06/07/2026
Rambling thoughts of a dog sport enthusiast.
So whatever discipline you are in for dog sports we have all been here at some point where we are in the ring and we know what our dog is capable of during training and we know where we want to be within the competition and against the other people and we ask too much of our dogs.
It is super important to work with the dog that is in front of you in the moment, taking into account the dog's energy levels, the weather, the environment, your mood on the day, the dogs mood on the day.
Not working with the dog you were training 3 days ago when you had 3 shots at what you were trying to achieve and not working with the dog that you aspire to have 3 months down-the-line. But the dog that is in front of you at that moment in the ring.
If your dog needs that extra support, if you need to step out of the line that gives you the extra points, to give your dog that extra confidence then do it.
It makes the difference between going home feeling like your dog has let you down when in reality maybe you've let your dog down, and going home feeling like you have succeeded even if you didn't win the prizes you wanted.
Setting your dog up for success is success in itself.
And by setting our dogs up for success, this brings enjoyment to your dog to be in the competition environment and with that comes confidence and then if we are lucky, prizes.
My aim is for me and my dog to enjoy ourselves and have fun and if your dog is no longer having fun and is confused and failing within the ring then we have definitely failed our dogs.
Go have fun. Enjoy your dogs, enjoy your sport and enjoy your day out. 💕🐾🐶
