375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling

In this episode (30:01) In this episode, we break down why so many handlers walk to the start line with a clear plan and instantly forget everything the moment the run begins. You Will Learn Why your brain blanks on course and how stress shuts down the prefrontal cortex, reducing timing, sequencing, and decision-making. How adrenaline affects handling, including tunnel vision, and reversion to default movement patterns. What the Yerkes-Dodson curve tells us about optimal arousal for performance and why beginners fall off the curve sooner. How to use the physiological sigh as a rapid, science-based tool to reset your nervous system right before a run. Mentioned Episode 159: Handler Muscle Memory for Dog Agility Episode 188: Handler Desensitization Sponsored By: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce

You can listen to 375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

375: When Stress Hijacks Your Handling is an episode from Bad Dog Agility Podcast by Esteban & Sarah.

This episode is 30:02 long.

This episode was published on Nov 20, 2025.

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