Canine Handler Fitness Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Tanya Dobrzanski, President of Canadian Association of Harness Dog Sports, to talk all things harness dog sports — what they are, who they’re for, and why they’re such an incredible (and often overlooked) opportunity for both dogs and handlers.We dig into the full picture, including:What harness dog sports actually are and the different types availableWhich dogs are appropriate (and which ones aren’t — and why that matters)How handlers can get started, even with no prior experienceSafety considerations for both dogs and humansPrerequisites for handler fitness and skill level — and what you don’t need to worry aboutWhy these sports are an amazing conditioning option during winter monthsHow harness sports solve the common problem of “If I work out, my dog stays home”One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how clearly Tanya explains that harness dog sports aren’t just about fitness — they’re about connection, community, and sustainability.We talk about how:Doing fitness with your dog increases consistencyTraining alongside others builds accountability and joyThe biggest hack to lasting fitness is often the people you surround yourself withBeing intentional about your dog and fitness community can completely change your long-term successIf you’re looking for a way to:stay active through the winteradd another fun, purposeful activity to your life with your dogmeet like-minded dog and fitness friendsand build fitness that actually sticks…this episode is for you.Whether you’re agility-focused, curious about dog-powered sports, or just looking for a new way to move with your dog, Tanya shares practical, grounded insight that makes harness dog sports feel accessible, safe, and genuinely exciting.Tanya is an animal certified, and human, chiropractor based in Calgary, AB. You can contact her here.Read about the Canadian Association of Harness Dog Sports here.Want info about races in Alberta, Canada? Read more here.

I’ve coached thousands of people — but nothing taught me more than being forced to start from zero myself.This episode is part reflection, part reality check, and part roadmap.In this episode, I talk about:Why starting from zero feels so confrontingThe mismatch between expectations and realityWhy easing in is not the same as “not trying”How to treat starting from zero as a learnable skill, not a flawIf you’ve ever thought “I should be further along by now,” this episode is for you.Want to make sure you’re building momentum without burning yourself out?This is exactly why I teach this course once a year through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. It’s designed to support your first six weeks with guidance and feedback along the way. Registration is open now through February 15, 2026. Click Here to Learn More

Tugging isn’t just a reward system for your dog — it’s a physical skill for handlers, and it’s one of the sneakiest places people get hurt. In this episode, Liz sits down with tugging and play expert Shade Whitesel to talk about how to keep tugging fun while reducing risk on the human side. Shade shares handler safety tips that will make your tugging safer, clearer and more fun for both of you. We also chat practical protective gear, clothing hazards, and what to do when your dog is powerful enough to thrash the toy and light up your wrists and shoulders.Liz also adds a handler-fitness lens—split stance positioning, bracing, and quick height changes—so handlers can stay more stable and organized when their dog hits the end of the toy with speed or power.If you've been injured, slammed, bitten or caught off guard when tugging, this one's for you.Shade's toy class is open for registration Jan 22 through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, You can learn more here.She also has an incredible FREE webinar you can grab about Location Specific Marker Cues, pick it up here.

Most people don’t struggle with fitness because they don’t care — they struggle because they care deeply and don’t have a system that actually fits their life, body, and energy.In this episode, Liz sits down with Heather Sumlin, mental performance coach, to talk about fitness goal setting from a very different angle. This is not about hype, pressure, or forcing motivation. It’s about building goals that hold up when life gets busy, motivation fades, or your body isn’t cooperating.If you’ve ever started the year excited… only to stall out a few weeks later, this conversation will feel very familiar — and very relieving.What we cover in this episode:Why motivation isn’t the problem (and never was) Motivation is unreliable by nature. Heather breaks down why systems, structure, and environment matter more than “wanting it badly enough.”‘Should’ goals vs goals you actually want Many fitness goals fail because they’re inherited from comparison, guilt, or expectation. We talk about how to tell the difference — and why it matters for follow-through.Why big goals don’t translate into daily action Ambition isn’t the issue. Translation is. Learn what a goal actually needs to tell you about this week and today.How starting too big leads to burnout Especially for high-achievers, the instinct is to do more. We discuss how starting smaller often creates faster, more sustainable progress.Reframing setbacks as feedback instead of failure Missed workouts, low-energy weeks, or schedule chaos aren’t reasons to quit — they’re information. Learn how to adjust instead of abandoning the plan.Setting goals that fit real life and real bodies Fitness goals don’t exist in a vacuum. We talk about planning for stress, fatigue, hormone shifts, health fluctuations, and busy seasons — without losing momentum.The single most important mindset shift for executing goals Heather shares the one shift that consistently helps people follow through — and what success can actually look like six months from now.Why this matters for dog handlersAs handlers, our time and energy are limited — and the fitness we do needs to transfer into better handling, more confidence, and more fun with our dogs. This episode is about creating goals that support that reality, instead of stealing time and energy from it.How to get ahold of Heather!Webinar happening January 13, 2026PatreonBook your intro call with HeatherPerformance Analysis JournalDo you want help with the SYSTEM behind your goals?If you’re listening and thinking, “Okay… but where do I actually start?” Liz has built a Course Finder Quiz that matches you to the right starting point from 50+ handler-specific programs — so you’re not doing more than you need, or starting in the wrong place.👉 Take the quiz and find your best starting point here: https://caninehandlerfitness.outgrow.us/CHF-Course-Finder

