#29
July 10 · 12 min
BT
Before The Q
Rose Cybulski
Before The Q is a dog agility training podcast for agility hobbyists and handlers who want to improve skills, understand their dogs, and have fun. Each episode breaks down things like agility foundations,. reinforcement strategies, and course commitment with practical tips to help you train smarter and run happier
- 20 episodes
- Avg 35 min
- English
- BT#28June 22 · 44 min
Training plans with Grace Heck Part 2
a continuation from part one,I hope you enjoy our conversation. sign up for the mindset summit here. https://forms.gle/eQoEGq3gAaoVr5CW7 More from Grace Hounds of Heck Dog Training Hounds of Heck | Facebook https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UrbdyHWrr_HkW5rgK4ajGn1j5tNcHVV3/view?usp=sharing - Worksheet from Grace
- BT#27June 17 · 43 min
Training plans with Grace Heck! Part One
Grace Heck and I sit down and talk about training plans and how to formulate good ones. This episode is packed with great info so much so I had to split it into two parts. Grace shares some huge news at the end of the episode check out more from Grace here: Hounds of Heck Dog Training Hounds of Heck | Facebook EARS UP mindset summit fill out the google form here: https://forms.gle/o7TrKgJsgr1ah6Kx8
- BT#26June 5 · 12 min
Post Trial Reflections
A big thank you for sponsoring this episode goes out to the CPCFT program check them out here Home - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer Sharing my personal journey related to mindset goals and progress. Before The Q newsletter sign up !! Podcasts - Sarah Stremming, Cog Dog Coach
- BT#25May 25 · 38 min
Trial Readiness with Anna Hinze
This week Anna Hinze of Agility Campus and I sit down and have a conversation about trial readiness. There is a lot that goes into getting a dog ready to trial and a lot that goes into ensuring behaviors can hold up in the environment. There are some really great tips in this episode I hope you enjoy it. Anna's Newsletter signup : https://landing.agilitycampus.com/newsletter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/agilitycampus?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Home - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer - check them out!! Stay in Touch with me- seriously you don't want to miss what's coming up!
- BT#24May 4 · 48 min
Effective Verbal Cues with Fanny Gott
In this episode, Rose chats with Fanny Gott about the importance of verbal cues in agility training, focusing on the metaphor of cues as green lights. They explore how to train effective verbal cues, the role of handling, and strategies to improve communication with dogs during competitions. Fanny Gott instagram Home - The Agility Connection membership site SIGN UP here and let Fanny know I sent you! Agility Connection Instagram Follow Before the Q on Instagram HERE Home - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer - Thank you so much for supporting the podcast. Next cohort starts July 4th.
- BT#23April 22 · 12 min
Becoming a Better Student of the Sport
In this episode, Rose shares her personal journey of staying motivated and improving in agility training despite limited access to coursework due to her remote location and weather challenges. She discusses mindset strategies, the importance of intentional training, and how to make progress with what you have. Agility Odyssey - sign up for Sarah's emails here! https://www.instagram.com/before.the.q?igsh=cGp2em9lbXlwdHR2&utm_source=qr - it would sure be cool if you could give me a follow here!
- BT#22March 23 · 55 min
All About Reward Placement with Kayl McCann
In this episode, Kale McCann shares her extensive experience in agility, focusing on training philosophies, reward placement strategies, and building strong dog-handler relationships. Discover practical tips to enhance your training! McCann Dogs Agility Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2faAHEvCRf1dDtpCntA1Mu?si=813bb3ea61d14b32 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDogsAgility Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mccanndogsagility/ Online Training: www.Patreon.com/McCannDogs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/McCannDogsAgility McCann Dog Training YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/McCannDogs - 1.61 M subscribers www.McCannDogs.com
- BT#21March 11 · 13 min
Becoming the Handler Your Dog Needs Lessons with Levi
Rose shares her personal journey and insights on how to show up as the handler and trainer that your dog needs, especially during challenging moments in agility training and competitions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your dog's communication, adjusting training strategies, and maintaining a curious, supportive mindset
- BT#20February 10 · 32 min
Shaping a Baddie With Lynna Feng
In this episode, Rose chats with good friend of the podcast Lynna. They explore the unique challenges and triumphs of training a non-traditional agility dog, emphasizing the importance of building confidence, understanding canine behavior, and redefining success in the sport. Lynna shares valuable insights on the significance of reinforcement, the emotional dynamics of training, and the life lessons learned through their partnership. This episode is a testament to the joy and connection that can be fostered through patience and understanding. Also I kind of cant believe I have done 20 episodes! Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode remember to subscribe and Rate the podcast on whatever platform you listening from!!
