Welcome to the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, the show that meets dog sport handlers exactly where they are—whether you're just getting started or chasing world-level performance.
Hosted by Liz Joyce, leading expert in dog handler fitness. Each bite-sized episode dives into the real physical demands of dog handling, offering practical, compassionate, and performance-driven tips to help you move better, feel stronger, and fuel your performance.
We break down the nuances of handler fitness needs, uncover what's holding you back, and build your foundation brick by brick—always with tools you can use right away. Expect short, sharp episodes packed with insight, motivation, and real-world action steps.
Because here, fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about giving every handler the tools they need to be strong, mobile, fast, agile, and ready for the ring.
Welcome to the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, the show that meets dog sport handlers exactly where they are—whether you're just getting started or chasing world-level performance.
Hosted by Liz Joyce, leading expert in dog handler fitness. Each bite-sized episode dives into the real physical demands of dog handling, offering practical, compassionate, and performance-driven tips to help you move better, feel stronger, and fuel your performance.
We break down the nuances of handler fitness needs, uncover what's holding you back, and build your foundation brick by brick—always with tools you can use right away. Expect short, sharp episodes packed with insight, motivation, and real-world action steps.
Because here, fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about giving every handler the tools they need to be strong, mobile, fast, agile, and ready for the ring.
This episode kicks off the All Access Glow-Up — a brand-new phase for Canine Handler Fitness.
We’re diving into our first monthly challenge: LIFT HEAVIER! What it means to lift heavier, why it matters for your strength and your mood, and how this November challenge can help you fight the winter blahs, boost your confidence, and handle with more power and ease.
Plus, Liz shares details about the new fitness course quiz that matches you to your perfect program in under 5 questions — so you can stop guessing and start training smarter.
In This Episode:
Why lifting heavier is about more than muscle — it’s a mindset shift.
The science of hope molecules and how strength training boosts mood and motivation.
Why “pushing past comfort” workouts are where the magic happens.
The story behind the All Access Glow-Up and how members are taking their training up a notch.
How to find your perfect starting point with the new quiz.
Key Takeaways:
💥 Lifting heavier = lifting your mood.
🧠 Every rep builds strength in your muscles and your nervous system.
💪 Don’t wait for motivation — action creates it.
Links Mentioned:
👉 Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Fitness Course
👉 Join the All Access Pass: Your Glow-Up Starts Here
👉 Read the Blog: Collecting Hope Molecules — Why Strength Training Boosts Your Mood
Ever wonder why some handlers seem to sprint through the course effortlessly while others run out of steam halfway?
In this episode, we’re diving into Zone 2 cardio—the unsung hero of speed, stamina, and recovery for dog sports.
You’ll learn why running faster isn’t just about sprinting and how endurance in higher heart rate zones can help you recover quicker, sustain energy, and feel strong for every round.
I’ll also give you actionable ways to check if you’re in Zone 2 and how to build it into your training without overdoing it.
What You’ll Learn:
What Zone 2 cardio is and why it matters for agility.
How improved endurance helps you recover between runs.
How to check your heart rate without a complicated gadget.
Why consistency beats intensity for long-term performance.
If you want all the tools to build agility-specific endurance and speed, check out the All Access Pass—workouts, recovery strategies, and handler-focused training all in one place.
Feeling bloated during runs or just frustrated by digestive discomfort? You’re not alone!
In this episode, we tackle gas and bloating for active handlers. We’ll cover how food choices, air intake, snacking habits, and gut bacteria all play a role.
I’ll walk you through easy, practical steps to improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and feel lighter on your feet.
No gross stories—just results you can feel during runs and in everyday life.
What You’ll Learn:
How your gut bacteria influence digestion and bloating.
Common food triggers and sneaky habits that cause gas.
Tips for reducing swallowed air and improving nutrient absorption.
How to track and manage your digestive reactions using simple tools.
For handlers wanting all the tools to feel light, strong, and ready to run with your dog, check out the All Access Pass—it’s packed with mobility, strength, and recovery strategies for optimal performance.
