Bad Dog Agility Podcast

• 361: Last-Minute AKC NAC Prep

  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 thinking “If I can’t make Finals, it’s not worth it.” The two ways forward: making the Finals or the Challenger Round—and why you should stick around until you’re absolutely sure you’re out. Why clean runs matter more than ever and how to adjust your handling strategy to prioritize them. How to approach the Challenger Round and Finals strategically, including the importance of seeding, judge tendencies, and staying composed. The mental and physical preparation needed to perform your best—including rest, nutrition, visualization, and handling ring conflicts. Mentioned What Does It Take to Make Finals at AKC Nationals? How to Make the Finals at AKC Nationals Visualization and Mental Preparation Join us for the 2025 Before and After Online Course!

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  50:09
• 360: How Handlers Compromise Good Training

  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 success over short-term fixes. You Will Learn Why handlers feel pressure to “fix” mistakes and how that impacts training The most common handler mistakes when addressing: -Mid-sequence errors (Sarah) -Missed contacts & weave poles (Jennifer) -Start-line issues (Esteban) A mindset shift that will help you prioritize quality training over quick fixes Mentioned Episode 139: The Test/Train/Adjust Cycle

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• 359: Team USA Coach Nancy Gyes Retires

  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 biggest changes in international agility competition over the past 30 years. Key trends in European agility influencing U.S. performance. The issues facing agility organizations in the team selection process. Nancy’s perspective on the toughest challenges and most memorable moments from her coaching career. Mentioned We last spoke with Nancy on Episode 5 in 2012!!! Listen to this blast from the past: Episode 5: Nancy Gyes and Carrie DeYoung Interview Sarah’s Favorite Podcast: Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure

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• 358: Westminster Masters Agility Championship 2025 with Emily Klarman

  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 UDog Agility Find Emily on Instagram: @roamingbcs

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  43:42
• 357: Preparation Checklist for Big Events

  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 edge. The importance of mental preparation, visualization, and building confidence before the big event. How to perfect your routines at regular trials so they hold up under pressure. The key to staying flexible and adapting to unexpected challenges at high-stakes competitions. Mentioned Visualization and Mental Preparation Episode 32: Improving Your Mental Game for Big Events

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