Startline Podcast

05/08/2024

I'm known to have EVERYTHING a person could need when away from home, even probably more than most people have in their home but I carry it in a convenient tool bag. From safety pins and measuring tape to pain relievers and stomach soothers, I am known as CVS - Cara's Variety Service.

While I might be a handy individual to have at the agility trial, there is nothing stopping you from being this prepared. I review what's in my bag, provide a list, go over what I have in my car and a few things in my home that have made living with dogs easier (and cleaner).

After I finished recording I saw plenty more items to mention but just figured I will have to do a V2 of this episode.

Click on the show notes on whatever platform you listen to for links to some of the products I recommend. Full disclosure, only the rug link and Cody's Creations do I get credit for, both awesome companies give me a discount when I buy from them again. I might be all set on rugs for now, but I can always use another collar!
Don't need a new rug or collar but still want to keep me going? Consider giving a little on startlinepod.com - just hit the donate button top left.

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920 (or wherever you like to listen)

06/06/2024

I've been watching friends and good handlers crumble under the pressure of trying to qualify for the 2024 AKC Agility Invitationals. While I know how to comfort them and buy them a drink, I needed to lean on the expert Julie Bacon, AKA ⁠The Q Coach to help teach us all how to get a grip on the mindset that is melting our agility skills.

Julie as always gives us helpful hints, tools and processes to get out of our head and get in the game. Or for some, to let go of the pressure and just have fun, that is what we signed up for in the first place isn't it?

Listen for some strategies on how you can improve your mindset, which ultimately enhances your team's success when trying to reach that goal of qualifying for a big event like Invitationals, Nationals or even Westminster.

Happy to be listening and learning? Want to keep me motivated? You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠buy me a matcha or a chai latte by dropping some coin here⁠⁠⁠⁠ (go to startlinepod.com and hit the donate button)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920

18/04/2024

The AKC tabled the table for the excellent master class, added the allowance of the wall jump and FEO. They added yardage, decreased the use of the tire and stopped requiring bar jumps (2-bar jumps).

I was going to do a podcast on these changes but figured I could get my opinion out in maybe a short post, sorry if this gets long.

I love all of this but want to highlight two changes that I find to have the biggest impact.

1. The table going away for the excellent/masters class just seems logical. We've proved its point, dogs can pause while in drive. Heck, they used to have to get into an assigned position set by the judge. But interestingly enough, you could get out of open without ever completing the table without a fault. Your dog does have to stay on it for the judge's five-second count, but your dog could get off and get back on and you could still qualify with that fault. Just thought that was interesting.

2. FEO is the biggie for me. I'm not a rule breaker but I did break some rules doing happy loops with my dogs in regular classes. The whistle blew and I always was out well before the time it would have taken me to do the actual course. I always did abridged versions for the confidence and happiness of my dog. Making sure I started off and followed as much of the course as I could while maintaining my dog's spirit and not upsetting the judge's. I have suggested others do it and it never sat right because it was wrong. It breaks the rules, well not anymore (starting July 1st)!

We can, beginning July 1st run FEO in all classes and as an instructor, this makes me so thrilled for my students. While FEO in Time 2 Beat and FAST were definitely wonderful to have, they always permitted us to omit the "important classes" and then left many of us in conflict. We knew we weren't supposed to train in the regular classes but we could still qualify if we pretend-trained. It never works, I would see student after student try for that Q only to lose sight of what they needed to work on. I did very much the same. Soon enough we can legally throw our Q-feelings out the window and do what is right for our team if we need it. The pressure to perform is now more of a choice and I just think that is great.

So cheers AKC for listening and acting quickly. I can now add the table along with the chute and the 4-paw rule to times of yore.

14/04/2024

Positive reinforcement isn't just a training method; it's a lifestyle, one that can transform not only the way we interact with our dogs but also how we approach life's challenges. For many, myself included, it's been a profound shift in perspective.
Positive reinforcement training isn't just about rewarding good behavior; it's about fundamentally altering how we perceive and respond to our dogs' actions. It encourages us to shift from a fault-finding mindset to a solution-oriented one, focusing on reinforcing desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones.
But positive reinforcement goes beyond just training techniques; it's about building a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and understanding. As someone who's practiced various training methods, including e-collar training, I've come to appreciate the nuanced effectiveness of positive reinforcement.
In the world of dog sports like agility, where precise communication and teamwork are paramount, positive reinforcement shines as a guiding principle. It challenges us to communicate clearly, reinforce desired behaviors consistently, and adapt to our dogs' individual needs and learning styles. And while the journey may not always be straightforward or glamorous, the rewards—both in terms of performance and the bond we share with our dogs—are immeasurable. So let's embrace the power of positivity, not just in training our dogs, but in all aspects of our lives.

listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000652359532

To follow me on TikTok and see the awesome Wendy biting my feet video click here https://www.tiktok.com/ the video is pinned to the top

Happy to be listening and learning? Want to keep me motivated? You can ⁠⁠⁠buy me a matcha or a chai latte by dropping some coin here https://www.startlinepod.com/
⁠⁠(hit the donate button right there on the homepage).