As we head into a new year, a lot of handlers start thinking about how to improve — speed, endurance, confidence, clarity on course.In this episode, Liz shares a short list of high-ROI focus areas that help handlers move better, react faster, and feel more confident on course — without spending endless hours in the gym or grinding through workouts that don’t transfer.This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right few things.Think of this as a behind-the-scenes checklist: the pieces that quietly make handling smoother, cleaner, and more fun — while protecting your body for the long haul.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the first 4–6 weeks of fitness gains are about neuromuscular adaptation, not muscle — and why that’s good newsHow to stop training randomly and start building workouts that actually transfer to handlingWhat “real” core strength looks like for handlers (hint: it’s not crunches)Why mobility matters — but only in the places that countHow training deceleration and force absorption protects your body and improves confidenceThe mindset shift that helps you train like the teammate your dog already believes you are💡 Why This MattersWhen your fitness supports your handling:You move more efficientlyYour cues get clearerYou fatigue later in runsYou spend less time fixing problems and more time enjoying your dogThe goal isn’t perfection. It’s transferable strength, better movement, and more fun together.If you’re ready to train smarter — not harder — and want to know where to start, take our quick course finder quiz. You also get a free trial AND private 1-1 with Liz.👉🏼 CLICK HERE: Find your best starting point from 50+ dog-sport-specific courses Whether you’re brand new, coming back after a break, or ready to level up, this quiz matches you with the program that fits your body, your goals, and your dog.

This episode isn’t about “new year, new you” hype. It’s about honest reflection, meaningful change, and creating momentum in a way that actually lasts.We walk through how to look back at the past year with clarity (without beating yourself up), how to notice when you’ve slipped into valleys of low energy, discouragement, or feeling stuck, and how to build your environment so inspiration doesn’t rely on motivation alone.We talk about friendship, community, accountability, and why big dreams don’t come from magical bursts of effort — they come from ordinary, doable actions layered consistently over time.You’ll learn:How to evaluate your year without shame — and still learn from itWhat it means to be in a “valley” and how to recognize itWhy your environment matters more than willpowerHow to bring others into your goals (and why that helps you succeed)My Top 5 Ways to turn big ideas into real-life actionThis episode is here to remind you: You are capable of more than fleeting inspiration. Your highest self deserves commitment, gentle discipline, and support. And yes — you can build strength, resilience, joy, and possibility… one step at a time.Let’s make this year meaningful, not manic. 💛Feeling ready for support and an action plan? Take our 5-question quiz to get matched with the program that's right for YOU. Take it here!

Most runners — even experienced ones — are doing core work that doesn’t actually translate to better running.In this episode, Liz breaks down what your core really needs to do when you run, why traditional core exercises like planks and crunches often fall short, and how to train your core in a way that directly improves running efficiency, stability, and agility performance.You’ll learn why core work belongs in your warm-up, how pre-engaging the right muscles improves movement quality, and what’s missing from many popular core programs — especially for dog agility handlers and active athletes who train on their feet, not on the floor.Liz shares a clear, practical checklist for running-specific core function, then walks you through five core exercises — including standing, rotational, and single-leg options — that better reflect how your body actually moves when you run.This episode is ideal for:Runners who want to feel smoother and more powerfulAgility handlers looking to improve speed, control, and enduranceAnyone tired of doing “core work” without seeing real carryoverIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why core training in warm-ups improves performance and reduces compensationWhat “pre-engaging” muscles actually means (and what it doesn’t)How your core functions during running: bracing, anti-extension, rotation control, and force transferWhy seated and floor-based core work alone isn’t enoughFive practical, running-specific core exercises you can start using right awayThis episode cuts through fitness noise and gives you a smarter, more sport-specific way to train your core — so your running feels more connected, efficient, and resilient.If you don’t want to piece this together on your own, I’ve built all of this into my All Access Pass. Start a free trial, take the quiz to find your best-fit course, and enjoy the flexibility to train in a way that actually works for you.Get started here!

