Cog-Dog Radio “Over”-Arousal with Megan Foster
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Feb 17, 2026 Megan Foster, dog trainer, blogger and agility competitor, specializes in agility training and sports-dog behavior. She and Sarah define arousal versus emotional valence. They explore frustration from inaccessible rewards, fitness and rest affecting performance. They cover repairing conditioned negative responses, rebuilding positive valence with other sports, and practical training adjustments to reduce stress.
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Prepare Skills And Wellness Before Trials
- Build the dog's skills and preparedness before increasing environmental intensity.
- Improve rest, hydration, and feeding so dogs can handle trial stressors.
Get A Targeted Fitness Program
- Use a professional conditioning/fitness plan; foundations matter more than flashy exercises.
- Look to fitness when errors worsen under arousal or over a weekend.
Solve GI And Nutrition Issues First
- Address GI issues and feeding routines before blaming temperament for trial problems.
- Feed normal food or bland diets at trials and treat lack of appetite as a red flag.