- BT#19January 27 · 48 min
Happy Anniversary: Errorless Learning with Megan Foster and Sarah Espinoza-Sokal
It’s the one-year anniversary of Before the Q! To celebrate, Rose is joined by coaches, mentors, and friends Megan Foster and Sarah Espinoza-Sokal for an in-depth, practical conversation about errorless learning—what it really means, how it shows up in real agility training, and why it can be such a powerful framework in a fast, high-arousal sport. Megan Foster Agility coach, trainer, and host of Fostering Excellence in Agility. Megan brings decades of experience and a deep focus on clarity, connection, and clean reinforcement. Home - Fostering Excellence in Agility Sarah Espinosa-Socal Agility coach, trainer, and host of The Agility Odyssey Podcast. Sarah emphasizes communication, kindness, and mutual joy in training. Agility Odyssey Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a training friend Post about it on social media and tag Before the Q Leave a review — it’s one of the best ways to support the podcast Here’s to another year of learning, questioning, and enjoying agility There is a pretty sweet giveaway going on on my Instagram and Facebook you should absolutely go check it out.
- BT#18January 15 · 45 min
Process Over the Q: Playing the Long Game in Agility with Grace Heck
Rose is joined by Grace Heck owner of Hounds of Heck—for a deep, honest conversation about mindset, process, and what success in agility really looks like. Grace shares her philosophy of process over results and why focusing solely on Qs and ribbons can actually hold teams back. Together, Rose and Grace unpack what it means to play the long game in agility—from handling pressure at the start line, to building trust with your dog, to redefining success even when the run doesn’t go clean on paper. Before the Q Landing Page — Hounds of Heck check out other mindset content from Grace!!!! Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a training friend Post about it on social media and tag Before the Q Leave a review — it’s one of the best ways to support the podcast
- BT#17Dec 29, 2025 · 10 min
Embracing the Journey
In this episode of Before the Q, Rose reflects on her journey in podcasting, the importance of community support, and setting goals for the new year. She shares her excitement about upcoming projects, including a vlog and fundraising efforts, while encouraging listeners to reflect on the gifts that agility has brought to their lives. The episode wraps up with a call for listener engagement and a preview of future content. page_1_thumb_big.png (530×749) BINGO CARD Before The Q / Swag for Organizations | Need Some Sun - support the pod order a T SHIRT Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone with Rose Cybulski - Podcast Episode with my coach https://youtu.be/gr_SZ8lS__s - EPISODE 2 OF VLOG Who do you think I should chat with next/ what do you want to hear more about. IF you don't have Instagram or Facebook and still want to reach out shoot me an email : beforetheq@outlook.com
- BT#16Dec 15, 2025 · 53 min
An episode about errors with Dave Munnings
In this episode of Before the Q, host Rose speaks with agility trainer Dave Munnings about the importance of fun in dog training, understanding errors, and adapting training methods to the individual dog. Dave shares his journey into agility, discusses common errors in training, and emphasizes the significance of building a strong relationship with dogs. The conversation also touches on the transition to online training and future projects in the agility community. Check out Q-me agility Welcome to Q-Me Agility before the Q Vlog first installment - https://youtu.be/HWS6HMJ4Vjc?si=U4x6n5-fuNsnCuCs If you’re wondering how to support the podcast, the best way is to rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps the show reach more listeners. You can also support us by sharing the podcast with your friends. And don’t forget to check out our awesome T-shirts—definitely grab one if you want to rep the show! Before The Q / Swag for Organizations | Need Some Sun
- BT#15Nov 27, 2025 · 42 min
The power of pre placed rewards with Laura Waudby
Laura Waudby and I discuss the concept of preplaced rewards in dog training, particularly in agility. They explore the importance of curiosity in training, the role of reward placement, and common mistakes trainers make. Laura shares insights on how to effectively implement preplaced rewards, the significance of foundational training, and real-life applications of these techniques. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication with dogs and the benefits of using preplaced rewards to enhance training outcomes. Laura's recent blog post Rethinking Sends in Agility Bye Bye cookie class sign up here: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - FE420: Bye, Bye Cookie: Hello Delayed Reinforcement! Follow Before the Q on social media to see some fun ideas on how to proof your Pre placed rewards!