Most handlers think “strong legs” just means squats and lunges, but agility demands strength that works in every direction. The goal is power, control, and stability when the dog changes speed or the course forces quick transitions.You need single-leg stability far more than bilateral strengthDeceleration strength prevents slipping, sliding, and knee strainPower + quickness beat “strong but slow” every timeYour plan should challenge you in the same ways the course does — forward, backward, sideways, and rotational. If your routine hits these elements, it’s already doing more for your handling than 90% of generic programs.A good lower-body plan always includes hinge, squat, power, and lateral workUnilateral training is the most transferable skill for handlersIf a class has no power or decel, it’s not building speedYou don’t need fancy equipment — you just need smarter variations. One small tweak per exercise can turn a generic workout into something that actually improves your on-course performance.Swap any bilateral move for a single-leg version for instant agility carryoverAdd just 3–5 power reps before strength sets to train quicknessChange the direction of the movement to mimic real handling (lateral or diagonal)Many handlers have strong quads but weak hips, ankles, and hamstrings — a setup for slower acceleration and sloppy decel. Filling these gaps is often the quickest path to feeling faster and more stable on course.If you never train hamstrings or hinge patterns, you lose speedSkipping lateral work is a guaranteed deceleration weaknessMachines alone don’t prep you for multi-directional agility demandsDo you want more direction with your TRAINING, so you're not just working out but building to be a better athlete? Come join us in the All Access Pass, there's even a free trial 🔥

Your Friends Are Your Biggest Fitness HackThis episode kicks off our second All Access Pass monthly challenge!December’s All-Access Challenge: Do Something Active With Someone You Care About Once a Week. We explore why your social circle is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and fitness, and why shared movement builds sustainable habits far better than willpower alone. You’ll learn what research says about community and lifespan (including why tennis tops the longevity charts), why “fitness-minded friendships” are the secret weapon for handlers, and how heading into January with deeper connections sets you up for a wildly successful year.Key Takeaways:Activities with others are strongly linked to longevity — tennis increases life expectancy by ~9.7 years, largely due to its social interaction (Copenhagen City Heart Study).Weekly shared activity helps build identity-based habits: you become the kind of person who moves socially, not someone forcing themselves to exercise alone.Fitness-minded friendships reinforce consistency, reduce holiday stress, and make movement joyful instead of something on your to-do list.Going into “New Year New You” season with momentum and a connected support system makes January a continuation — not a desperate restart.If you want a plan to head into 2026 ready to capture your goals, check out our All Access Pass (you even get a free trial!)

Do you think you can skip upper-body training because agility is “all legs and core”? That’s a trap. Your upper body is just as critical for speed, posture, and handling.In this episode, you’ll learn:How your arms and torso affect sprinting, stride, and turningWhy upper-body strength is more than just big arms — it’s posture, stabilization, and reactive powerHow unexpected forces from your dog require upper-body coordination you probably aren’t trainingThe difference between doing random upper-body exercises and training for performanceWhy ignoring your upper body can actually slow you down and make you more prone to injuriesBy the end, you’ll see why upper-body training isn’t optional for agility, and how training correctly will make everything else — sprinting, handling, agility — feel easier and faster.Have you taken our quiz? We've got over 50 specialized handler programs, and in 5 questions you'll be matched with your ideal course. You also get a free trial, AND a live onboarding call with Liz. ➡ Take your quiz here

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood areas of women’s health — the pelvic floor.Most people think Kegels are the answer. They’re easy, discrete, and you can do them lying down — but here’s the truth: Kegels are just a drop in the bucket.Your pelvic floor is the bottom of your pelvis, a foundational part of your core that works in tandem with your diaphragm, abs, and back to support your organs, stabilize your pelvis, and respond to movement.We break down:Why targeted Kegel work alone often isn’t enoughHow tight pelvic floor muscles can limit strength and mobilityThe importance of responsive pelvic floor training — both slow holds and quick, controlled contractionsWhy training your pelvic floor in different positions, not just lying down, is crucial5 exercises to integrate your core and pelvic floor for real-world functionBy the end of this episode, you’ll understand that pelvic floor health isn’t just about holding — it’s about movement, responsiveness, and integration with your whole body.Want to see how your current core and pelvic floor strength stacks up? Take our free 5-question quiz to get matched with a course that fits YOUR NEEDS. All with supporting your pelvic floor in mind.Take your quiz today!

