Agility Culture

Episodes

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  32 The Run Before the Run: Are you helping your dog? 15.10.2026 38m

  Is your pre-run routine carefully preparing your dog? Is it winding them up or stressing them out? Laura explores how warm-ups, waiting ringside, reward games, and handler nerves shape your team’s readiness. Discover what the Yerkes–Dodson Law and canine arousal research can teach us about finding the balance between enthusiasm and focus, with practical ideas for more thoughtful, connected performance.My website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/My Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/
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  When More Training isn't the Answer 01.10.2026 46m

  When agility progress stalls, adding more training can be tempting, but is it what your team needs? In this episode, Laura explores when clearer communication, better reinforcement, emotional readiness, physical recovery, or a stronger handler mental game can make the difference. Learn how to train with intention, recognize what’s missing and choose a more productive next step for you and your dog.My website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/My Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/
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  30 Blowing up your Contacts 17.09.2026 50m

  Are you training beautiful contact criteria in class—only to let it slide when you step into the competition ring? You may be unintentionally teaching your dog that the rules change when it matters most. Contact criteria isn't a mechanical issue. It's a communication issue.In this episode, I'm joined by special guest, Janey Bell, a top notch instructor and facility owner. We’ll talk about contact criteria, competition mistakes, stopped vs. running contacts, frustration and confusion in your dog, and when it may be time to retrain the behavior. We’ll also look at how instructors can help handlers build contact skills that are clear, consistent, and sustainable.Website:https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Online Classroom:https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/
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  29 Burning Questions August Edition 18.08.2026 33m

  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
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  28 Wasted Training Opportunities in Boosting Agility Skills 29.07.2026 19m

  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.
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  27 State of Agility Competition 22.06.2026 30m

  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/
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  26 Agility Dreams with Kaitlyn Kaminski of Team USA 03.06.2026 40m

  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/
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  25 Ring Readiness - Why it's Important 19.05.2026 33m

  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/
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  24 How to Work Past and Prevent Training Problems 08.05.2026 34m

  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/
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  23 Burning Questions from Listeners 19.04.2026 1h 12m

  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/
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  22 Wizard of Course Walks: Strategies for Maximizing your time 31.03.2026 23m

  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/
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  21 Understanding Sensitive Dogs in Agility 08.03.2026 22m

  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/
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  20 The Nuances of Ring Stress in Dog Agility 20.02.2026 44m

  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/
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  19 Dealing with Setbacks and Frustration Tolerance 21.01.2026 27m

  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/
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  18 Unique Observations and Helpful Tips from a Judge 31.12.2025 23m

  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/
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  17 Redefining What is a "Once in a Lifetime Dog" 17.12.2025 34m

  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.
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  16 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone to Become a Better Agility Handler 03.12.2025 1h 18m

  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/
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  15 Learning Theory Applications for Agility Part 2: Drop the Ego, Accept the Data 26.11.2025 33m

  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/
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  14 Learning Theory Applications for Dog Agility - Part 1 14.11.2025 44m

  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/
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  13 ISC National Championship Wrap Up 31.10.2025 17m

  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/