Agility Culture

Laura Bussing, CPDT, CCFT, CASPC. Canine Culture LLC

Agility Culture offers an immersive experience into the exciting world of everything that is Dog Agility. Join Laura Bussing, Coach, Competitor and Judge, as she shares thoughtful insights and tips for dog agility training and competing at any level. Each week listen to learn about helpful strategies for bringing out the best in your agility team. We'll dive into all aspects of training, handling, building engagement, managing arousal, growth mindset, analyzing courses, mental game, canine and handler fitness. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode! CanineCultureCompany.com

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23 episodes
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Avg 38 min
English

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October 15 · 38 min
32 The Run Before the Run: Are you helping your dog?
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/
October 1 · 46 min
When More Training isn't the Answer
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/
September 17 · 50 min
30 Blowing up your Contacts
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/
August 18 · 33 min
29 Burning Questions August Edition
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 Class https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-stressed Private Coaching Program https://www.canineculturecompany.com/Private-Online-Coaching
July 29 · 19 min
28 Wasted Training Opportunities in Boosting Agility Skills
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.
June 22 · 30 min
27 State of Agility Competition
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 post https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1526155965964464&set=a.549499100296827 My Website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/
June 3 · 40 min
26 Agility Dreams with Kaitlyn Kaminski of Team USA
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/
May 19 · 33 min
25 Ring Readiness - Why it's Important
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/
May 8 · 34 min
24 How to Work Past and Prevent Training Problems
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/
April 19 · 1 hr 12 min
23 Burning Questions from Listeners
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-skills Arousal Control Online Class: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/ring-impulse-control Yerkes-Dodson Law of Performance/Arousal https://www.canineculturecompany.com/EndUserFiles/79262.pdf Fitness For Agility Online Class: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/courses/FitnessForAgility My Website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/
March 31 · 23 min
22 Wizard of Course Walks: Strategies for Maximizing your time
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-memorization My website: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/
March 8 · 22 min
21 Understanding Sensitive Dogs in Agility
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/
February 20 · 44 min
20 The Nuances of Ring Stress in Dog Agility
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-stressed Learn more about Laura: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/
January 21 · 27 min
19 Dealing with Setbacks and Frustration Tolerance
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-Coaching My website for Canine Culture: https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ Online Classroom with Open Enrollments: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/
Dec 31, 2025 · 23 min
18 Unique Observations and Helpful Tips from a Judge
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/
Dec 17, 2025 · 34 min
17 Redefining What is a "Once in a Lifetime Dog"
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.
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
16 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone to Become a Better Agility Handler
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-Coaching My online classroom https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/
Nov 26, 2025 · 33 min
15 Learning Theory Applications for Agility Part 2: Drop the Ego, Accept the Data
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/
Nov 14, 2025 · 44 min
14 Learning Theory Applications for Dog Agility - Part 1
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/
Oct 31, 2025 · 17 min
13 ISC National Championship Wrap Up
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 LLC https://www.canineculturecompany.com/ My online classroom: https://canine-culture.thinkific.com/

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