Maximum FUN Dog Agility

In Episode 032 of the Maximum Fun Dog Sports podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds tackles a topic that every agility enthusiast faces: setting personal goals that are right for themselves rather than goals others have for them. Lorrie delves into how dog agility has evolved, how social media and trends often make handlers feel pressured to pursue competitive extremes, and finding the right goals for your individual team. She offers an encouraging perspective for people who value personal growth, local competition, or even just enjoying the sport with their dogs over striving for international acclaim. Lorrie highlights the importance of choosing...

In Episode 031 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, join host Lorrie Reynolds as she shares five essential tips to help you get the most out of your next seminar. Drawing from her own seminar experience, where she and her young dog Pixie faced some new challenges, Lorrie discusses valuable lessons that apply to any agility enthusiast stepping out of their comfort zone and learning something new. Discover how an open mind, observation, a willingness to keep trying in the face of difficulty, and treating every seminar as an opportunity can transform your agility journey. Lorrie’s advice will inspire yo...

In Episode 030 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds talks about the different ways to reward your dog at a distance - which is essential for building confident, independent agility dogs. With a real-life example, Lorrie explores why many dogs struggle to stay out and work at a distance. She identifies common mistakes handlers make when reinforcing behaviors and shares five effective methods to reward your dog away from you, including throwing toys or treats, using sealed containers, training partners, and mark buckets. Lorrie breaks down how each method can shape your dog’s motivation to work fu...

In Episode 029 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, dives into five reasons why teaching your dog tricks is so important for your dog’s well-being. Lorrie explains how “tricks” - from basic obedience behaviors, to advanced tricks and practical skills - are essential for building a dog you will love to live and play with. She outlines five compelling reasons to teach tricks, including giving your dog the physical and mental exercise he needs, deepening your bond with your dog, reducing undesirable behaviors, increasing safety through four lifesaving tricks, and helpin...

In this episode, Lorrie reveals a dog training game that could potentially save your dog's life. She shares a touching story of a student whose dog responded immediately to a cue from a game they had only played once, averting a potentially serious incident on a major interstate. Lorrie discusses the powerful impact that The Leash Game can have on your dog, enhancing your relationship and communication. This simple and effective game offers an enjoyable solution to a common problem.

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Welcome to Episode 027 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds. In this episode, Lorrie explores the concept that every behavior, from basic obedience sits to getting a beer from the fridge, is simply a trick. She reflects on the difference in terminology between sport dog handlers and pet owners, who see the word “trick” and think it means doing a handstand or walking on a barrel. Lorrie talks about the dog sport competitors’ view that every behavior we teach is a trick, and discusses how we can bring that concept to the average pet owner to make t...

In Episode 026 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds, explores the concept of ending training sessions on a high note. In this insightful episode, Lorrie discusses what constitutes a successful session, how to handle unexpected challenges, and the importance of ending your training on a high note, even if it is not the behavior you intended. Lorrie addresses common issues like frustration and stress in dogs and handlers and offers practical solutions to keep your sessions productive. Learn how to recognize signs of stress in your dog, understand key causes of training breakdowns, and find out why sometimes...

Join Lorrie Reynolds in Episode 025 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast as she talks about the emotional journey of dealing with the loss of a beloved pet. Drawing from her most recent personal experience of saying goodbye to Xephyr, her 6-year-old rescue dog, Lorrie reflects on the complex emotions that accompany losing a cherished companion. Discover strategies to help process the grief that comes with losing a family member, from writing a eulogy to creating lasting memorials. Lorrie emphasizes the unique individual paths through grief and the importance of allowing time to heal. Tune in to learn how Lorrie...

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds talks about one of the common challenge faced by agility competitors: drifting too close to the distance line during a course. She then discusses three effective strategies to regain distance in gamblers, FAST, or chances courses without confusing your dog. Discover how utilizing tunnels, fixed path obstacles, and specific types of sequences can help handlers regain distance if they’ve gotten too close to the line.

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Episode 023 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds, explores the importance of strategic planning in distance handling on agility courses. Discover why the distance line is “not your friend” and how creating a plan to stay a few feet away from it can give you a tactical advantage. Lorrie highlights common traps on courses and shares knowledge that helps your agility team effectively tackle distance challenges. Learn how to avoid the dreaded "line dance" and keep from confusing your dog with unnecessary motion. With foundational tips on maintaining clear communication and control, this episode is a must...