Ever notice how running on grass feels completely different from running on asphalt? Or how sprinting on sand leaves you feeling like you just ran twice as far?
In this episode, we dive into why variable and soft surfaces change the game for handlers. These surfaces don’t just challenge your legs—they challenge your core, stabilizers, and even your nervous system, shaping the way your body responds to speed, turns, and fatigue on the course.
Understanding this can give you a serious edge, even if you can’t sprint on sand every day.
Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently.
Key Takeaways
Soft surfaces challenge your body differently: Sand, grass, and turf reduce joint impact while activating stabilizer muscles. This builds strength, balance, and resilience, helping you and your dog handle sharper turns and faster sprints.
Speed and fatigue are affected: Running on soft surfaces demands more energy per stride, which increases fatigue and conditions your muscles for the demands of agility. It teaches your body to stabilize and propel efficiently.
Adaptation is gradual: Sudden sessions on soft surfaces can overwork muscles and increase injury risk. Gradually introduce short intervals to allow your body to adapt.
Surface awareness matters: Even if you can’t train on soft surfaces regularly, understanding how your body reacts to variable terrain helps you replicate those neuromuscular adaptations on harder ground.
Soft surfaces? No problem. My All Access Pass gives you the workouts and guidance to stay fast, strong, and agile no matter what.
You can start your FREE TRIAL here!
Sometimes the smartest move in fitness isn’t pushing harder—it’s pulling back. In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness, I’m talking about Get Going Gently—how to start smart when life, injury, or health conditions demand a slower pace.
You’ll learn:
When it’s essential to go gently: post-op, post-injury, illness, or stressful life changes
How to approach training safely with chronic conditions like CFS, hypermobility, autoimmune flares, or fibromyalgia
The 60–80% rule: how staying just below your threshold builds strength, endurance, and resilience
How gentle isn’t the finish line—it’s the launch pad for bigger gains
Whether you’re easing back into fitness or learning to pace yourself strategically, this episode gives you the guidance and encouragement to take that first step today, then progress safely toward your strongest self.
Enrollment for my new course, Get Going Gently, through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy closes Oct 15. Sign up today, this is only happening once!
Most agility handlers want to be faster — but the truth is, speed doesn’t just happen. It comes from how you move.
In this episode, Liz reveals how focusing on just one or two key running cues can completely transform your sprinting form, helping you cover ground faster, move more efficiently, and stay ahead of your dog.
What you’ll learn:
Why sprinting technique matters as much for handlers as it does for athletes.
How the right cues simplify running and free your body to move naturally.
How just 1–2 small focus points can unlock speed you didn’t think you had.
Practical ways to bring these cues into your agility training runs.
Takeaway:
Faster running doesn’t come from wishful thinking — it comes from training smart with the right guidance.
If you’re ready to stop getting left behind and finally move like the handler your dog deserves, my programs are built to take you there step by step.
You can check it out here!
If you want to stop feeling stuck behind your dog, hit play now — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode built to make handlers stronger, faster, and more confident.
In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Bussing—an agility athlete, competitor, coach, judge, canine fitness advocate, and expert in agility behavior.
Laura has been a lifelong athlete, and in recent years she’s poured that same drive and intensity into dog sports.
We first connected back in 2022, and since then I’ve had a front-row seat to watch her growth—not just as a competitor, but as an athlete in every sense of the word.
Laura brings practical tools, valuable lessons, and a perspective that’s always worth learning from, whether you’re brand new to agility or a seasoned handler.
Tune in for a conversation about what it really takes to thrive in dog sports—mentally, physically, and as a team with your dog.
📍 Where to find Laura:
👉 Laura trains using our All Access Pass, and you can too! Start your 2-week free trial today and explore the same workouts, stretching, and core training that help top handlers like Laura perform their best.
[Click here] to get started today.
Everyone thinks January is the “fresh start” month for fitness—but here’s the reality: by March, nearly 80% of people have already quit. The resolution rush doesn’t stick.
Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March.
Here’s the smarter play: start in September.
September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos.
Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in and starting January riding a wave of momentum. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
Why January is the worst time to start fitness
The real reasons September sets you up for success
How to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy schedule
The exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curve
This is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it.
👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead.
Stop waiting for January to fix your fitness. By then, the gyms are packed, the apps are overflowing, and most people have already quit by March.
Here’s the smarter play: start in September.
September gives you a clean slate, fresh routines, and the chance to build momentum before the holiday chaos. Imagine this: you start now, and by January you’re already 12–16 weeks in. You’re not making resolutions—you’re making progress. You’re stronger, faster, and more confident while everyone else is still figuring out how to log into their gym app.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
Why January is the worst time to start fitness
The real reasons September sets you up for success
How to use fall to lock in consistency, even with a busy schedule
The exact momentum you’ll build to hit spring ahead of the curve
This is your wake-up call: September isn’t the time to think about starting—it’s the time to actually do it.
👉 Hit play, start today, and let’s make sure you’re not starting over in January—you’re already ahead.
Ready to be a September Starter? Click here to access your FREE 2 Week Trial to my All Access Pass.
I see a lot of hypermobile people in dog sports, and while flexibility can be a huge advantage, it often comes with hidden challenges that impact health, performance, and day-to-day life.
In this episode, we dive into the mystery of hypermobility — a niche but increasingly researched area of connective tissue disorders — and why understanding it is crucial for taking control of your body and your life.
With Dr. Ashton Wilson, we explore:
Common comorbidities that often accompany hypermobility, from joint instability and chronic pain to digestive and autonomic issues
Practical strategies for managing these conditions so you can stay active, strong, and confident in dog sports and life
Which doctors and specialists to see and how to know when it’s time for a referral
Conversation prompts to advocate for yourself effectively with your medical team
Tools and tips for medical appointments — even when practitioners aren’t familiar with hypermobility, so you leave feeling understood and prepared
This episode is empowering and actionable. The information shared here isn’t just theory — it’s the knowledge you need to train smarter, move stronger, and take control of your health and performance.
Knowing your body and the ways hypermobility can affect it gives you the insight to make bold, informed choices — essentially giving you the tools to approach your life with strategy, strength, and confidence.
You can book your own virtual consultation with Dr. Wilson and her team here.
You can also find her insightful Instagram page here!
You’ve been sprinting, queuing, moving equipment, maybe driving, and who knows — you might’ve been wrangling some big feelings too.
That first window right after your run, when your heart is still thumping, is one of the most powerful moments of your entire agility day.
In this episode, we talk about how to cool down your body and your nervous system so you finish your day not thinking, “I survived,” but instead feeling ready for more.
Here’s why a cool-down is essential:
Your nervous system is still lit up — heart racing, muscles buzzing, adrenaline flowing, and your brain may still be replaying runs. A proper cool-down helps you shift from go mode to recovery mode.
Eases physical tension and reduces next-day soreness.
Supports energy conservation during long trial days or weekend events by bringing your nervous system back down to baseline.
Improves overall performance — a body and mind that recover efficiently can handle more, react faster, and stay consistent run after run.
You’ll also learn:
The most effective post-run stretches and mobility drills for hips, shoulders, calves, and core
Quick strategies for short sessions vs. full trial days
Tools to optimize recovery — foam rollers, bands, and mini routines that fit your schedule
Bottom line: The moments after your run aren’t just “cool down” time — they’re prime recovery and performance-building time. Use them wisely and you’ll feel strong, energized, and ready to tackle your next challenge.
📥 Download your WarmUp EBook here with step-by-step routines and visual demos to make recovery simple, effective, and fun.
🎧 Listen now and turn your post-run routine into your secret weapon for energy, consistency, and performance!
Warm-ups aren’t optional — they’re your performance insurance policy.
In this episode, I break down how a simple, strategic warm-up can transform your first run from stiff and sluggish to powerful and precise.
You’ll learn:
How long you should be warming up
How often you need to warm up, and how long a warm up lasts
What if you're running multiple dogs?
