Maximum FUN Dog Agility

Set your team up for success at the very start of every agility run! In Episode 38 of the Maximum Fun Dog Sports Podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, dives into the crucial elements before and at the start line that can make or break your run. Lorrie shares three key factors to maximize your dog’s performance: perfecting your pre-run ritual, making smart decisions about leading out, and strategically positioning yourself and your dog at the start. With clear examples using her own dogs Pixie and Revel, she explains how routines can be customized for different energy levels and needs. Learn why practicing your pre-run ritual in training is vital, how lead outs can influence your course strategy, and how thoughtful placement of both you and your dog at the start line can set the stage for success. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build the best version of your agility team. Start your runs on the right paw—listen now! Shop for Exercise Books, Courses, and Free Resources here: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shop Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility Podcast, Lorrie Reynolds asks a critical question about your dog’s confidence. She provides three real-life experiences from her students that appear to be different issues, but all boil down to the dog’s lack of confidence. Lorrie provides solid tips that you can implement in your training to ensure that you build your dog’s confidence up rather than eroding it. She discusses the importance of having confidence when working with your dog at a distance. Listen to the episode and join the community! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Dog Sports podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds, Lorrie dives into the world of online dog training and explores the five most common online learner types: Cathy the Collector, Wilma the Watcher, Susan the Stopper, Patty the Participant, and Louise the Lifelong Learner. Discover which style resonates with you and learn practical strategies to make the most out of your online learning experience. Whether you tend to collect courses without finishing them or you start strong and fade away when you hit the first roadblock, Lorrie offers actionable tips to help you stay motivated, get involved with your learning community, and reach your training goals. Packed with relatable examples and encouragement, this episode will inspire you to embrace your learning style and transform your training journey. To bring a great online learning experience into your dog training journey, check out The Agility Playground, Lorrie’s community for dog agility enthusiasts at the link below. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility Podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds discusses the topic of failure and why it might be the best thing to happen to you on your agility journey. Drawing from her own experiences as a handler, Lorrie shares an honest and relatable account of early setbacks and self-doubt on the agility course. Listeners will discover how moments of disappointment can fuel learning and growth, leading not only to better skills but to deeper connection and communication with their canine teammates. Lorrie explains how shifting her perspective—from embarrassment and frustration to viewing failure as a valuable learning opportunity—led to breakthroughs in training and handling, benefiting both her dog and the wider audience of her agility students. This episode encourages you to embrace mistakes, and use every run, successful or not, to strengthen your partnership. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice to help your agility team thrive. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Maximum Fun community for training tips and bonus content each week. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.com Email: support@maximumfundogs.com Articles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articles The Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2024-tap-1week  

Welcome to Episode 034 of the Maximum Fun Agility Podcast, hosted by Lorrie Reynolds, owner of Maximum Fun Dog Sports. In this episode, Lorrie dives deep into the true meaning of “connection” in dog agility and explains some common misconceptions that have emerged in recent years. Lorrie talks about the different types of connection, both the personal relationship you share with your dog and the working partnership you build as an agility team. She shares real-life examples from her own experience and breaks down how connection works on course, emphasizing when and how to use eye contact effectively. Lorrie addresses the popular connection myth, clarifying that maintaining full eye contact for the entire run can actually hinder performance and communication. Instead, Lorrie discusses how the right kind of connection can feel like magic, leading to in-sync, flowing runs. She explains a practical exercise to help you experience the difference with your dog. Don’t miss Lorrie’s tips on building solid teamwork and creating agility runs that feel like a well-rehearsed dance. For more tips, articles, and resources, check out the website linked below! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

In Episode 033 of the Maximum Fun Agility Podcast, host Lorrie Reynolds explores an often-overlooked aspect of dog training: rewarding your dog for simple or easy behaviors. Lorrie shares real-life stories from her students who were puzzled when their dogs stopped responding to basic cues like “sit” or getting the tunnel in a discrimination, despite performing more complex tricks, or going through the tunnel with ease if it wasn’t part of a discrimination. Lorrie discusses how neglecting to reward the easy or fun tricks or obstacles can lead dogs to default to the behaviors that earn them rewards more often, or to the behavior that has been rewarded most recently. She explains the importance of maintaining the value of all obstacles and cues by offering consistent reinforcement, even for those behaviors your dog “knows” already. Join Lorrie as she encourages you to reward the simple things and keep your training fun. To learn how you can work with Lorrie, visit www.maximumfundogs.com. Happy training! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 goals that fit your own lifestyle, capabilities, and interests—whether that means working toward national championships or simply having fun in the backyard. She discusses how to handle outside expectations, select venues and instructors that align with your objectives, and tune out the naysayers. Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed or doubting their place in the agility world. Join Lorrie as she reaffirms that every dog and handler team’s journey is valid, regardless of the finish line they choose. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 you to maximize your return on investment at seminars, embrace new experiences, and support others in the sport. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skills, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you and your dog thrive in training and competition. Tune in to learn how a growth mindset and positive attitude can lead to surprising and rewarding results in the world of dog agility! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 further away, boosting both performance and teamwork. If you're struggling with distance or just looking for new ways to keep your training sessions engaging, this episode includes actionable advice for effective rewards. Tune in to discover how rewarding at a distance can become a game changer for your agility team. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 helping your dog learn to learn so he can master each trick faster. Lorrie’s insightful advice encourages listeners to see trick training as a vital part of life with their dogs, filled with opportunities for fun and learning. She invites listeners to try teaching a new trick or improving an existing one this week. Tune in for practical guidance, encouragement, and fresh inspiration for building a joyful relationship with your dog—on and off the agility course. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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. You can watch the YouTube videos at the following links: https://youtu.be/Cvim2D933NA  The leash game - newer versionhttps://youtu.be/wsgCbKVilJ4  The leash game - older version Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 teaching manners more fun. Whether you're a pet owner or a dog sports enthusiast, this episode clarifies the terminology and encourages a playful approach to training.   Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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, a different approach can lead to better results. Tune in to discover how you can progress and find joy in every training session.   Expand your agility toolkit by joining The Agility Playground, a monthly membership that helps you create a fantastic agility team. Click on the link below for details. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 processed her grief, and perhaps one of her strategies will help you too.   Join the community at www.maximumfundogs.com and get training tips delivered to your inbox. Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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.   Learn more tips and tricks by signing up to receive the weekly email from Maximum Fun Dog Sports at the website linked below! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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-listen for agility handlers seeking consistent performance.   Join us and become part of the Maximum Fun Dog Sports community by visiting the website linked below! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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.   If you want to create a fantastic dog agility team, check out The Agility Playground at the link below! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 together. Lorrie's heartfelt story serves as both a tribute to Xephyr and a reminder to cherish the time we have with our pets.   Join the Maximum Fun Dog Sports community and get training tips and more delivered straight to your inbox! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 skills and teamwork. This episode encourages agility handlers to rethink their training approach and offers alternatives for those with limited space or equipment. Discover how mastering smaller sequences can lead to more success on course.   Visit our website and join our community at www.maximumfundogs.com to get weekly training tips emailed straight to your inbox! Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D

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 effective strategy for improving your time. Lorrie encourages listeners to try this technique in their own training sessions and observe the impact on their dog's performance.   Website: https://www.maximumfundogs.comShop: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/shopEmail: support@maximumfundogs.comArticles: https://www.maximumfundogs.com/articlesThe Agility Playground: https://courses.maximumfundogs.com/2025-bb-tap1-7D