Explore every episode of the podcast The Agility Odyssey Podcast

My high-drive, high-arousal working kelpie Spire has recently turned eighteen months old, and I'm reflecting on the best things I did and the best decisions I made about raising her.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "agility foundations"? It might be a little different than what comes to mind for me. Allow me to explain where I think foundations really begin... it might just give you some helpful food for thought.

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Get to know Sarah, her story, and how she learned some of the most important values that define her approach to dog agility training and competition.

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Today I'm discussing three things I think we as agility handlers and trainers tend to take for granted that maybe we shouldn't. Even if we DO get away with it, why wouldn't we do everything we can to improve the experience our dogs have in the sport?

Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Arousal is such a hot topic in dog agility these days, but is it serving us to label dogs as over-aroused or prone to over-arousal? Join me and podcast guest, Megan Foster, as we discuss how we love and live with our high-arousal agility dogs. We've worked hard to help these high-arousal dogs thrive in life and excel in agility, and today we're sharing what's working for us and our girls. Not following Megan yet? Find her at her website: www.fxagility.com On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fxagility Or listen to her podcast: https://fxagility.mykajabi.com/podcasts/fostering-excellence-in-agility Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Goals can be a tricky business, and they need to be handled with special care when we involve animals in our ambitions. I've learned so much over the years about how to set healthy and productive goals that serve me and my dogs, and protect our relationship and shared enjoyment of agility. Those lessons are what I'm sharing in this episode. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Thank you to Briana for posing this question: "When there are a million things to train, how do you decide what your focus for any particular session is going to be?" This episode is my answer. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Set your dog up for success… I find myself talking about and writing about this often, but what does it actually mean? How do you actually do it? What stands in our way? And why does this matter so much? This week join me as a dig a little deeper on this important topic and try to make a very generic instruction easier to apply in your training. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

I love the nitty gritty details of training and the on-going process of building a shared language with our dogs, so training stronger verbal cues is one of my FAVORITE topics. In this episode I share three tips I've learned in recent years that have made a big difference in how I approach training verbals. I hope they help you as much as they've helped me! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

I think about puppy socialization quite a bit differently now than I did five years ago, or ten years ago. On today's episode, I'm going to share the more nuanced and complex perspective I now have on this important topic.

Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Today on the podcast, I talk a bit about how I ended up loving and living with kelpies, and my best advice when it comes to choosing your next breed or your next dog for agility. Thank you to Katherine for the comment that inspired this episode. 

Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

The process of debuting a young dog has been on my mind lately because I have a young dog, and I plan to debut her later this year! In this episode I share the ways I think about preparation and perspective, so I build a foundation for competitive success that will serve us for years to come. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Retraining or repairing competition behaviors that have broken down is a big challenge that many agility handlers find frustrating. In this week's podcast I'm talking about what it takes to successfully repair competition behaviors, based on my experience and observations. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

This week on the podcast I'm discussing some mental management skills that are fresh on my mind after a great weekend at EO Team Tryouts. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

I believe being more intentional about how you approach each trial run helps build stronger skills over time. In this episode I discuss the different ways I approach trialing, the important role of each mindset, and how accessing these mindsets "on demand" is an important skill to develop as an agility handler. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

This week on the podcast, I'm sharing my thoughts about how I work to make our big competition trips as good for Zi as they are for me... or better. It's long been my opinion that although my ambitions and aspirations can sometimes feel like a burden to me, they should never feel like a burden to my dogs. I acknowledge that these big trips are really for ME, so I am always asking myself if I'm making them as good as they can be for them. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

A brief discussion about WHY I play with my dogs so energetically and enthusiastically. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this episode, I discuss my decision making process around choosing to retire Zi from jumping 24". I hope this episode provides helpful insight on how to approach your own pivotal decisions in your agility career. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this brief episode I'm sharing some thoughts about how I view the emotional roller coaster of agility. This is a conversation I would love to continue, so please send me your comments or questions. A private message to the Agility Odyssey page would be a perfect way to do that! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this episode I talk about my definition of success in agility, and how defining success for ourselves plays such a big part in helping us create results we really love. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Puppies and young dogs are on my mind this week! So we're talking about three ways raising Spire has shifted my perspective on the process of raising sport puppies. If you have a puppy or will be bringing one home soon, be sure to listen and I hope you find it helpful! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm talking about how I choose the right seminars, workshops, or lessons for myself and my dogs. I think quite carefully about which instructors will have the most meaningful positive impact on our journey, and I'm sharing the thought process behind my decisions. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

