Agility Trial Success Tip #8: Having a pre-run routine that you and your dog do before every run that contributes to the confidence the two of you have when you step to the line.
Confidence and purpose achieve goals.
“Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Today I am grateful for all of the good habits we have at agility trials to help our dogs and ourselves be confident and enjoy each and every run together as a connected team.
Visit all the tips: Tip 1, Tip 2, Tip 3, Tip 4, Tip 5, Tip 6, Tip 7, Tip 8, Tip 9, Tip 10
If tied up in knots obsesing about performance visualise the next lovely thing you’re going to do
Love the tip.
already utilising engagement cues, this is an extension. I like the idea of warm up tricks, thanks Leslie! 2 positive outcomes: muscles warmed and stretched.
I think Nicole brings up good point. Your warm-up and pre-run routines should to be adjustable based on the space available in order to keep your dog and others safe. In her example, that would be a nightmare at some of our venues were there is enough room for the que line and a single lane to access the next ring. I became more aware of this having a reactive dog. If I know that I will need to be further from the gate steward for pre-run, I will let the gate steward know who I am and where I will be before I get my dog so they can flag me over.
One of my biggest gripes is the handler who thinks their dog is the only dog going into the ring. While I’m in the line getting My dog focused, they’re right behind me ramping their dog up by having them jump around and bark. A little consideration of others would be nice. If you need to ramp your dog up, please step off a few paces.
I have a young (almost 20 mo) dog that goes NUTS watching other dogs so our start line is non-existent. I am working on Control Unleashed games to try and get her “down”. This will take time. Sadly.
This is my biggest bug bear, other peoples warm up habits , the one where they swing the dog ..usually a collie round on a rope in the queue allowing it to get in a frenzy and then aggressive attack mode and whats the first command? sit!!! My dog has been attacked twice in the line up, which i try to stay out of ,but sometimes you do need to be there when you are second in. very tricky.
A good routine leads a good habit. Make a good routine plan for your dogs. And your dogs be confident.
Funny this should come. In watching a webinar a while back you talked about warm-ups before running or practicing. I have started a few and they have become a fun pre-run routine. ZuZu sits up and then stands on back to legs (princess sit w/up), she also walks in backward circle (circus). These help get her abs and hind sections ready; treats are involved so she offers the behaviors as soon as she heads toward the waiting area. Thanks Sorry I didn’t see the previous seven.
Have a fun time in Spain!