Episode 022 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast explains the benefits of training for dog sports, whether you're a seasoned competitor or a newbie looking for a fun activity to participate in with your best friend. Lorrie addresses three common myths about dog sports, shedding light on how such activities are for all dogs and ages. Lorrie discusses the many benefits of dog sports, including improved communication, strengthened relationships, enhanced everyday behavior, safety, and engaging with a like-minded community. Lorrie shares compelling anecdotes, including transformations seen through agility training, highlighting the impact of providing dogs with focused activities.

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In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds talks about the emotional journey of facing the loss of a beloved pet and how we should do things every day with our pets to create memories rather than leaving it for the last part of their lives. Lorrie shares the story of her dog Xephyr's unexpected diagnosis at 6 years old, reflecting on the heartache that comes with such news. She offers valuable advice on creating a bucket list for your dog, emphasizing the importance of seizing the day and making the most out of every moment...

In Episode 020 of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, join host Lorrie Reynolds as she debunks the myth that practicing on full courses is the best way to prepare and compete successfully at agility trials. Lorrie draws on her personal experience with her former agility dog, Dash, to illustrate the potential benefits of focusing on shorter sequences rather than full courses in training. She recounts Dash's surprising success, despite never having run a full course before his first trial, and uses this story to challenge conventional training wisdom. Lorrie explains the value of breaking courses into sections to enhance handling...

In this episode, Lorrie relates an invaluable tip that can significantly improve your dog's course time. Discover how a simple adjustment in setting up your dog at the start line can shave 2 seconds off your course time, making it easier to qualify. Drawing from an interesting experiment conducted by a friend, Lorrie discusses how setting your dog at least 2 strides back from the first obstacle allows them to decrease the chance that your dog will knock the first bar and ensure they are at full speed when they pass through the timer. This small yet powerful change is an...

Dive into the world of dog training with a fresh perspective inspired by inventor Thomas Edison. In this episode, Lorrie explores how adopting Edison's mindset about mistakes can transform your dog training approach. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation when traditional methods hit a roadblock and the value of viewing failure as a stepping stone to success. Learn how balancing planned methods with creative experimentation can enhance your training experience and provide solutions to difficult problems. Lorrie shares practical examples, like addressing footwork issues in weaving, to illustrate these concepts in action. If you're eager to try an inventor’s...

In this must-listen episode, Lorrie shares personal anecdotes about her own dogs' varying reactions to her visiting grandkids. She emphasizes the importance of desensitizing agility dogs to children, especially considering the location and accessibility of agility trials. Lorrie offers practical tips on gradually acclimating your dog to work around kids, reinforcing the need for careful socialization without direct interaction. Listen in for invaluable advice aimed at fostering a positive and fun experience for agility teams, even amidst the distractions that children can bring.

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In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie dives into the importance of maintaining a list of your dog’s cues to enhance clarity and improve your training. Discover how a well-organized list can prevent confusion, eliminate similar-sounding cues, and serve as an invaluable tool for planning training sessions and maintaining fluency. Lorrie shares insights from her own experiences, offering practical advice on creating a master list and utilizing it to plan training sessions efficiently. Lorrie also introduces a weekly challenge, encouraging listeners to write down their cues and celebrate their progress. Tune in to explore creative cu...

This episode is all about the critical role of reward placement in dog training. Lorrie recounts into common issues handlers face, like dogs who lack duration or precision with trained behaviors, and reveals how strategic reward placement can be the key to overcoming these challenges. Lorrie explains specific cases and illustrates that modifying where and how you reward can dramatically improve your results. Filled with practical examples and solutions, this episode will provide every agility team with the tools they need to communicate effectively and succeed. Don’t miss a chance to enhance your training with insights and actionable ad...

In this episode, Lorrie delves into finding the right rewards for your dog by thinking outside the traditional treat and toy box. Get valuable insights into how dogs, not handlers, determine what is truly rewarding. Through creative examples, such as makeshift toys and unconventional rewards, Lorrie illustrates how tapping into what excites your dog can transform your training sessions. Tune in and join Lorrie as she shares tips to ramp up your dog's enthusiasm and joy in training. Enhance your agility journey with innovative ideas and practical advice about what constitutes a reward for your dog. Happy training!

