Agility Culture

In this episode, I answer some hot topic questions on NRM's, Training Priorities in Young dogs, obstacle struggles, Ring Stress, private coaching advantages and unwanted advice. Ring Stress Online Classhttps://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressedPrivate Coaching Programhttps://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-Online-Coaching

In this episode, I discuss the most commonly seen wasted training opportunities to enhance your dog's skills. In order to amplify understanding of a skill, we must strategically reward it in a manner that is significant to the dog. Have a listen and see what you can do to take your dog's skills to a high level of clarity.

Analysis of the responses to my viral post that asked the question "If you could change one thing in agility, what would that be?" 656 comments were studied for the most common to give us the Top 10, the most unusual and what wasn't mentioned. The recurring themes are quite interesting! Link to original posthttps://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1526155965964464&set=a.549499100296827My Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I host special guest, Kaitlyn Kaminski of WAO & European Open Team USA. We discuss her compelling agility story of rising fast to the top shelf of USA agility. Kaitlyn recently competed at the World Agility Open running clean in 5/6 runs. Take a listen!My website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I discuss the importance of ring readiness for competition and keeping dogs under control. I dive into how to devlelop it and maintain it, along with why everyone should do their part to keep the agility community safe. The cornerstone of teamwork is Engagement.Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

I discuss some of the common training problems and setbacks in agility training. I provide strategies on how to work out of a training session failure and how to set-up training sessions to prevent potential setbacks from occurring. Learn about factors that can cause training issues and how to avoid them.My website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this "ask me anything" episode, I answer questions from listeners that are all over the agility spectrum. Questions spanned from arousal issues, mental games for dogs, making practice engaging, managing multiple dogs in training, canine fitness schedules, startline routines and more!Puppy Cognition Study Overview:https://today.duke.edu/2025/12/inside-minds-puppies-how-do-they-develop-their-thinking-skillsArousal Control Online Class:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-impulse-controlYerkes-Dodson Law of Performance/Arousalhttps://www.canineculturecompany.com/EndUserFiles/79262.pdfFitness For Agility Online Class:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/FitnessForAgilityMy Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I share smart strategies for all of the pre-planning to maximize your course walk. Find out how to optimally prime your brain for the most bandwidth to get the most out of your 8 minutes. Clever insights and tricks that will likely lead to better outcomes in your runs.Mastering Course Memorization Online Class:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/course-memorizationMy website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I discuss the characteristics of sensitive dogs and the training considerations for them. Learning to train a sensitive dog in a manner that keeps their confidence high and their sensitivites low. More dogs are "sensitive" then we realize.Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this episode, I discuss the intricacies of Ring Stress in Dog Agility. It's complicated. Every dog that competes has some amount of stress. Does yours have too much? I break down the underlying causes, the physical signs and give you strategies to help your dog. Whether your dog has ring stress or not, this eye-opening episode will be thought provoking into your agility partnership. Online Ring Stress Class information:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressedLearn more about Laura:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I discuss the real struggles and setbacks that every team will encounter in dog agility at some point. I reveal my own setbacks and how I've worked through frustration tolerance. Learn how to make honest self-evaluations of your overall teamwork in order to realize your goals.More information on my Private Online Coaching Program:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-Online-CoachingMy website for Canine Culture:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Online Classroom with Open Enrollments:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this Episode, I put on my Judge's hat and share my Top 10 Common Handling Mistakes and Top 10 Wonderful Things I witness as a UKI Judge. You may be surprised at what all a Judge observes when you are in our ring. My Business: Canine Culture https://www.canineculturecompany.com/My Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this Episode, I am joined by special guest, Karen Holik to talk about what really is a Once in a Lifetime Dog. It's not necessarily what you think it is. What if EVERY dog that comes into your life can be a Once in a Lifetime dog? We discuss the limitations we put on our current dog by comparing them to past dogs. Take a listen to our strategies at deepening your bond with each dog that comes into your life and avoiding the joy-sucking pitfalls of comparison.

Stepping out of your Comfort Zone is the key to transformation. Discomfort is not the enemy to avoid, it is the catalyst to growth. To better. Special Guest Suzanne Wesley of Sonic Canines joins me to to discuss the Big Fish, Little Pond Effect and how you can become the best version of yourself in agility. Embracing challenge develops new skills and polishes old ones.Private Agility & Mental Coaching with Laura Bussing https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-Online-CoachingMy online classroomhttps://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In Part 2 of this series in Learning Theory Applications for Agility, I discuss more nuances of classical and operant conditioning. I'll introduce you to the 4 stages of learning and we'll look inward at loosing our Egos and accepting the data our dogs give us when there is an error. Learn how to analyze your contributions to errors and how to help your dog run with clarity, confidence and ability.My Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/My Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

Part 1 of a multi-part series on Learning Theory Applications in Agility. This episode breaks down Operant and Classical Conditioning training. Learn about leveraging neurotransmitters for ultimate learning and motivation. Discover what could be an unintended punisher to the dog. Find out how to tell what your dog is really feeling in training and competing.Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/My Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this Episode, I discuss the logistics of the ISC Championship in Franklin, TN. What went well, what could be improved, why was the attendance low and a review of my personal Output for the event. My website: Canine Culture LLChttps://www.canineculturecompany.com/My online classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

This episode discusses what you can and cannot control in competition. Learn about strategies to concentrate on for putting forth your best OUTPUT at the present time. I share tips on controlling your nerves at small and big competitions. My Website - Canine Culture LLChttps://www.canineculturecompany.com/My Online Classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

In this Episode, I'm joined by Special Guest, Chris Tucci. Chris and I have a very open and intriguing conversation about our experiences with reactive and/or aggressive dogs in classes, seminars and competition. We break it down and have some tips to share for keeping yourself and your dog safe in the high energy environments of dog agility competition.

