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We all have an opinion about judges. The courses we love, the courses we hate, the decision that cost us a run, the contact that apparently only one person in the world could see. But have you ever actually stopped to think about what goes into judging agility? In this episode, we get stuck into the good, the bad and the downright thankless job of being an agility judge. We talk about course design, safety, contacts, grades, the pressure judges are under, and whether we're sometimes expecting far too much from the people standing in the middle of the ring. We also ask whether judges should be held more accountable, where the line sits between fair criticism and simply giving someone abuse, and why judging an agility class might be one of the least appealing jobs in the sport. So whether you've judged yourself, would rather stick pins in your eyes, or have spent the last 20 years complaining about judges from outside the ring, this one's for you.

Would you know if something wasn't quite right with your dog before they became obviously lame? In this episode, we’re talking about the things we can actually look for as agility handlers. Not diagnosing injuries from a dodgy 10-second video, and not panicking every time our dog sits slightly wonky, but learning what normal looks like for our own dog and spotting when that normal starts to change. We’ll talk about movement, posture, jumping, weaves, contacts, turns, behaviour and all those little changes that are incredibly easy to dismiss when we’re desperate to get that next run. We’ll also look at competition day decisions. When should you carry on? When should you back off? And how much does the fact that you've driven three hours, paid your entry and really want that clear round influence the decision? We’ll get into conditioning, warm-ups, recovery and workload, as well as when it's time to stop guessing and get a vet, physio or other qualified professional involved. Because the question isn't just “Can my dog run?” It's “Should my dog run today?”

What happens when your agility coach is also your partner? In this episode, Kert and Aimee talk honestly about the unique challenges, benefits, and occasional awkward moments of coaching the person you live with. They explore how their coaching relationship began, how it has evolved, and why the same things that make a great coach-athlete partnership - trust, clear communication, structure, and constructive feedback—matter even more when you are bringing that relationship home with you. They discuss how to give feedback without it becoming personal, what to do when emotions run high or you disagree, and why creating boundaries between “coach mode” and everyday life is essential. You will also hear how video analysis, focused feedback, planning, and understanding the stages of learning can help handlers develop more confidence and autonomy in their training. Whether you coach your partner, are coached by them, train closely together, or simply want to become better at receiving and giving feedback, this episode offers practical ideas for protecting the relationship while improving performance in the agility ring.

In this episode, Kert and Dave take the agility world to Room 101. The place where the sport’s most irritating habits, phrases and show-day misdemeanours get judged, defended and potentially banished forever. From dreadful coffee at shows and people chatting in the middle of a course walk, to handlers blaming their dogs for their own mistakes, late-running classes and questionable ring set-ups, nothing is safe. They also tackle the debate around AI-generated show flyers, unsolicited advice after a run, filming for handling analysis, and why a few simple checks could make competitions safer and less stressful for everyone. Expect strong opinions, counter-arguments, plenty of humour, and listener nominations from the agility community. Which annoyances deserve a place in Room 101—and which ones are we all guilty of occasionally doing ourselves? Let us know what you would send to Room 101. What is the one agility-show habit, phrase or frustration that you would happily banish forever?

Ever caught yourself thinking, “My dog just isn’t fast enough,” “We’ve made too many mistakes,” or “We’ll never be as good as that team”? In this episode, Kert and Jess sit down for an honest conversation about the agility myths that can quietly get in the way of enjoying training and making progress. They talk about the pressure to do more reps, go faster, avoid mistakes, and have a naturally talented dog—and why none of those ideas tell the full story. You’ll hear why speed is about more than simply rushing through training, why older dogs can still make brilliant improvements, and how a mistake can become useful information rather than something to panic about. Kert and Jess also share why the best handlers aren’t the ones who never get it wrong—they’re the ones who can recover quickly, stay connected to their dog, and keep moving forward. Whether you’re training a young dog, running an older partner, chasing competition goals, or simply wanting to enjoy agility more, this episode is a reminder to question the stories you’ve been told—and the ones you might be telling yourself.

In this episode, Aimee opens up about her personal journey through perimenopause and menopause, sharing the symptoms she experienced, the impact they had on her training, agility and everyday life, and what she has learned along the way. We explore what perimenopause and menopause actually are, how hormonal changes can affect sleep, energy, recovery, strength, mental health and performance, and the different strategies that can help women navigate this stage of life. We also discuss strength training, nutrition and protein, medical support and hormone therapy, and why seeking help and having open conversations about menopause can make such a difference. For agility handlers, this episode offers an important perspective on how changes that can feel like a loss of fitness, motivation or confidence may actually have a deeper physiological explanation. More broadly, it is a conversation that many men may also find valuable. Most men will have a partner, family member, friend or colleague who experiences menopause, yet many of us understand very little about it. Aimee's experiences provide an honest and insightful look into a stage of life that affects millions of women, helping to build greater understanding, empathy and support. Whether you are going through perimenopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, this episode is full of practical information, personal experiences and valuable lessons. Above all, this is a conversation about understanding what is happening, adapting rather than simply pushing harder, and finding ways to continue feeling strong, healthy and capable through a significant period of change.

