Clean Run - August 2015 - 29

And this crazy character is really unpredictable, especially on course. I
mean, they're throwing commands
at me that I've never heard before
(though I don't think that cuss word
is an actual command), they're running funny (my handler runs like a
constipated duck at the best of times,
but seriously, this is ridiculous) and
they're really uptight about something. But what did I do, I'm working
my butt off here?!
They seem like they're on the edge
and I'd really like to make sure they
don't go over it. I better stay closer
to them. If I hold my wait, they could
get away and goodness knows what
they'd do; better break that and stick
close. Now what's that hand signal?
Never seen that before, maybe there
was a bug in their face. Ooooh, you
meant me to take that jump? Well
why didn't you say so? I sense this
isn't going well. I'm doing my best
here, but bug-swatting-mime is not
usually our handling style in training.
And they get human-reactive too. So
I get worried they're going to snap
at another person because they've
done it before when someone looked
at them funny; it was just the slightest look and in they went. Maybe I
should muzzle them?
Yeesh, if they'd just do what we do
in training, they'd be great. But every time I take them to a show, they
behave differently. I just don't know
what I'm going to get from them, and
I'm starting to get stressed before I
even get out there on course. I have
to admit, it's spoiling my enjoyment.
But I'm pretty sure it doesn't have to
be this way...

Recognising Our Effect on
Our Dogs
I will dive deeper into this next month,
but until then we have some observations to make and some learning to
take from our dogs. Here are a few

places where we can learn our part
in our dog's "symptoms:"

· Consider whether any changes in

your dog's behaviour or his stress
behaviours have any connection
with your mindset/emotional state.
Don't beat yourself up, but just try
to see what, precisely, your dog is
picking up on.

· Dogs tell tales. Let yours be your

teacher this month. Even if you
can't feel when unhelpful nerves
kick in, look at when your dog
starts to change and check in with
yourself to see what is going on
inside you:

If you
build it...
they can
run!

What are you thinking about?
What gremlins are you aware
of whispering or shouting in
your ear?
What are they saying?
What are you feeling?
What are you focused on?
(Be honest!)
How's your breathing?
Are your muscles tense? If so,
which are you most aware of?

Jump cup strips

How's your heart rate?

Clip-on jump cups

There is much more to come on this,
but taking time to consider how your
teammate is reacting to what's going
on inside you is a worthwhile exercise
and might be a new perspective for
you, so take time and explore it this
month. And if this perspective is not
new to you, great! I'm going to push
you though to take the opportunity to
get even more aware of what your
dog is picking up on from you and
when, where, and how that happens.
Pay close attention, let your dog be
your teacher. Become more aware of
your thoughts and look out for your
gremlins. Increase your awareness
of where you are focusing your energies and next month we'll move into
this in more detail! D

PVC ttings: 3-way,
4-way, and 5-way
connectors
1" and 2" vinyl tape
1" and 11/4" PVC pipe
in red, yellow, blue,
violet, and white

www.cleanrun.com

Dr. Kathrine McAleese is a qualified systemic psychotherapist who uses her training in diverse styles of therapy
to coach competitors, getting them past their mental obstacles so they can achieve their goals and get results
they can be proud of. She works with clients in multiple sports from all over the world, from pre-competition
to world champions, as well as helping individuals and businesses achieve health and fitness goals; business
development and vision planning.. You can learn more about Kathrine's online classes and contact Kathrine
through her website www.mindtowin.co.uk and on the Mind to Win Facebook page.
August 15 | Clean Run

http://www.cleanrun.com http://www.mindtowin.co.uk

Clean Run - August 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - August 2015