Bad Dog Agility Podcast

376: Optimal Lines in Agility

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

374: Fail Better

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 co...

373: Burnout in Dog Agility

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

372: "My Dog Deserves Better"

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 cli...

371: Kris Seiter & Naavdanya Win Worlds

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 In...

370: FOMO in Dog Agility

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

370: FOMO in Dog Agility

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

369: Jennifer Gives a TED Talk

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fro...

368: From Agility Ring to Superman's Superdog!

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (32:06) In this special episode, we sit down with agility competitor Connie Dieball, whose dog Jolene served as the reference dog for ...

367: The Success Cycle

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (16:59) Struggling to make progress in agility—even though you’re putting in the work? In this episode, Esteban and Sarah break do...

366: What Separates the Top 10% from Everyone Else

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (20:38) What really sets the top agility teams apart? In this episode, Esteban, Sarah, and Jennifer each choose one key factor they be...

365: Why You Need a Coach (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:07) Coaches and instructors play a crucial role in our growth as agility handlers. In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban r...

364: Mastery or Survival - The Class vs. Trial Mindset

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (27:23) In this episode, we dive into a question every agility handler wrestles with: Should you train...

363: New Research Focusing on Dog Agility Safety

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (39:13) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah are joined by Dr. Arielle Pechette Markley, a Sports Medici...

362: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Abbey Beasley

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (53:30) In this episode, we discuss the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship, including a historic w...

361: Last-Minute AKC NAC Prep

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (50:08) The AKC National Agility Championship is finally here! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or attending your first NAC, thi...

360: How Handlers Compromise Good Training

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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”...

359: Team USA Coach Nancy Gyes Retires

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ag...

358: Westminster Masters Agility Championship 2025 with Emily Klarman

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Klarman, the newly crowned 2025 Westminster Masters Agility Champion! Emily shares her experience competing on...

357: Preparation Checklist for Big Events

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

356: Should You Specialize?

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (38:55) In this episode, we tackle a listener’s question: Can you excel in more than one agility venue? Specialization vs. versatili...

355: Is It Time to Change the Dogwalk?

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (1:18:23) In this episode, we dive into the hottest agility topic on social media right now: the dogwa...

354: Building Community in Dog Agility

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (35:02) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban explore the importance of community in dog agility. From local clubs to national...

353: Game Changers in Dog Agility

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (26:39) In this podcast, we explore how trailblazers redefine their fields, using Caitlin Clark’s tr...

352: AKC Director Carrie DeYoung Retires

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (55:23) Join us as we celebrate the incredible career of Carrie DeYoung, who is retiring after a remarkable tenure as the Director of ...

351: The Inaugural AKC ISC Championship

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (50:57) In this episode, the team recaps the very first AKC ISC Championship event. Jennifer, who competed at the event, shares her fi...

350: Interview with AWC Vice Champion Dalton Meredith

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (1:03:16) In this episode, we sit down with Dalton Meredith, the Intermediate height overall individual silver medalist from this year...

349: Boundless Junior Agility Co. with McKenzie Minto

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:09) In this episode, McKenzie Minto, Co-director of Boundless Junior Agility, joins the podcast to share insights into the Boundl...

348: The Fine Line Between Wanting and Needing

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (36:23) In this episode, we explore a powerful quote from an Olympian about the delicate balance between wanting success and not needi...

347: Interview with Penny Leigh, Director of the AKC Agility League

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (40:23) Penny Leigh joins the podcast to talk about the AKC Agility League. The next season of the League is open NOW and registration...

346: Interview with Senior Open World Champion Dudley Shumate

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (24:23) Dudley Shumate joins the podcast to talk about the inaugural Senior Open, a new international event for competitors 55 and old...

345: The 2024 Premier Cup Wrap-Up

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (25:19) In this episode, Jenn shares her experience at the 2024 Premier Cup which was held June 29th at the National Sports Center in ...

344: Dogs and Fireworks

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (25:03) In this episode, we share our personal experiences and tips for helping dogs who get anxious during Fourth of July fireworks, ...

343: What is a Good Q Rate?

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (27:19) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share and discuss the qualifying rates for all jump heights in AKC agility, cove...

342: Interview with the First 12" Westminster Overall Winner Cynthia Hornor

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (50:25) Join us for an exciting episode where Sarah, Esteban, and Jennifer interview Cynthia Hornor about the big win with her remarka...

341: British Agility and the Longines Global Champions Tour

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (21:48) This week, we’re thrilled to have Anthony Clarke, founder of British Agility, on our podcast. Co-host Jennifer Crank recentl...

340: Health Clearances in Dog Agility

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (21:15) This week, we’re joined by Dr. Brittany Schaezler to dive into the topic of health clearances for agility dogs. Whether you’...

339: Support vs Babysitting in Dog Agility Handling

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (21:39) This week, we delve into a topic suggested by one of our listeners: the fine line between babysitting and supporting your agil...