16/03/2024

Thanks Arden Moore for this article. I guess Dogster updated it so it’s making the rounds again. I definitely believe her healthy diet kept her going all those years without but one injury. Conditioning as well of course.

What you select to put in your dog’s food bowl and dole out as treats can make a difference in staving off — or at least, delaying — the onset of arthritis and other aches and pains in her joints.

16/03/2024

When our dog is stressed, we often find our connection breaks.
Picture a Venn diagram where two circles, stress and connection intersect. It is here that we need to find our way back into connection and away from the dark cloud of stress.

While connection has much to do with our dog's ability to perform the behavior you have cued, stress can prevent a known behavior from being able to occur in an environment for which you cannot or do not train, like a trial.

In the episode, I discuss how you can look for this stress, how you can use class to train through it and examples of how I moved that dark stressy cloud out of my way.

Keep in mind, each team is different, for some stress-relieving behaviors before entering the ring are paramount, for others they are detrimental.

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000649372902 or wherever you get your podcasts

15/03/2024

I am grateful and THRILLED with the work loubarnicle.com did with my new logo. Lou is a local exhibitor, friend and graphic designer.

I just LOVE the agility community, need a dentist, we've got one, need a graphic designer, we've got one, need a dog trainer, we've got a few!

Shop local but don't forget to shop right at your next trial, the person behind you at your setup could be the person who helps make your life better.

18/02/2024

After listening and then re-listening to ⁠Daisy Peel's The Agility Challenge Podcast Episode 13 on Where to start when you're starting and what makes an expert an expert⁠ I was inspired to discuss with my listeners the points I agreed with as well as expand upon this concept.

I wanted to discuss what makes a good trainer and how can you be a good student, it is a two-way street.

I am still very much both. Hopefully, I will continue to be a trainer but I will ALWAYS be a student. I am a consumer of education and it is in my team's best interest to find a trainer or trainers that best fit my needs. I also have a responsibility to be a good student to whatever trainer I choose.

30/01/2024

I have zero issues asking for help, but it seems impossible to even do that when I am so stuck in inaction. Thankfully Julie has been able to kick my ass into gear by getting me back to my why and doing what I love, not just what needs to get done.

Our agility community is LOADED with resources, agility coaches, graphic designers, accountants, engineers, web developers, mindset coaches etc. When you feel stuck in your training, with your business marketing, your finances, or whatever, look around you at the next trial and get to know your crate neighbor. They might just be the person who can help you achieve what you want to get done.

And when you get stuck in your dog performance training or life, reach out to Julie The Q Coach to find your juice to get going.

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000643532331 or wherever you get your podcasts

25/01/2024

I'm coming back to the airwaves but I needed a little help first. Julie from The Q Coach reached out to me to discuss the not-often-talked-about topic of grief. She and I lost dogs in 2023 and it rocked our worlds and our mindsets. Hopefully, by talking about it we can help some of you, and more people can understand the unyielding power of grief.

No matter how much research I did, I couldn't change, move or shape this journey. You have to accept and embrace it for what it's worth because the worth of the dogs we lost is so immense that the repair and rebuild will take whatever amount of time it needs.

20/01/2024

Hello Agility Addicts,

I know I have been quiet and as many of you may know I lost my Debbie in early December. I have more podcasts to release but grief has crippled my motivation. I will get back at it, not just for you but for me! I love doing my podcast.

In the meantime, I know many of you have seen this already but for those that have not, the AKC board had several changes proposed at the January board meeting. These will be further discussed at the April meeting but the pattern of behavior is that these tend to go through. I personally am excited for all of these proposals and feel they bring about good changes to the AKC sport of agility.

16/11/2023

A change in gears from how agility can and should be to how we can and should be caring for our dogs (or cats even).

When I received a ping about a veterinarian-founded company that was filling a much-needed gap in pet care I reached out and had to learn more. Their products are just what pet owners and pet care professionals need to bridge the gap between comfort and a vet visit.

My car now carries many of their products so when I am on the road, I know that if something goes wrong with my pets medically, I am even more prepared.

Learn about the efficiency and empowerment My Simple Pet Labs products and services are bringing to the pet market. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000635056195

Per usual, I receive no compensation for this, just a Google alert that I thought should be shared with my listeners.

If you do feel like helping this podcast continue to grow, consider donating at startlinepod.com, I want to continue but I need some coffee ☕, or wine 🍷

03/11/2023

This discussion takes a holistic view of the agility community, not everything will be perfect but we can keep doing great things like having compassion and giving space and time.

