Petra Ford, Faculty

How do I get the same performance in training and in the ring? That is one of the most common challenges in competitive sports. It is something everyone struggles with. “My dog ONLY does that in the ring”.... How often have we said and heard that? The truth is, you CAN get the same dog in training and in the ring! Does your dog work well at home and in your training building, but seem to struggle at trials? Do you have a "different" dog when trialing than when training? Are you getting ready to compete and want to be sure you get the most out of your dog at the trial? This course provides you with critical skills that will improve confidence and consistency in the ring for both you and your dog. The information in this course is relevant to all competitors, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

Most dogs know how to do the exercises. They even have a foundation in engagement. But when they compete, things often fall apart. Competition requires another level of engagement. Dogs must maintain engagement while performing a complex series of behavior chains. Many distractions at trials are unpredictable and cannot be replicated in training. It’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality.

There is no escaping it. Our dogs will be under pressure in the ring. So let’s prepare them for it! Many people are not aware that the majority of errors in the ring are the result of some sort of pressure. Dogs feel pressure from the environment, the judge, barriers (ring gates, walls) and often from us. When we recognize pressure, we can teach our dogs to master it. In the past we taught our dogs to just endure it. Now I change my dog’s relationship to pressure. I want pressure to cue a positive conditioned emotional response. I teach it using a variety of fun games that dog’s love and find empowering. The games build confidence and resilience that carry over into the ring environment. The games can benefit dogs of all ages, experience levels and temperaments.