnout looks like for handlers, why it happens, and how to recover in a healthy way. You Will Learn The three major predictors of burnout identified across 30+ studies: Why agility is uniquely vulnerable to burnout (and what’s missing compared to other sports). Practical ways to recover and prevent burnout for both you and your dog. Sponsored By
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372: “My Dog Deserves Better”
10/30/2025
372: “My Dog Deserves Better”
In this episode (20:34) We’ve all said it. “My dog deserves better.” Maybe after a missed contact, a wide turn, or one of those runs where nothing clicks. But what does that phrase really mean? In this episode, we look at where it comes from, how it shapes the way we see ourselves as handlers, and what our dogs actually need from us. You Will Learn Why “my dog deserves better” comes from love and care, but can slowly turn into guilt. How to tell the difference between healthy accountability and self-blame that holds you back. Why having a super talented dog can feel like pressure instead of joy, and how to flip that around. Esteban’s advice to reframe your language so it builds confidence instead of doubt. 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 , , or . Happy training and thank you for helping us reach over 2 million podcast downloads! Sponsored By:
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371: Kris Seiter & Naavdanya Win Worlds
10/23/2025
371: Kris Seiter & Naavdanya Win Worlds
In this episode (48:38) This week on the Bad Dog Agility Podcast, we sit down with Kris Seiter, the newly crowned FCI Agility World Champion in the Intermediate height division, and her Border Collie Naavdanya, the first American team to win an overall individual gold medal since 2011. Fresh off their incredible performance in Kalmar, Sweden, Kris joins us to share what it felt like to stand atop the podium and take us behind the scenes of an unforgettable weekend on the world stage. You Will Learn Kris’s thoughts and emotions after each run at AWC How she and her husband share handling duties with Naavdanya Insights into this year’s course design What it’s like competing as part of Team USA on the international stage The preparation and mindset behind a gold-medal performance Watch Kris’ Winning Run Sponsored By:
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370: FOMO in Dog Agility
10/22/2025
370: FOMO in Dog Agility
In this episode (32:54) In this episode, we unpack FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, in the world of dog agility. From chasing every seminar and trend to feeling left behind when others seem to improve faster, we talk about how FOMO affects both handlers and dogs. Drawing on psychology, personal experience, and plenty of agility-specific examples, we explore how to recognize FOMO, how it can quietly derail progress, and how to shift toward a healthier mindset, the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Whether you’re a newcomer overwhelmed by all the options or a seasoned competitor trying to keep up with every new technique, this episode will help you reset your focus and find confidence in your own path. You Will Learn What FOMO really is and why it’s especially common in dog agility. How FOMO can affect training, competition, finances, and mental health. Why even experienced handlers and coaches fall into the trap of constant comparison. Practical ways to reframe FOMO into JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. Mentioned/Related Sponsored By:
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370: FOMO in Dog Agility
10/09/2025
370: FOMO in Dog Agility
In this episode (32:54) In this episode, we unpack FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, in the world of dog agility. From chasing every seminar and trend to feeling left behind when others seem to improve faster, we talk about how FOMO affects both handlers and dogs. Drawing on psychology, personal experience, and plenty of agility-specific examples, we explore how to recognize FOMO, how it can quietly derail progress, and how to shift toward a healthier mindset, the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Whether you’re a newcomer overwhelmed by all the options or a seasoned competitor trying to keep up with every new technique, this episode will help you reset your focus and find confidence in your own path. You Will Learn What FOMO really is and why it’s especially common in dog agility. How FOMO can affect training, competition, finances, and mental health. Why even experienced handlers and coaches fall into the trap of constant comparison. Practical ways to reframe FOMO into JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. Mentioned/Related
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369: Jennifer Gives a TED Talk
10/02/2025
369: Jennifer Gives a TED Talk
In this episode (48:27) What does it really take to deliver a TED Talk? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Crank to hear about her journey from invitation to standing on stage under the iconic red letters. Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of the months-long preparation process—from refining her script with TED coaches to designing visuals that would resonate with a global audience. You Will Learn Why TED Talks generate over $100 million each year and how that shapes the brand’s global reach How invited speakers work with a dedicated coach to refine and sharpen their story Why every TED Talk must be fully memorized—no teleprompters allowed What it was like for Jennifer to bring a live dog agility demo onto the TED stage Mentioned/Related Speaking of being a mom, that was the topic of our first podcast with Jennifer…as a guest, not a host! Sponsored By:
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