Why walking the course is NOT a warm-up (and what to do instead)
The science-backed sequence that activates your reaction speed, balance, and focus
Quick fixes for trial mornings when you feel rushed or tired
Should you warm up before the dog, or after
Bottom line: Warm-ups aren’t just about feeling “ready” — they give you faster reaction times, better precision, and fewer injuries. And the best part? The right routine takes less than 5 minutes.
Grab your free “Agility Handler Warm-Up” eBook with step-by-step photos and modifications for every fitness level. You’ll have a routine you can start using at your very next trial — no guesswork.
👉 Get Your EBook Here
🎧 Listen now and give your first run the same energy as your last.
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Novak — an accomplished agility competitor and long-time Canine Handler Fitness client.
We explore what it’s like to stay fit for agility in your 40s
The strategies she uses to keep up with her fast dogs
How her improved sport-specific fitness has expanded her handling options in the ring
Sarah shares her personal journey, the changes she’s noticed in her body and performance, and what’s helped her most along the way.
Whether you’re chasing Qs or just trying to keep up with your canine teammate, this episode will inspire you to see what’s possible with the right training.
If you want a simple way to start moving better before your next workout or run, check out the free Warm-Up eBook here!
In Part 2 of Liz’s origin story, we go behind the scenes of how Canine Handler Fitness went from one-on-one coaching to an online movement supporting hundreds of handlers across the globe.
You’ll hear what it really took to launch online programs that actually work — the missteps, the breakthroughs, and the major lessons learned along the way.
💡 In this episode:
Whether you're a new listener or a long-time member of the CHF community, this episode brings you into the heart of the mission — helping handlers train smarter, move better, and feel more like themselves.
🎧 Let’s grow together — body, mind, and handler spirit.
PS. Have you picked up your FREE Handler Stretching Guide?
In this deeply personal first episode of the Canine Handler Fitness Podcast, Liz Joyce opens up about the life experiences that shaped her — as a woman, a coach, and a movement professional. From wrestling in high school and working industrial jobs, to living with Crohn’s and finding healing through strength, Liz shares how movement became the thread that pulled her forward through every chapter.
This episode isn’t just about fitness. It’s about growth — the kind that happens when you learn to trust your body again, rebuild your strength, and carry that power into every part of your life. It’s also the origin story of why she’s so passionate about helping other handlers move better, feel better, and thrive in the sport they love.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Links & Resources:
Are you spinning your wheels with workouts that just don’t seem to work? Choosing the wrong fitness level could be sabotaging your progress without you even realizing it!
In this episode, we're taking the guesswork out of training decisions. Whether you're just starting out or eyeing the advanced programs, we break down how to confidently select the right level — and how to know when you're ready to level up.
In this episode, we cover:
Don't miss this: ➡️ We reference our FREE Handler Stretching Guide — a great place to start assessing how your body moves and what level may suit you best. You can grab yours at https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a
Listen now and take the first step toward choosing the perfect challenge level — one that sets you up for success, not setbacks. 💪
We’re diving into one of the biggest struggles I hear from so many handlers and competitors: “I know I should work out — so why is it so hard to actually stick with it?”
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by that tug-of-war in your head — you want to get stronger and faster for your dog, but your follow-through fizzles out — you are going to love this conversation.
In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Sumlin, an amazing mental management coach who works with athletes, handlers, and everyday people to break through the mental roadblocks that get in the way of consistent training. Together, we unpack:
✨ Why connecting to your deeper “why” really matters — and how to reframe boring mobility drills into something that feels motivating and meaningful.
✨ How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking sneak in — and simple reframes you can use when life is busy so you still get a win instead of skipping your workout altogether.
✨ The shift from “I should work out” to “This is who I am.” We explore how seeing yourself as an athlete for your dog changes your commitment, your mindset, and your results.
✨ What to do when your inner critic shows up. [Guest’s Name] shares powerful tips for handling the voice that says, “You’re too old,” or “You’ll never be as fast as them.”
✨ Protecting your energy and avoiding burnout. We talk about how to stop pouring from an empty cup so you can stay strong for your dog — and yourself.
✨ The power of environment and tiny habits. Learn how to build workout cues right into your day, so you don’t have to rely on willpower.