338: Post 2024 NAC Wrap-Up

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (39:51) Jennifer and Sarah talk about their experiences at the 2024 National Agility Championship with Esteban providing the livestrea...

337: 2024 AKC National Agility Championship Preview

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (48:29) The 2024 AKC National Agility Championship takes place March 14-17 in Perry, Georgia. In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer expl...

336: How To Walk Your Dog Off the Course

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (46:45) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban share their experiences and advice on how to leave the ring after the dog fails ...

335: Getting an Adult Dog for Agility

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (28:37) Join us as we explore the benefits of choosing adult dogs for agility training, discussing how their known characteristics can...

334: How Top Trainers Get Their Next Dog

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (30:08) In this podcast, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain how top agility handlers get their next dog while giving their own #1 qu...

333: Teeter Criteria

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (27:26) Join us as we discuss the importance of defining and achieving clear criteria for teeter performance. Learn about the challeng...

332: Agility Seminars

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:33) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban touch on the evolution of seminars in the agility world, while sharing essential...

331: Inside Look at AKC’s New Agility Proposals with Carrie DeYoung

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (44:19) AKC Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung joins the podcast to discuss the latest round of proposed changes, giving us the inside...

330: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 2

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (44:38) In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Laval...

329: Early Take Off (ETO) – Part 1

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (47:05) In this episode, we delve into Early Take Off (ETO) in agility dogs with our guest, Jean Lavalley. We explore the complexities...

328: Navigating your Agility Ambitions in 2024

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (39:04) In this episode, we share our personal agility goals for the upcoming year, as well as strategies for successfully reaching yo...

327: How Many Verbal Cues Do You Need?

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

photo credit: Great Dane Photos In this episode (48:58) In this episode, join Jennifer, Esteban, and Sarah as they delve into the world of verbal cues...

326: Interview with US Open Champion Perry DeWitt

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (43:39) In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Perry DeWitt to discuss her phenomenal success in both the UKI US Open and t...

325: The UKI North American Invitational

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (48:22) In this episode, Esteban and Sarah are joined by Greg Derrett, CEO and Co-founder of UKI, to discuss the inaugural UKI North A...

324: Resource for AKC Agility Course Maps

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (32:59) In this episode, we’re joined by Sammi Flynn, the admin of a Facebook group dedicated to archiving AKC Agility course maps. ...

323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (38:13) In this episode, we’re joined by Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club, Carrie DeYoung to talk about the recent c...

322: Handler Mental Recovery After Canine Physical Recovery

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (36:25) In this episode, we talk about the mental management required from the HANDLER after a DOG injury. Coming back from an injury ...

321: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (48:02) In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Emily Klarman and Perry DeWitt talk about the this year’s even...

320: What NOT to Train Right Before a Big Event

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:31) In this episode, the BDA team talks about how we approach training as we get closer and closer to a big event. You Will Learn ...

319: Essentials For Your New Puppy

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (31:16) In this episode, the BDA team talks about preparing for a new puppy. You Will Learn How Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban prepare f...

318: Should You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (33:07) In this episode, the BDA team ponders the question: is there ever a time when a handler-dog team should NOT improve on or acqu...

317: 2022 AKC Agility Invitational Wrap Up with Jane Bronson

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

(Photo Credit: Great Dane Photography) In this episode (36:56) In this episode, 20″ AKC Invitational winner Jane Bronson joins the podcast to talk a...

316: Make or Ditch New Year’s Resolutions?

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (39:37) In this episode, the BDA crew helps you start your 2023 with an agility flourish as they tackle the issue of New Year’s reso...

315: Winter Training and Holiday Update

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

(Photo Credit: A. Wooten Photography) In this episode (38:09) In this episode, the BDA crew identifies top priorities for people’s winter agility tr...

314: Take the Lead Provides Health and Disaster Assistance for AKC Agility Handlers

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (23:52) In this episode, we talk with Paul Campanella and Tom Bradley about the non-profit Take the Lead. “Take the Lead was establi...

313: Interview with Junior Handler Jada Sawhney

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:01) In this episode, we talk with junior handler Jada Sawhney who just came back from the Border Collie Specialty and the Incredib...

312: Interview with European Open Winner Angie Benacquisto

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (47:44) In this episode, we talk with Angie Benacquisto, the first American to win the European Open! You Will Learn How Angie prepar...

311: Performing Your Best After Travel

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (32:15) In this episode, we discuss how travel before big events affects performance and what you can do about it! You Will Learn The...

310: How to Deal with Ring Conflicts

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (26:37) In this episode, Jennifer explains how to deal with ring conflicts and shares her advice for running multiple dogs at a trial....

309: Post Westminster Interview with “Team Bee”

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (58:44) In this podcast, Sarah and Esteban talk with Jennifer Crank and Jean Lavalley about Bee’s record setting Westminster win. Yo...

