Bad Dog Agility Podcast

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

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

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

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

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.
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Happy training and thank you for helping us reach over 2 million podcast downloads!
Sponsored By:
Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce