photo credit: Great Dane Photos

In this episode, we dive into the hottest agility topic on social media right now: the dogwalk. We explore the passionate and diverse opinions within the agility community about whether it’s time to rethink the design of this iconic piece of equipment. Joining us is Mark Bills of Clip and Go Agility, the creator of the 18″ wide dogwalk that’s been making waves on social media.

• How the agility community feels about changing the dogwalk specifications.
• Which groups of dogs could benefit from adjustments to the width or height.
• The pros and cons of modifying the dogwalk dimensions.
• How changes to the dogwalk could also improve safety on the teeter.
• The realistic costs involved in altering the width of the dogwalk.

• Click here for the Clip and Go video showing dogs doing a standard dogwalk and a wider, lower dogwalk.
• Facebook post from Katarina Podlipnik Capuder about her 40cm dogwalk.
• Update from Clip and Go

In this episode, Sarah, Jennifer, and Esteban explore the importance of community in dog agility. From local clubs to national events, they discuss how fostering connections can enhance your overall experience and help the sport thrive.

• Why community matters and how it can elevate your training and competition experience.
• Strategies for connecting with others at trials, classes, and clubs.
• Tips for creating an inclusive environment that welcomes newcomers and fosters belonging.
• It’s also okay to just show up and run your dog.

photo credit: Great Dane Photos

In this podcast, we explore how trailblazers redefine their fields, using Caitlin Clark’s transformative impact on women’s basketball as a lens to examine innovation in dog agility. From long-range shooting to running contacts, we discuss the creativity and risk-taking that drive progress in sports.

• How Caitlin Clark’s game is revolutionizing women’s basketball and inspiring the next generation of players.
• The parallels between sports like basketball and dog agility in fostering innovation and pushing boundaries.
• Key milestones in the evolution of dog agility, including running contacts, backsides, blind crosses, and advanced verbal cues.
• How risk-taking and creativity lead to game-changing breakthroughs in both human and canine sports.
• Why pioneers in any field are essential for shaping future strategies, techniques, and culture.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible career of Carrie DeYoung, who is retiring after a remarkable tenure as the Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club (AKC). Carrie reflects on her journey, her contributions to the sport, and her hopes for its future.

• How Carrie DeYoung shaped the landscape of AKC agility over her tenure.
• The challenges and triumphs she encountered in promoting agility nationwide.
• Key milestones and initiatives introduced under her leadership.
• Carrie’s vision for the future of agility sports and the AKC community.

• Episode 5: Nancy Gyes and Carrie DeYoung Interview
• Episode 31: How Does Internationalization Impact Dog Agility?
• Episode 36: The 2013 EO and AWC USA Teams
• Episode 59: The 2014 International Team Tryouts
• Episode 62: Celebrating 20 Years of AKC Agility
• Episode 93: The New AKC Premier Class is Coming
• Episode 202: AKC Invitational with Carrie DeYoung
• Episode 215: The 2019 AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM
• Episode 323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC
• Episode 331: Inside Look at AKC’s New Agility Proposals with Carrie DeYoung

In this episode, the team recaps the very first AKC ISC Championship event. Jennifer, who competed at the event, shares her firsthand experience, diving into the details of the event format, course design, and the competition’s atmosphere.

• How the inaugural AKC ISC Championship was structured, from the entry process to the competition format.
• The unique challenges and level distinctions in course design, and how they tested handlers’ skills.
• Details on the scoring system, including how faults and off-courses impacted the results and strategy.
• The role of the team event, how it influenced competitor handling, and the scoring nuances.
• The overall atmosphere of the event, how it was organized, and feedback from competitors on this new addition to the agility calendar.

• Episode 323: The Past, Present, and Future of AKC ISC
• Agility Nerd

In this episode, we sit down with Dalton Meredith, the Intermediate height overall individual silver medalist from this year’s FCI Agility World Championship (AWC). Dalton shares his thoughts on the UK’s recent success at FCI events, his unique experience competing in a runoff for individual gold, and emerging trends in course design.

• Insights into the UK’s growing presence and success at the FCI Agility World Championship.
• Dalton’s firsthand account of the intensity and excitement of a runoff for the individual gold medal.
• Key trends in agility course design and how they are impacting competitors.
• Where to follow Dalton and stay updated with his journey: Facebook and Instagram.

• Episode 85: Have We Solved the Game of Agility?
• Interview with Aneta Obrusníková
• The Rise and Fall of World Champions
• Follow Dalton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094809501133

In this episode, McKenzie Minto, Co-director of Boundless Junior Agility, joins the podcast to share insights into the Boundless Junior Agility Company (BJAC). Mackenzie discusses how the organization supports junior handlers by offering camps, training programs, and new opportunities for young agility enthusiasts.

• The origins and mission of the Boundless Junior Agility Company.
• Details about BJAC’s camps, including the Lend a Paw program, where juniors can train with seasoned dogs.
• The Boundless Junior Agility League, a virtual competition for junior handlers.
• The announcement of the UKI Boundless Youth Championship in June 2025, which offers win-on spots for the World Agility Open 2026 and the US Open.
• How BJAC focuses on promoting sportsmanship and developing strong competitors both on and off the field.

• Boundless Junior Agility Co Website
• Episode 66: The Decline of AKC’s Novice A Class

In this episode, we explore a powerful quote from an Olympian about the delicate balance between wanting success and not needing it for self-worth. We dive into the psychology of high achievement, the importance of resilience, and how to pursue goals without letting them define who you are. This episode will help you rethink what it means to strive for success while keeping your mental and emotional health in check.

• The difference between wanting success and needing it for validation.
• Why tying your self-worth to achievements can be mentally harmful.
• How to maintain resilience and perspective in the face of failure.
• Why many instructors struggle with poor performances.

• Watch Jemima Montag’s Interview: https://www.facebook.com/realcarrickryan/videos/1695946174525648/
• Bad Dog Agility Goes to Westminster 2016

Penny Leigh joins the podcast to talk about the AKC Agility League. The next season of the League is open NOW and registration closes September 11th. Talk with your friends and form your teams to join!

• The purpose and history of the agility league.
• How the agility league can benefit you and your dog.
• Why the league is not a replacement for trials.
• How to create a team and get started!
• How training schools and facilities are building classes around the league season.

• The main AKC Agility League webpage: https://www.akc.org/akc-agility-league/
• Info on How to Get Started
• How to Wheel a Course for AKC Agility League

Dudley Shumate joins the podcast to talk about the inaugural Senior Open, a new international event for competitors 55 and older, hosted by the FCI. The event was held in Belgium from July 18-21, 2024.

• The structure of the Senior Open Agility World Championship (SOAWC).
• How the US Team was selected.
• Dudley’s advice to competitors, especially seniors.

• Episode 182: Choose Your Own Agility Adventure
• Follow Dudley on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009140141755
• Watch Dudley’s Winning Run on Facebook or YouTube (different view)

In this episode, Jenn shares her experience at the 2024 Premier Cup which was held June 29th at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota.

• How to get an invite to this event.
• Jenn’s history with this event.
• Details and stories about this year’s surface, venue, and weather.
• The winners of each height class.

• Where to Watch the 2024 AKC Premier Cup
• Information on the venue and surface: https://nscsports.org/facilities/stadium/
• Episode 215: The 2019 AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM
• Episode 220: AKC Agility Premier Cup Wrap-up
• Watch Jenn and Bee on all three rounds here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cvPPmrt0Sc