308: Interview with Club Representative Jane Dewey

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (46:25) In this podcast, Jane Dewey joins the podcast to talk about putting on a trial from the club perspective. You Will Learn The ...

307: Post NAC Wrap-Up with Betsey Lynch, Jennifer Crank, and Amber McCune

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (1:08:31) In this episode, newly crowned AKC National Agility Champions Jennifer Crank, Betsey Lynch, and Amber McCune talk about the ...

306: Interview with Trial Secretary Noreen Bennett

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (41:23) In this podcast, Noreen Bennett of PawPrint Trials joins the podcast to educate competitors about the role a trial secretary p...

305: Interview with Judge Sheyla Gutierrez

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (54:19) In this podcast, AKC judge Sheyla Gutierrez shares how she came to be a judge at the National Agility Championship as well as ...

304: UKI in 2022 with Greg Derrett

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (49:53) UKI co-founder Greg Derrett joins the podcast talk about UKI in North America, including the US Open, cup events, and the new ...

303: Interview with Enya Habel and Anna Hinze

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (44:02) Swedish champion Enya Habel and German champion Anna Hinze join the podcast to talk about European agility, course design tren...

302: Does Your Agility Training Feel Like Whac-A-Mole?

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (32:04) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about Whac-A-Mole and dog agility. You Will Learn Why training your dog can...

301: Are You Overusing Some Cues in Dog Agility?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (15:25) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk the difference between OVERUSE and MISUSE and dive deeper into what your ins...

300: Eleven Reasons to Trial

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:45) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk how having goals for trialing, beyond ribbons and titles, can help you impro...

299: Playing It Safe

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (33:17) In this podcast, Sarah, Jennifer and Esteban talk about “playing it safe” when you’re running an agility course. When sh...

298: Managing Your Dog During Class

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

n this episode (25:29) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban discuss the evolution of how people manage their dogs during classes—when it’...

297: Function Before Fashion

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (35:33) In this podcast, the BDA crew share how the sport shapes their fashion choices on course! You Will Learn Why Jennifer never w...

296: At What Age Should You Move to Preferred?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (34:06) In this podcast Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban answer your question “When do most people move their dog to preferred/performan...

295: The Timing of Verbal Cues

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (30:26) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban discuss the timing of verbal cues. You Will Learn Whether or not you need verbal cues. Why...

294: Interview with Kathy Keats on Dogs, Sport, and Life

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (54:21) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah and Esteban talk with Kathy Keats about dogs, sport, and life. You Will Learn Why mindset is...

293: Forward-Chaining and Back-Chaining

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (17:30) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explain how they use back-chaining and forward-chaining to help dogs learn more ...

292: What To Do When Things Start Off Poorly at a Big Event

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (19:40) In this episode, the BDA coaches give handlers advice on what to do when things start off poorly at a trial that’s very impo...

291: Fall Agility Update

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (32:14) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban highlight recent and upcoming events in the agility world. You Will Learn When ...

290: Speed vs Accuracy

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (29:17) In this episode, the BDA team talks about the relationship between speed and accuracy in dog agility. You Will Learn Why many...

289: The End of Coach’s Eye

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (25:48) Instructors at Bad Dog Agility have been using the Coach’s Eye app to analyze maps and videos of runs for years, but no long...

288: Interview with 2-Time Highest Scoring All-American Westminster Winner Lisa Topol

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (42:46) In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban are joined by Lisa Topol, the 2021 AND 2019 Highest Scoring All-American dog at ...

287: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (14:35) What would you do if you were without an agility partner for two years? In this podcast, Sarah and Jennifer talk with Collene ...

286: Why Agility?

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (37:09) This podcast is taken from a live video presentation. In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban explore WHY people love ag...

285: Private Lessons

15 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about private lessons in dog agility and how you can use them more effectively. You Will Learn Dif...

284: How to Get a Perfect 1600 on Your Next Agility Run

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (38:37) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban apply concepts from “How to Get a Perfect 1600 SAT Score” to dog agility. Im...

283: Running Other People’s Dogs

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (43:30) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban talk about running other people’s dogs, including why and how they do it. You ...

282: Should You Switch From Stopped to Running Contacts?

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (34:24) In this episode, Jennifer, Sarah, and Esteban reveal the many factors handlers have to take into consideration when they answe...

281: What Do Handlers Eat at Big Events?

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (14:29) In this episode, Jennifer and Esteban share their not-so-secret agility trial eating habits with Sarah. You Will Learn What J...

280: NAC Wrap-Up with Judge Tim Verrelli

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (1:08:22) In this episode, Sarah and Esteban welcome special guest Tim Verrelli, judge of the AKC National Agility Championship Finals...

279: Pinwheel Problems

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (17:57) In this episode, the BDA team discusses one of the most classic jump sequences in all of agility: the pinwheel. You Will Learn...

278: How to Help Your Dog the Right Way

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (18:56) In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss how to help our dog be successful and improve their learning at the same time. You...