This episode kicks off the All Access Glow-Up — a brand-new phase for Canine Handler Fitness. We’re diving into our first monthly challenge: LIFT HEAVIER! What it means to lift heavier, why it matters for your strength and your mood, and how this November challenge can help you fight the winter blahs, boost your confidence, and handle with more power and ease.Plus, Liz shares details about the new fitness course quiz that matches you to your perfect program in under 5 questions — so you can stop guessing and start training smarter.In This Episode:Why lifting heavier is about more than muscle — it’s a mindset shift.The science of hope molecules and how strength training boosts mood and motivation.Why “pushing past comfort” workouts are where the magic happens.The story behind the All Access Glow-Up and how members are taking their training up a notch.How to find your perfect starting point with the new quiz.Key Takeaways:💥 Lifting heavier = lifting your mood.🧠 Every rep builds strength in your muscles and your nervous system.💪 Don’t wait for motivation — action creates it.Links Mentioned:👉 Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Fitness Course👉 Join the All Access Pass: Your Glow-Up Starts Here👉 Read the Blog: Collecting Hope Molecules — Why Strength Training Boosts Your Mood

Ever wonder why some handlers seem to sprint through the course effortlessly while others run out of steam halfway? In this episode, we’re diving into Zone 2 cardio—the unsung hero of speed, stamina, and recovery for dog sports. You’ll learn why running faster isn’t just about sprinting and how endurance in higher heart rate zones can help you recover quicker, sustain energy, and feel strong for every round. I’ll also give you actionable ways to check if you’re in Zone 2 and how to build it into your training without overdoing it.What You’ll Learn:What Zone 2 cardio is and why it matters for agility.How improved endurance helps you recover between runs.How to check your heart rate without a complicated gadget.Why consistency beats intensity for long-term performance.How to strategically incorporate Zone 2 sessions into a handler-focused training plan.If you want all the tools to build agility-specific endurance and speed, check out the All Access Pass—workouts, recovery strategies, and handler-focused training all in one place.

Feeling bloated during runs or just frustrated by digestive discomfort? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle gas and bloating for active handlers. We’ll cover how food choices, air intake, snacking habits, and gut bacteria all play a role. I’ll walk you through easy, practical steps to improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and feel lighter on your feet. No gross stories—just results you can feel during runs and in everyday life.What You’ll Learn:How your gut bacteria influence digestion and bloating.Common food triggers and sneaky habits that cause gas.Tips for reducing swallowed air and improving nutrient absorption.How to track and manage your digestive reactions using simple tools.Why small, consistent changes make the biggest difference.For handlers wanting all the tools to feel light, strong, and ready to run with your dog, check out the All Access Pass—it’s packed with mobility, strength, and recovery strategies for optimal performance.

Ever notice how running on grass feels completely different from running on asphalt? Or how sprinting on sand leaves you feeling like you just ran twice as far? In this episode, we dive into why variable and soft surfaces change the game for handlers. These surfaces don’t just challenge your legs—they challenge your core, stabilizers, and even your nervous system, shaping the way your body responds to speed, turns, and fatigue on the course. Understanding this can give you a serious edge, even if you can’t sprint on sand every day.Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently.Key TakeawaysSoft surfaces challenge your body differently: Sand, grass, and turf reduce joint impact while activating stabilizer muscles. This builds strength, balance, and resilience, helping you and your dog handle sharper turns and faster sprints.Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently.Adaptation is gradual: Sudden sessions on soft surfaces can overwork muscles and increase injury risk. Gradually introduce short intervals to allow your body to adapt.Surface awareness matters: Even if you can’t train on soft surfaces regularly, understanding how your body reacts to variable terrain helps you replicate those neuromuscular adaptations on harder ground.Footwear and form influence results: Proper shoes or even barefoot practice (when safe) can help your body “read” the surface better and transfer strength into speed.Soft surfaces? No problem. My All Access Pass gives you the workouts and guidance to stay fast, strong, and agile no matter what.You can start your FREE TRIAL here!

