Bad Dog Agility Podcast

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
Interactive Map Showing AKC Agility Trial Locations in 2025
The VIP will Open Soon! Join the Waitlist: https://baddogagility.com/train-with-us/
Sponsored By
Canine Handler Fitness

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
Episode 324: Resource for AKC Agility Course Maps
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
Canine Handler Fitness

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
Canine Handler Fitness

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
Why we choke under pressure — and how to avoid it | Sian Leah Beilock
Episode 357: Preparation Checklist for Big Events
Episode 188: Handler Desensitization
Watch Rebecca "feel her own power"
Sponsored By
Canine Handler Fitness

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
Canine Handler Fitness