- BT#14Nov 22, 2025 · 15 min
I’ll Be Over Here Enjoying Agility
In this solo episode, Rose sits down with her coffee to unpack a few thoughts. From a recent adventure with Levi and Norbert to the internet’s latest debates on training methods, Rose opens up about cue-chasing, values-based training, and why joy should lead the way — even when the online chatter gets loud. She talks about reinforcement, aversives, and the four quadrants, and why it’s always okay to ask questions or advocate for your dog in class. Rose also dives into how to evaluate potential trainers, the importance of checking in on your own comfort, and recognizing progress even when the Qs aren’t there. Plus — exciting news! Rose is launching a free YouTube vlog in December, including a run-analysis collaboration with Megan Foster. And yes… the new “I’ll Be Over Here Enjoying Agility” t-shirt will drop on Black Friday, with proceeds supporting the show!! Tune in, settle in, and remember: agility should feel fun, kind, and aligned with your values
- BT#13Nov 5, 2025 · 20 min
Agility Adjacent Skill: Why the Down Stay Matters
In this episode, I dive into one of my absolute favorite Agility Adjacent Skills — the Down Stay! We often think of the Down Stay as a calm, quiet exercise… but it can actually be one of the most essential skills your agility dog learns. A strong Down Stay builds confidence, self-control, and focus — all the ingredients for brilliant performance in the ring!
- BT#12Oct 20, 2025 · 46 min
Canine Fitness with Dr. Debbie Torraca and Tara Monahan
In this episode of Before the Q, host Rose Cybulski speaks with canine fitness experts Tara Monahan and Dr. Deb Torraca about the critical role of fitness in agility training. They discuss the importance of building a strong foundation for dogs, the concepts of proprioception and body awareness, common mistakes handlers make in fitness training. The conversation also covers the significance of warm-ups and the use of equipment in canine fitness. Find a CPCFT - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, Deborah Gross, Canine Physical Assessment, Get On The Ball – Wizard of Paws Animal Physical Rehabilitation including athletic injuries, injury prevention, litter evaluation, post-surgical physical rehabilition in Colchester, Connecticut. Canine Fitness Innovations
- BT#11Sep 15, 2025 · 44 min
Toys, Dogs & Reinforcement with Shade Whitesel
In this episode I chat with the amazing Shade Whitesel, we get a peek into her Journey as a dog trainer. Shade helps teams build better, stronger, clearer reinforcement systems especially around toys. This episode focuses on the benifits of using toys as reinforcement, differences between food and toy rewards, and common challenges faced by handlers when introducing toys to their dogs. Shade shares insights and a number of awesome training tips. I hope you enjoy this episode I sure did!! How to connect with Shade: Shade Whitesel Dog Training | Seattle WA Location Specific Marker Cues-chopping up the clicker into different reinforcement procedures | Shade Whitesel Dog Training -free resource!! Eye on Ion-Shade Whitesel | All things Dog teaching wise-from puppy up! | Patreon REGISTRATION opens September 22!! Toy class: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - FE130: Toys - Developing Cooperation and Play Food marker class: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - FF145: Food Cues and Markers: Powerful Reinforcement for Clean Training
- BT#10Aug 13, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
The Power of Mindset with Hélène Lawler
In this episode, we chat with Hélène Lawler about her journey into dog training and dive deep into the power of mindset. What is mindset, really—and how can it help or hinder us in agility? This episode covers common struggles handlers face, the connection between emotions and performance, and practical strategies for building mental resilience. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their own beliefs and emotions, and how these can shape their experiences in dog sports. How to connect with Hélène: Hélène Lawler Coaching - Home Page Free Mindset Resource: https://www.helenelawlercoaching.ca/oxygen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helene.lawler?igsh=MXV5em1maGF6bWxyZg== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19m6E9YBBH/?mibextid=wwXIfr