Sometimes the smartest move in fitness isn’t pushing harder—it’s pulling back. In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness, I’m talking about Get Going Gently—how to start smart when life, injury, or health conditions demand a slower pace.You’ll learn:When it’s essential to go gently: post-op, post-injury, illness, or stressful life changesHow to approach training safely with chronic conditions like CFS, hypermobility, autoimmune flares, or fibromyalgiaThe 60–80% rule: how staying just below your threshold builds strength, endurance, and resilienceHow gentle isn’t the finish line—it’s the launch pad for bigger gainsWhether you’re easing back into fitness or learning to pace yourself strategically, this episode gives you the guidance and encouragement to take that first step today, then progress safely toward your strongest self.Enrollment for my new course, Get Going Gently, through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy closes Oct 15. Sign up today, this is only happening once!Sign up here

Most agility handlers want to be faster — but the truth is, speed doesn’t just happen. It comes from how you move. In this episode, Liz reveals how focusing on just one or two key running cues can completely transform your sprinting form, helping you cover ground faster, move more efficiently, and stay ahead of your dog.What you’ll learn:Why sprinting technique matters as much for handlers as it does for athletes.How the right cues simplify running and free your body to move naturally.How just 1–2 small focus points can unlock speed you didn’t think you had.Practical ways to bring these cues into your agility training runs.Takeaway:Faster running doesn’t come from wishful thinking — it comes from training smart with the right guidance. If you’re ready to stop getting left behind and finally move like the handler your dog deserves, my programs are built to take you there step by step.You can check it out here!If you want to stop feeling stuck behind your dog, hit play now — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode built to make handlers stronger, faster, and more confident.

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Bussing—an agility athlete, competitor, coach, judge, canine fitness advocate, and expert in agility behavior. Laura has been a lifelong athlete, and in recent years she’s poured that same drive and intensity into dog sports.We first connected back in 2022, and since then I’ve had a front-row seat to watch her growth—not just as a competitor, but as an athlete in every sense of the word. Laura brings practical tools, valuable lessons, and a perspective that’s always worth learning from, whether you’re brand new to agility or a seasoned handler.Tune in for a conversation about what it really takes to thrive in dog sports—mentally, physically, and as a team with your dog.📍 Where to find Laura:WebsitePodcastFacebook👉 Laura trains using our All Access Pass, and you can too! Start your 2-week free trial today and explore the same workouts, stretching, and core training that help top handlers like Laura perform their best.[Click here] to get started today.

Everyone thinks January is the “fresh start” month for fitness—but here’s the reality: by March, nearly 80% of people have already quit. The resolution rush doesn’t stick.Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March.Here’s the smarter play: start in September.September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos. Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in and starting January riding a wave of momentum. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why January is the worst time to start fitnessThe real reasons September sets you up for successHow to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy scheduleThe exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curveThis is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it.👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead.Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March.Here’s the smarter play: start in September.September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos. Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in. You’re not making resolutions—you’re making progress. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why January is the worst time to start fitnessThe real reasons September sets you up for successHow to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy scheduleThe exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curveThis is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it.👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead.Ready to be a September Starter? Click here to access your FREE 2 Week Trial to my All Access Pass.

I see a lot of hypermobile people in dog sports, and while flexibility can be a huge advantage, it often comes with hidden challenges that impact health, performance, and day-to-day life. In this episode, we dive into the mystery of hypermobility — a niche but increasingly researched area of connective tissue disorders — and why understanding it is crucial for taking control of your body and your life.With Dr. Ashton Wilson, we explore:Common comorbidities that often accompany hypermobility, from joint instability and chronic pain to digestive and autonomic issuesPractical strategies for managing these conditions so you can stay active, strong, and confident in dog sports and lifeWhich doctors and specialists to see and how to know when it’s time for a referralConversation prompts to advocate for yourself effectively with your medical teamTools and tips for medical appointments — even when practitioners aren’t familiar with hypermobility, so you leave feeling understood and preparedThis episode is empowering and actionable. The information shared here isn’t just theory — it’s the knowledge you need to train smarter, move stronger, and take control of your health and performance. Knowing your body and the ways hypermobility can affect it gives you the insight to make bold, informed choices — essentially giving you the tools to approach your life with strategy, strength, and confidence.You can book your own virtual consultation with Dr. Wilson and her team here.You can also find her insightful Instagram page here!