Train for Mastery or Survival?
This week’s podcast explores a classic question many agility handlers face: should you run a course in class the way it should be run to build skills, or handle it the way you would at a trial to get through clean? It’s a discussion that hits especially close to home for our VIP members, who take part in monthly small space sequences designed to sharpen decision-making and improve execution. These sequences usually include four jumps and a tunnel, pulled from real courses, and are run at least three different ways—using a variety of handling options like rear crosses, front crosses, and blind crosses.
Handlers submit all runs for analysis, and we provide both personalized feedback and side-by-side, timed comparisons. Often, the results are surprising—what feels fastest isn’t always what is fastest. Without this kind of external challenge, most people default to what they know best. But by forcing themselves to try new options and evaluate them objectively on video, handlers discover not only what’s more effective in a given sequence, but also which techniques need improvement.
These insights can help teams refine their handling strategies or identify areas for improvement. We all agree that the right approach depends on the context of the dog, the handler, and their goals. It’s a great listen for anyone trying to find the right balance between training and performance.
Listen to the podcast here: Episode 364: Mastery or Survival – The Class vs. Trial Mindset
Esteban’s Big Mistake
In the podcast, Jennifer brought up a great point about the Finals at big events—how even the dogs that run before you can influence your strategy. When the stakes are high, you’re no longer in learning mode. You’re not there to see what works best—you’re there to get through and deliver a clean run.
The podcast reminded Sarah of a moment from 2014, which she asked me about right after we finished recording. It was mine and Gitchi’s AKC Nationals debut, and wow—I remembered it instantly. I can still see the missed weave pole entry in my head to this day. We were running 26″ in Jumpers With Weaves, and I had chosen what I thought was the fastest possible line given a choice on which wing to wrap a jump. Gitchi missed the weave entry, and because she had dropped a bar in another round, that mistake kept us out of the Challenger Round.
After the event, I even did a side-by-side video comparing our path to that of Pace, handled by Desiree Snelleman that PROVED my way was faster. You can view the video below.
Pace was a two-time AKC National Agility Champion and the last American large dog to win an overall individual medal at the FCI Agility World Championship. When I later spoke with Desiree, she told me that yes—she knew she was taking the slower line around the jump, but her goal was to run clean and make it to the Finals, not to win that specific round.
That moment was a turning point for me. It taught me that big events require a different mindset. It’s not about chasing the absolute fastest line—it’s about choosing the smartest strategy for the context you’re in. That shift helped me and Gitchi reach the Finals three years in a row, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.
NCAA Final Four
Since moving to Houston in 1994 to attend Rice University, where I met Sarah, we’ve been supporters of the Houston Rockets, the city’s NBA franchise. We never followed college basketball until the emergence of Caitlin Clark on the women’s side. However, the University of Houston men’s program has been rejuvenated the past few seasons. This year, after an impressive run that included eliminating Duke, the Cougars fell short in the championship game against Florida. Despite the loss, the team’s recent success has given local fans something to get excited about. The men’s championship game between Florida and Houston averaged 18.1 million viewers, marking the most-watched men’s title game since 2019.
Unlike last year, I didn’t watch any of the women’s games, and I wondered if the viewership would drop with Caitlin Clark gone to the WNBA. As shown below, without Clark, this year’s women’s championship game between UConn and South Carolina averaged 8.5 million viewers, a significant drop from the 18.9 million viewers in 2024. The semifinals averaged 3.9 million viewers, down from 10.8 million in 2024. I think this definitively proves the existence of the “Caitlin Clark Effect”.
With the Houston Comets defunct, our family’s WNBA team is de facto the Indiana Fever, and we’re looking forward to the start of the season on May 16th.
Whodunit
Who remembers the 80s sitcom Perfect Strangers? If you just smiled thinking about Balki from Mepos and the “Dance of Joy,” you’re not alone. Bronson Pinchot, who played the lovable Balki, makes an appearance in Netflix’s The Residence as part of the ensemble cast—though he’s much more understated here. We recently binged all eight episodes with Hannah and couldn’t stop watching.
The Residence stars Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, a brilliant and idiosyncratic detective who also happens to be an avid bird watcher. Her origin story is one of the most unique and satisfying parts of the show—setting the tone for the entire series. The plot centers around a murder during a state dinner with the Australians (and Hugh Jackman) at the White House, but instead of falling into the usual whodunit tropes, the show leans into dark humor, political satire, and memorable character moments. It’s fast-paced and surprisingly emotional in all the right places. Definitely one of the most original mystery series that I’ve ever seen–I highly recommend it!
Does this week’s podcast stir up some strong opinions? I want to hear them! Send any comments or questions to team@baddogagility.com.
Happy Training,