The statistics don't lie, we are safe at AKC agility trials, just because something terrible happened does not mean it’s statistically significant.

Listen and learn ways you can work with and support your fellow exhibitors.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000633513151 or wherever you listen to podcasts

22/10/2023

The AKC agility community needs a hug.

Firstly, I share a deep empathy with the handler in NY who had a very unusual and tragic incident happen. I also wish Roger (the judge) a speedy recovery both mentally and physically. I was glad he was able to continue judging. I received a level 5 bite from a client's dog on my arm and shoulder a few years ago and many scars remain. It's scary for all involved and I wish the handler, judge and dog the best in this horrific and confusing incident.

Much has been said from people with large soapboxes. I have no intention to pay further attention to the condemning message but I do hope to provide us peace, and statistics and to decrease the fear that has been mongered. We all have a right to feel safe and comfortable playing the sport we enjoy with the dogs we love incredibly. The community doesn't need to get further worked up or aroused by this incident. We benefit from learning, healing and being the best we can be. I'll shed some light on getting us back to center, moving forward and healing from the hurt.

We all start somewhere and we can all grow together. Agility is a journey a joy and a pastime most dogs and handlers should have access to. Gatekeeping has no purpose to anyone who wants to try.

12/09/2023

I'm hearing more and more excuses lately for gaps in training, ring issues, etc. If it matters enough for you to ask for advice or a solution then make it matter enough to work on it instead of excuse it.

25/08/2023

Avoid a trial becoming a tribulation. This episode covers a list of tips to make your and your fellow exhibitors' time at the trial the best it can be. While these are specific to AKC agility, much of this information can apply to all organizations.

Keep these tips in mind to help make your experience be the best. We all were beginners once, we are all on our own journey but for this to work, we all have to participate in the community. Protect yourself and be part of something, you can do both.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000625615529

15/08/2023

Management is a form of pressure. When I stopped managing my contacts, managing the table and managing my weaves, my dogs could be successful at what behaviors they were taught to do. If your dog does the behavior you want in training but you can't get it in a trial, look at your behavior first. Are you managing and adding pressure?

04/08/2023

This falls in line with my last episode on the long game. When you shortsightedly use aversive to train your dog, the short-term gains end up getting destroyed by the long-term fallout.

As I crest a decade in the sport of agility and knock on 21 years of working with dogs professionally, I am seeing this hold water. Felt reassuring that others see it and know it.

Aversive training gets the behavior or seems to in the short term, but the long-term effects I now see of fallout with teams after years of seemingly being fine is stacking up. Now I'm seeing new exhibitors with new puppies doing the same thing, and sadly hoping for different results.

Fallout is real, it's not obvious at all in the beginning and as a natural punitive species, it seems perfectly normal for us to wait until our dog does the behavior we don't like and then correct them. The theory and science are that the likelihood of that behavior happening again decreases because we have caused an aversive to prevent the dog from repeating it to avoid the punishment.

I have watched people give some pretty untimely corrections, I equally have seen people give very untimely marks for wanted behavior. If it's difficult for people to click at the correct time and give a reward, it is equally as difficult for them to get the timing of a correction down. So if you give a reinforcement at the wrong time, you're likely to get a confused dog or behavior you didn't exactly want. If you correct at the wrong time you're likely going to get a confused dog and one that over time stops offering behaviors so that they can reduce all likelihood of being wrong.

Is proving your dog wrong in the behavior they offered really worth the title?

Here's more information on it so you're not just hearing it from me https://fydogtraining.com/training-tips/aversive-dog-training-methods-the-fallout-and-why-it-matters?fbclid=IwAR2aYDoAOaKqgCtIUgExI8-J0fSQL8D5h_M8K7oE1FNFKB_U3Qo1VWGaXus

Aversive dog training methods (e.g. methods using primarily negative reinforcement and positive punishment) can actually do more harm than good. When training your dog, it is important to be aware of the consequences of using aversive training methods. While aversive training methods might achieve t

01/08/2023

PSA
Besides veterinarians, I cannot be the only person that knows how to help a choking dog, a dog suffering from heat stroke, one needing CPR or just first aid in general at an agility trial. I would love to have the AKC require that in their emergency disaster plan. Not only should we post where the nearest ER vet hospital is, but also have a club member present that is certified in Pet First Aid & CPR.
Pet First Aid & CPR does not replace emergency veterinary care, it can be the lifeline before it. What you see and do prior to rushing to the vet can make a world of difference for your dog (or cat if at home). Be that world of difference for you and your fellow exhibitors' best friends.
www.propethero.com use the discount code (in the corporate/ referral code space) startline to save 20%
This course is about 2 hours long, taught by an ER veterinarian who is also a professor of veterinary medicine and will bring you peace of mind. You also get a certificate for anyone needing credentials and 2 CEU's for anyone needing those.