Your first agility competition can feel like a huge leap, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Jess and Kert take a deep dive into everything you need to know before stepping into the ring for your first agility trial. From preparing your dog and getting comfortable with a new environment, to managing nerves, walking the course and dealing with those inevitable first-competition mishaps, they share practical advice and plenty of personal experience. They discuss why exposure and mock trials can be so valuable, how arriving early can help both you and your dog settle, what to take with you on competition day, and why the right clothing and footwear can make a bigger difference than you might expect. They also explore the mental side of competing, including how to handle mistakes, keep your focus on your dog, reward the things that go well and avoid letting one moment define your entire experience. And perhaps most importantly, Jess and Kert talk about enjoying your first trial rather than chasing perfection. Watching other competitors, volunteering, getting to know the agility community and simply soaking up the experience can all help build confidence for future competitions. Your first run only happens once, so record it, learn from it, and enjoy it. It might become a memory you'll cherish far more than you realise at the time.

It's time for another Hot Takes episode! This week, Kert and Dave dive into your boldest opinions, controversial questions, and thought-provoking ideas about the world of dog agility. From equipment standards, jump heights, and tunnel safety to judging, ring management, and competition rules, no topic is off limits. We discuss whether higher jumps are actually safer, if the sport needs a true professional level, and whether greater standardisation across organisations would improve fairness and consistency. The conversation also explores dog welfare, health checks, training in different weather conditions, performance-enhancing drugs, ring safety, volunteerism, and the balance between accessibility and maintaining high competition standards. Along the way, Kert and Dave react to a host of community hot takes, sharing their own perspectives on some of agility's most debated issues. Whether you agree, disagree, or find yourself somewhere in the middle, this episode is packed with lively discussion, practical insights, and plenty of food for thought for handlers, competitors, judges, and agility enthusiasts alike.

It's time for a Hot Takes episode! Jessica Ajoux joins us to react to your opinions, unpopular takes, and thought-provoking questions about the world of dog agility. From standardising equipment, jump heights, and tunnel bags to course design, judging, and safety, we dive into some of the sport's most debated topics. We discuss whether greater standardisation would improve fairness, how obstacle design affects dogs of different sizes and breeds, and whether lower jumps could make the sport safer without sacrificing the challenge. Along the way, we explore training strategies, progression through the levels, reward placement, fix-and-go training, and what makes a dog truly suited to agility. We also tackle bigger issues including judging transparency, performance-enhancing drugs, dog welfare, and the balance between competitive success and keeping the sport fun for our canine partners. Whether you agreed with the hot takes or found yourself shouting at your speakers, this episode is packed with lively discussion, practical insights, and plenty of food for thought for handlers, competitors, judges, and agility enthusiasts alike.

In this episode, Kert sits down with Jessica Ajoux to explore one of the most important and often overlooked parts of dog training: what our dogs reveal about us. Rather than focusing on techniques or training systems, the conversation dives into the relationship beneath the behaviour. Dogs don’t just respond to cues, they respond to us. Our emotions, timing, clarity, tension, and presence all shape how they learn and how they show up in training. Together, they unpack how dogs become powerful mirrors of our internal state. Moments of frustration, inconsistency, or pressure often show up immediately in the dog’s behaviour, while calmness, clarity, and presence tend to create better learning environments. Through this lens, training becomes less about control and more about awareness. The episode also explores the importance of slowing down. In a world where handlers often chase progress, titles, and performance, dogs continually bring us back to repetition, patience, and honesty. Each dog, with their unique personality, challenges us to adapt rather than compare. At its core, this conversation is about growth on both sides of the lead. Not just building better agility dogs, but becoming more thoughtful, present, and self-aware handlers in the process. If you’ve ever felt like your dog was “reflecting something back at you,” this episode will help you understand exactly what that might be—and why it matters far more than perfection in training.

In this episode, Kert and Aimee dive into the realities of balancing a passion for dog agility with the demands of family life and parenthood. From training schedules and competition weekends to sleepless nights and shifting priorities, they share their personal experiences of navigating agility while raising children. The conversation explores how routines benefit both dogs and children, why consistency matters, and the ways agility can teach valuable life skills such as resilience, patience, teamwork, and handling disappointment. Kert and Aimee also discuss the challenges of returning to competition after having children, managing expectations, and redefining success beyond rosettes and results. Whether you're a parent, an agility competitor, or simply someone trying to balance sport with everyday life, this episode offers honest reflections, practical insights, and a reminder that the memories we make along the way often matter more than the trophies we bring home. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, dogs, community, and finding joy in the journey.

In this episode, Kert and Jessica Ajoux explore common training pitfalls in dog agility, emphasizing the importance of timing, clarity, and understanding over punishment. They share practical insights to help handlers improve their training and build more confident, motivated dogs. If you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review :)

This episode explores key aspects of dog agility training, handling, course walking, and mental preparation. Hosted by Kert and Dave, it offers practical tips to improve your training sessions, handling consistency, and mental resilience for competitions.

In this episode, Jess discusses her innovative international-style agility competition called 'What the Cup,' designed to fill the gap between routine local shows and high-stakes tryouts. She shares insights on event design, the importance of fostering a fun yet competitive environment, and the value of diverse agility events for the sport's growth.

summary In this episode, Kert and Dave delve into the nuances of dog agility training, the impact of recent qualification changes, the importance of foundations, and the role of handler fitness. They also discuss managing heat during competitions and the significance of trainer loyalty and consistent training methods.