✨ How to bounce back after you fall off track. Because missing a week (or a month!) doesn’t mean you’ve failed — and we’ll help you see how to reset and keep going.
Whether you’re an experienced competitor or just starting your fitness journey, you’ll come away from this episode with fresh mindset tools, practical ideas, and inspiration to help you keep showing up for yourself — and your dog — for the long haul.
🎧 Listen now and let us know what lands for you — we’d love to hear what helps!
You can find Heather’s amazing work, resources, and coaching on her Website at HeatherSumlin.com ,her Patreon bit.ly/4l190BH and her inspiring Podcast — https://bit.ly/4eUcHrk!
For more tools, workouts, and ways to work with me, head to caninehandlerfitness.com And don’t forget to share this one with a friend who might need a little mental boost, too. You’ve got this!
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?
Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a
If you’ve ever skipped a workout because you felt awkward, uncoordinated, or just plain embarrassed, this episode is for you.
We’re diving into why so many adults feel clumsy when they try to get back into movement—and how to change that narrative for good. You’ll learn why feeling “unathletic” has less to do with your actual ability and more to do with missing physical literacy building blocks that many of us never had a chance to develop as kids.
We talk about:
Whether you’re brand new to movement or just feeling out of practice, you’ll leave this episode with tools, reassurance, and a few laughs—and hopefully the permission to start again, without shame.
👉 Want more? Check out resources, programs, and future episodes at caninehandlerfitness.com
🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?
Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now!
As dog sport handlers, we’re meticulous about how we fuel our dogs—high-quality food, hydration, recovery routines, the works. But when it comes to fueling ourselves? Especially around sugar cravings? That often gets overlooked.
The problem is, unchecked sugar cravings don’t just impact your diet—they impact your performance. If you're constantly reaching for quick sugar fixes, you’re more likely to experience blood sugar crashes that leave you foggy, fatigued, and less responsive on the field.
That means slower decision-making, less endurance, and a reduced ability to stay sharp and decisive—whether you're navigating an agility course, hiking all day at a trial, or tracking in challenging terrain.
How you fuel yourself matters just as much as how you fuel your dog—because you’re a team, and both parts of that team need to perform at their best.
In this episode of Canine Handler Fitness, we’re unpacking the real reasons sugar cravings hit so hard—especially on long trial days, during training blocks, or when life is extra stressful. This isn’t about guilt or restriction—it’s about helping you understand what your body’s asking for and how to respond in a way that supports your energy, focus, and performance.
We’ll explore:
Plus: simple, science-backed strategies you can start using this week to reduce cravings, feel more steady, and fuel yourself like the athlete you are.
You wouldn’t send your dog into a big weekend underfed, under-rested, or out of balance—so why do it to yourself?
Perfect For:
Get free resources and more support over at caninehandlerfitness.com
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?
Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a
Trial days are long, unpredictable, and full of high-stakes moments—for both you and your dog. What you eat directly impacts your energy, brain power, recovery, and enthusiasm. In this episode, we’re diving into how to fuel your body like the athlete you are so you stay sharp, steady, and ready to run—without the dreaded afternoon crash.
You’ll learn:
Whether you're new to trialing or looking to fine-tune your performance, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you stay energized, clear-headed, and ready for anything from first walk-through to final run.
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?
Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a
Welcome to Part 2 of our sprint form mini-series!
If you missed Part 1, pause here and go back—we covered foot strike, knee drive, and arm pumping, the foundation of powerful sprinting.
Today, we’re finishing the puzzle with the top three mechanics that help you stay controlled, rhythmic, and resilient:
➡️ Hip Extension
➡️ Torso Position & Posture
➡️ Cadence & Ground Contact Time
If you’ve ever felt off-balance when running or like your speed tanks mid-course, these tweaks are your missing link. Learn what to watch for, how to cue each correction, and which drills to use for results that show up where it counts.
👟 Want more help or get eyes on your sprint form? Visit caninehandlerfitness.com for training plans, resources, and coaching designed for dog sport handlers like you.
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?
Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a