Be ready to help your pet in an emergency. Learn CPR, first aid, and other lifesaving skills that could make the difference for your cat or dog.

27/07/2023

Expect to always win, just stop putting a when on when you will.

I never thought I could do better than my 2019 performance at invitationals. I made finals and placed 8th, that was a massive win. The next year I did it again placing 2nd in the massively competitive 20" class, ahead of 2 handlers I admired. I didn't know that win was coming and not knowing the when made that win even sweeter. That same year, during the heart of the pandemic, I completed her AGCH, another win I thought would never happen because I thought the when was lost.

When doesn't matter, go out and win whenever you can.

19/07/2023

Do you look at the big picture or are you focused on the details?

In agility, I feel like we lose sight of the big picture. And I don't mean the goal of a MACH or to be the #1 in our breed, we very easily lose sight of the picture that our dogs should be able to run any course with any appropriate challenges consistently, as long as we gave them good information. Not because we lied in that run trying to convince them there was a cookie at the bottom of the dog walk just so we could Q. That detail could derail your team from being as successful as you could be. It doesn't really help you play the long game with your dog and get everything you can out of their short lives to ensure the best runs each and every time you go to that start line.

Learn from the mistakes I made being short-sighted and Q-hungry. Learn about the sacrifices you can make today so that your team's future is better 6 months or a year from now.

The next episode on this has dropped!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000621677336

18/07/2023

It is easy to get obsessed with a particular obstacle, especially one our dog has trouble completing in trials. But if we only focus on that obstacle, we lose sight of the bigger picture, not just our goal, but also our dog's happiness. Our #1 goal should be to have fun. If your dog cannot do an obstacle it most often is due to some stress. That stress could be environmental, obstacle focused, situational etc. But until you address that, you're just making that obstacle a frightful thing.

11/07/2023

Some of us need to see this.

06/07/2023

Sometimes stopping the run happily or asking your dog to do something they love instead of nervously walking around the ring brings you closer to your dream. Cheerleading them around the ring for a Q can compound their stress. Your fear of not Q'ing will only hinder your dreams with your dog, ask them for something they love when they are having a hard time instead.

I knew when Phoenix was having a stress run, so I would turn to her and ask her to jump into my arms, she loved this. We then would bounce out of the ring, Q-less but much closer to our dreams of success because I didn't make her run when she couldn't. She has 6 MACH's, has been in the top 5 Boxers for 3 years now and is headed to her first PACH. She still has moments when she doesn't want to run and I still acknowledge those. I blow the Q to keep her happy, it pays in the long run. This is a long game, don't be shortsighted to the detriment of your team's dream.

30/06/2023

Is the heat getting you and your pups down? Get energized by working on your fitness inside, and learn how to add some canine fitness exercises to your weekly routine.

This episode shares how to keep your pups in tip-top shape to be prepared to perform at their absolute best. While I obviously focus on agility, canine conditioning will help with duration sits in obedience, stamina in long nose work searches and in everyday life to afford your dog the physical and mental ability to keep up. The better shape they are in, the more longevity they have, and studies back me on this.

I also share my workout circuit and how I acquired equipment on a budget.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000618870905agilitydog

28/06/2023

Luck is never enough for success. To accomplish your goals and become successful you have to decide to commit not just wish.

20/06/2023

Connection doesn't just happen in the agility arena, it might be where we want it the most but it should occur in everyday life. When I notice a sag in our connection in the ring, I work on it outside so I can bring it in with me.

15/06/2023

We compress the crap out of our dogs by putting them in situations that are not natural to them. This is not to say they are bad situations but they require a lot out of our dogs to handle the stimuli among other variables. Yes, over time many dogs become desensitized to all these situations, I would agree as my dogs age they become extremely comfortable and happy in their regular trial environments. However, we can help them bounce back to their baseline quicker and be more resilient if we give them a chance to decompress. Our dogs need this opportunity too, they need to do things that make them feel good like sniffing, running, jumping, shredding, digging and climbing and we need to be offering this to them every chance we get, especially after a long day at a trial, seminar or training.

Listen as I share not only why but how you can provide decompression walks for your pups.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startline/id1506830920?i=1000617171626

13/06/2023

I notice that as I become more of a team and better communicator with each of my dogs, my runs get quieter. It's not that a verbal cue doesn't have its place, especially with the teams that have distance, but the chatter and cheerleading we often drown our dogs in is frequently just our lack of confidence.

They don't need to hear you say to jump every jump, they don't need to be clapped at when they drop to sniff rather they need us to be confident in our training and listen to them. Try to be less loud and more confident in your handling, your training and your understanding of your dog.

08/06/2023

Today is a special episode - I have a guest! Cara Armour from the Startline podcast joins to chat about how stress affects our dogs and how we can help!! 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️ Listen 🎧 wherever you get your podcasts!