Spire is almost two years old and in this week's episode I'm sharing an update on her training and progress towards trialing. Spoiler alert: it's going slower than I expected, and I'm working on being okay with that. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite reminders about puppy training for anyone who has a puppy, will soon have a puppy, or plans to raise another puppy in the future. When you keep your priorities in the right place, you'll have much more success creating the results you've been dreaming of! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm taking about the powerful concept of being appropriately progressive. We are in this "sweet spot" when we become great at presenting our dogs with the right level of challenge, so they can grow their skills, capacity, and confidence over time. Honing this skill is a game-changed for effective training! Mentioned in the podcast: You can register for my free webinar on The Foundation Framework for Upgrading Your Agility Success here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/foundation-framework-sign-up And you can read all the details about the upcoming session of Limitless Agility Foundations here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DhkY_Od8dB7e1ZBqKdz19WM1xZ2e8usQoltm_NWpZu0/edit?usp=sharing Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I share some thoughts about what it means and what it takes to be a good student. Being fascinated by and dedicated to becoming a more effective student has been one of the most powerful things I've ever done for myself. Although I have a great MANY thoughts on this topic, in this episode I only share a few. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

This week on the podcast I'm sharing my thoughts on the foundation framework for upgrading your agility success, and the things I prioritize with puppies to make sure I'm starting off on the right track. If you want to create a foundation that expands what's possible for you in the sport of agility, this one is for you! If you'd like to find out more about my Limitless Agility Foundations program, the details are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wj75Z5KUnN-9Cd7SK4FeZfoMrW5SQoIz5vymThUNFqI/edit?tab=t.0 Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm sharing more mindset thoughts inspired by the Ears Up Agility Mindset Summit on the topic of being a values-based agility competitor. What do we do when conflict arises between our competitive aspirations and our values? In my experience, finding the right balance between possibility and peace is key to showing up for my dogs the way I want to be for them each day. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In today's episode I'm sharing some of the most valuable gifts and lessons my horses gave me that have helped me with my mindset in agility. I'm so glad my dogs and I have benefited from these lessons, and I hope you will find them useful, too. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm sharing some recent developments in Spire's training that have pushed me to be a better trainer and, once again, to find my patience and faith in her. It's an on-going practice and a choice to find the fascination instead of wallowing in frustration, and I hope this story helps you when some frustration finds its way into your agility journey. At the end of episode I mentioned next weeks Ears Up Agility Mindset Summit - find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122162808392706616&set=a.122110561082706616 Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In today's episode I'm talking about marker cues and why using them effectively can really improve your agility experience and results. We've been discussing markers within my Limitless Agility Foundations program, clearing up common misunderstandings, and addressing common mistakes, and I decided to share some of the things that have come up there on the podcast. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm talking about the concept of prerequisite skills and how thoughtfully assessing whether or not our dogs are ready for a particular exercise or challenge can go a long way to minimize confusion and frustration in our agility training. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I start off with a little update about Zi and what Zi, Spire, and I will be up to for the next two weekends. I then move on to discuss my perspective on the problem of other people's thoughts... what do we do when the idea that other people are thinking about or judging our training or performance starts to interfere with our ability to be in the moment and show up for our dogs? If you can relate to this struggle, I hope this episode will help. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm talking about how sometimes we make choices that aren't convenient for us or conducive to our dog sports goals because they're in the best interest of our dogs. It's helpful for me to recognize that sometimes I'm going to make decisions for my dogs that require me to hold myself to a higher standard, and it's worth the commitment to see them thriving in their lives. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm sharing some updates on my journeys with Zi and Spire. I gathered some valuable data from our weekend at the UKI Classic, I'm enjoying sharing this trip with my two best companions, and I'm so looking forward to the remaining plans we have here in Washington. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episodes I'm sharing my take on building engagement. Engagement, enthusiasm, focus... these are essential to our dog sports partnership, and the specific ingredients or techniques that work best for each team can vary, but the fundamental principles are similar across the board. In this episode I share some of the top things I consider when it comes to building strong engagement. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm discussing my current thoughts on how I'd like to mentally prepare for my next puppy. I feel I did a disservice to Spire and myself by being clear on my agility aspirations for her, but forgetting to embrace the uncertainty and impact any puppy can bring to our lives. So, this is my reminder for my future self, and I hope you find it helpful, too.

In this week's episode I'm talking about striking a balance between being thoughtful and taking action, because both are undoubtedly essential to making progress in agility. What do your natural strengths lie? How is your current balance working for you? These are things I am always conscious of because it's so important to me to create the best experience I can for myself and my dogs. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this episode I'm talking about what it means to me to practice intentional agility trialing and why I think it's important. In my experience, competing with intent and purpose creates a more deeply satisfying connection with the sport and a better experience for both myself and my dogs. So, how do we subscribe to this belief that the rules of the agility game are things we use to inspire and motivate us, but NOT to define our success? Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

In this week's episode I'm talking about all the things I did to prepare Spire for the agility trial environment that happened outside the agility trial environment. In fact, outside of the agility context altogether. It's important to me that my dogs be eager and confident participants in my agility adventures, and there's a great deal I do outside of agility that helps that happen. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b