Episode 010 - Time to Stop Telling Dog Agility Handlers to "Just Run Faster"
Season #1
Show Notes
Time to Stop Telling Dog Agility Handlers to “Just Run Faster”
In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds discusses a frustrating message many agility handlers hear from instructors: “Just run faster.”
For many agility competitors, especially those with injuries, chronic health conditions, or mobility limitations, that advice simply isn’t realistic. This episode explores why agility instruction needs to evolve to support the majority of handlers who love the sport but cannot rely on speed and athleticism alone.
Lorrie shares a real story from one of her seminar students and explains why agility training should focus on communication, independence, and thoughtful handling strategies, not just physical speed.
Topics Covered
dog agility distance handling, agility training for handlers who cannot run, independent obstacle performance, inclusive agility training methods, alternatives to running in dog agility
In This Episode You’ll Learn
• Why telling handlers to “just run faster” is not a realistic training solution • How physical limitations affect many agility competitors • Why distance handling and obstacle independence create better training options • How instructors should match their teaching methods to the needs of each team • Why ethical coaching sometimes means referring students to another instructor
Episode Overview
Many agility instructors teach handling systems that rely heavily on speed, constant motion, and physically demanding maneuvers. While these approaches can be effective for highly athletic handlers, they do not work for every agility team.
In this episode, Lorrie shares the story of a student who sought help with her fast Border Collie but had a health condition that prevented her from running. After months of lessons focused on start line behavior, the only advice the instructor ultimately offered was to “just run faster.”
For many agility competitors, that type of advice is discouraging and unhelpful.
Agility is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities. Many competitors began training years earlier and continue competing long after injuries, aging, or medical conditions make running difficult.
Instead of expecting every handler to fit into a single handling system, instructors should help teams develop strategies that work for their individual abilities. Approaches that emphasize distance handling, obstacle independence, and clear communication allow more teams to succeed and continue enjoying the sport.
Ultimately, good coaching means helping students find solutions that work for them, even if that means referring them to another instructor who can better meet their needs.
Key Training Concepts Mentioned
• distance handling strategies in dog agility • independent obstacle performance • adapting agility handling to physical limitations • inclusive agility coaching approaches • building agility systems around each team’s strengths
Key Takeaway
Dog agility should be accessible and enjoyable for people of many different physical abilities. By focusing on communication, independence, and thoughtful handling strategies, agility teams can succeed without relying solely on speed.
Great coaching is about helping each team find the method that works best for them.
Episode 003 – Why Teach Distance for Dog Agility Episode 004 – The Six Cs for Distance Handling Episode 009 – Dog Agility Distance Handling: What is CLAWS?