This episode discusses the why, when and how of Start Routines to achieve Peak Performance in the agility ring. Crafting the perfect one for your dog greatly depends on their individual needs. Experimentation and proofing a Start Routine can lead to a faster more connected run.Yerkes-Dodson Law of Peak Performance:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/PodcastRing Impulse Control (Over-excited & wild) Online class:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-impulse-controlRing Stressed! (anxious, slow) Online Classhttps://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressed

In this episode, I discuss a phenomenon I've coined, "Barrier Reinforcement Frustration". I will identify what it is and how you can avoid creating the situation that causes anxiety and frustration in our agility partners. Want to train with me? I teach seminars nationwide and have a robust online classroom. I specialize in canine performance problems in agility. You can find me here:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I discuss what a "real" socialized dog is and what it is not. Can your dog mind its business and what should that look like. Balancing out real life with dog sports so your dog can be resilient in every environment. The true socialized dog will excel in dog sports.Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/My Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, I dive into strengthening the partnership with your teammate by improving a critical component of your handling. I'm talking about the agility specific training for handler fitness with expert, Liz Joyce, founder of Canine Handler Fitness. Liz will share her insights into how fitness will improve your handling but also improve your overall health. Find Liz here: https://caninehandlerfitness.com/Find more about Laura's seminars and online classes here:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this Episode, I get the inside scoop on the historic European Open with Team USA member and World Champion, Dudley Shumate. We discuss the rise of USA Agility's success on the world stage, the ISC Program and the mental challenges of competing at the highest level. Dudley shares great insights into her preparation for this event and gives some great advice on upping your skills.

In this episode, I discuss how you can grow your dog's skills in the ring by strategically leveraging FEO. Think of these as "Fluency Evaluation Opportunities"! I'll discuss the 4 phases of learning and how the agility organizations have provided us with a vital tool in team development. I'll give you ideas on how to do FEO with a food motivated dog too! Online Class links below:Arousal Management for Excited Dogs - https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-impulse-controlRing Stress https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressedMy website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, Ashley Deacon and Kim Fuqua join me to discuss the trends with youth handlers and how to attract and support them in your community with grassroots efforts. Ashley will share his insights to the recent Youth Championships and Kim will share important considerations of being a Junior handler's parent. Both give ideas on growing junior handler programs in your area.Links below:Boundless Junior Agility Camps https://bjaco.com/ Stars of Tomorrow Junior Camp https://mwagilityclub.com/2025/06/04/october-11-12-2025-stars-of-tomorrow-junior-agility-camp/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLQE0xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFDc21VYmh1bHUwUWxLUHBoAR7snJ0HxbDrhtXIdJ436p33HXAndizdtj6gUpEjat95h8bYjQTQlFtHnau5bg_aem_6xlJ7n4jV132CRjQhzkhjg

In this intriguing episode, l examine the advocacy for dogs and handler safety with Special Guest, Roger Ly, Judge, Trial Organizer, Competitor and Multi-time World Team Member. We discuss a recent controversy at the IFCS World Agility Championship and his decision to pull runs. We tackle the risk vs. reward of competition and when to advocate when you feel there is an unsafe factor. Laura Bussing, specializes in performance problems for canines and humanshttps://canine-culture.thinkific.com/https://www.canineculturecompany.com/

In this episode, we'll discuss the Pros and Cons of whether Fix N Go is a good option for your dog. We will explore through seven (7) Considerations to determine if your dog is a candidate for this aspect of agility. I'll discuss underlying issues, environment, dog's experience, handler's mental state and more. This episode may uncover some things about competition that you've never thought about before. Be sure to FOLLOW and click on the links below that accompany the show!Link to Considerations & STrategies for Fix N Go: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/PodcastLink to an example of FLOW vs. Fixing: https://youtu.be/jM52CBTsNicLink to Online Class: Fabulous Enthusiasm for Faster Course Times: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/fabulousenthusiasmforfastercoursetimes

In this episode, we'll discuss some of the mistakes we may make in training that could be directly linked to poor performances in competition. We'll talk about displacement behaviors and the mistakes that cause them along with Strategies you can implement right away in training. Learn how your dog is coping with stress in a way that only dogs do. Click the links to learn more with Laura:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/More about Laura Bussing, CPDT, CCFT. Your Professional Canine Educator.https://www.canineculturecompany.com/About