In this episode, Lorrie explores the polarizing question, "Is Your Dog Stubborn?" She provides an alternative perspective that challenges traditional views of stubborn dogs. Lorrie discusses various factors that might cause a dog to seem uncooperative like physical issues, stressors at practice or competition, and inconsistent cues. Learn how the value of rewards and positive reinforcement can influence your agility dog's performance, and why instinctual behaviors can often make people think their dogs are stubborn. Perfect for both new and experienced handlers, this episode encourages a shift in mindset, promoting empathy and deeper communication with our canine teammates. Tune...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds. This week, Lorrie makes a startling confession: she feeds her dogs from the table! But don’t quit just yet! Lorrie discusses why and how this unorthodox method helps shape the desired behavior in her dogs during meal times. Discover the step-by-step approach Lorrie uses to teach her dogs the art of self-control by rewarding appropriate behavior where and when it occurs.

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In this episode, Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, discusses why lowering criteria when teaching new behaviors helps your dog learn faster, with less frustration. Concrete examples help you apply this concept to your dog agility training so you can boost your success.

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Welcome to the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds. In this episode, Lorrie discusses the importance of inclusive agility training, highlighting the need for instructors to adapt their methods to accommodate handlers of all abilities or refer students to other instructors, rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves people feeling bad about themselves if they can't run. Sharing a story of a participant's frustrating experience, Lorrie underscores the significance of honesty, kindness, and adaptability in coaching, advocating for an ethical practice that focuses on the needs of each team.

Square pegs ar...

Join host Lorrie Reynolds in this episode of the Maximum Fun Dog Sports podcast, where the focus is on empowering agility teams with independent obstacle performance. Lorrie shares anecdotes from USDAA trials and DOCNA Nationals that illustrate why independence is critical for agility teams. Learn about the CLAWS mnemonic, standing for Call over, move Laterally Away, run With on a parallel line, and Send ahead. Explore how to create a robust foundation for independence and why it's never too late to start.

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In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, join Lorrie Reynolds as she guides you through overcoming the nerves of being a beginner in agility competitions. Lorrie kicks off the episode with a personal story from her days as a flautist (flute player). Drawing parallels between musical performance anxiety and novice agility challenges, Lorrie reassures competitors by sharing a few secrets. With anecdotes and humor, Lorrie encourages beginners to embrace the fun of agility trials and “dance” like nobody’s watching.

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In this episode, Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, explains the concept of “Screw-up Cookies” to enhance your dog training sessions. This simple addition to your training reduces frustration and helps keep your dog motivated for training.

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In this episode, Lorrie provides expert guidance on house training your new puppy. House training does not need to be frustrating, confusing, or leave your carpets a mess! This episode focuses on the essential concepts of supervision and consistency to teach your dog to eliminate outdoors. Lorrie explores the natural progression of potty training starting from the puppy's early weeks and provides insightful tips on creating a dedicated potty space. With practical advice on when to take your puppy out, supervising your puppy, and handling accidents, Lorrie covers every angle to help you avoid common pitfalls in house training.<...

In this episode, Lorrie delves into the 5 common mistakes handlers make when training their agility dogs and how to avoid them. Discover how reward rates can influence your dog's enthusiasm and performance, and learn why maintaining flow is crucial to keeping your dog motivated on course. Lorrie discusses the importance of having a training plan and defining clear performance criteria to ensure consistent progress.

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In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, describes the 6 “C”s that every dog agility team needs to be successful with distance handling. Lorrie briefly discusses how to start implementing the 6 "C"s to improve your distance skills right away. Get rid of the chaos and confusion and use these 6 "C"s  to up your dog agility distance game.

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Welcome to the third episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports. Delve into the world of dog agility and discover how incorporating distance into your handling can transform your agility training and competition experience. Lorrie highlights the impact of teaching your dog to work independently and at a distance, enhancing your team's speed, positioning, and overall performance. Explore the merits of distance handling for agility as Lorrie shares her expertise, focusing on the importance of communication between you and your dog, independence, and confidence. Whether you're dealing with physical...

In the second episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, tells the inspiring story of a student’s perseverance in the face of criticism. Sue, the seminar student, turns her frustration into determination, learning how motivation and confidence can transform her dog's performance. Learn how to block out negativity and forge your individual path to success. Lorrie emphasizes the value of determination and finding coaching that empowers rather than discourages. Join the community of agility enthusiasts listening to the Maximum Fun Agility podcast and explore what's possible for you and yo...

Welcome to the first episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports. Jump into the exciting world of dog agility and enjoy episodes related to multiple aspects of agility training and competition in this podcast. Lorrie outlines her mission to enhance the relationship, communication, and confidence of new and experienced agility teams. This episode explains why Lorrie created a podcast tailored for busy agility enthusiasts, offering a medium that can be enjoyed on the go. Lorrie shares the extensive range of topics that will be covered and emphasizes the importance...