Bad Dog Agility Podcast

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
Visualization and Mental Preparation
Episode 189: How to Structure Your Dog Agility Season
Sponsored By
Canine Handler Fitness
Saint Rocco's Treats

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

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

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

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