Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast

Jennifer joins me to talk about the idea of impulse override and how it can help teach dogs to wait for their turn — an important skill in the field trials and hunt tests where she competes!

Ever wondered how you approach teaching a dog to focus around distracting scents - things like bitch in season scent or trash on the side of the road? In this episode Shade and I discuss the way she handles scent distractions as a real life skill.

Kim joins me this week to talk about the relationship between resilience and arousal. We talk about how control unleashed and freework can both help improve resilience and arousal management for dogs with big feelings.

Fitness training can benefit dogs of all ages — but it should be adapted to meet the specific needs of the dog in front of us based on their health and their age. In this episode Kelly and I talk about how to adapt fitness training for puppies and seniors.

Dr. Sue Yanoff specializes in canine sports medicine. In this episode we discuss the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis for canine sports injuries and how to advocate for your dog if the right diagnosis isn't immediately clear.

Denise Fenzi, founder and longtime trainer focusing on leadership and connection. Crystal Wing, handler in search & rescue and protection who centers play and breed-appropriate joy. Kim Palermo, trainer emphasizing control, play, and opt-out stations. Erin Lynes, trainer and breeder skilled in integrating pups into homes. They trade stories about subtle cues, shared adventures, adapting for independent or aging dogs, and rebuilding trust after setbacks.

Teaching your dog a recall just makes sense — but what about those situations when running to you might be more dangerous than staying put? In this episode, Julie makes the case for why an emergency stop is just as important... and the added benefits it can offer for sports dogs.

Erin Lynes, a Canadian dog trainer, breeder and canine fitness instructor, teaches movement-puzzle and body-awareness training for sport and everyday life. She explains thoughtful movement as deliberate limb control. Short pattern games and stop-and-go drills build planning, confidence and better motor control. Practical class tips and simple prop ideas are shared.

What's really going on when a dog competes in the breed ring? Ashley breaks down what judges look for, what we can do to help present our dogs in the best light, how training helps, and what the handler's job is, when competing in conformation.

Amy and Josefin have been working together on a new program designed to help us rethink every interaction we have with our dogs... and they're calling it "The Social Approach."