Burning Daylight

As a big John Wayne fan the one line that I have always remembered is “you are burning daylight” it is so true with getting ready for the spring performance season. Everyone wants to get out with his or her dogs to practice and just enjoy the outdoor season. In living in the Midwest or northern states we have a slight disadvantage with all the snow and ice that comes our way and that does put us behind the eight ball somewhat. We try to work out new tricks or a different sequence that really sounds great in our head but until working it out on the field who knows, that is what spring is for…..right? First things first here – take the right steps before busting out the new stuff, work on the conditioning of both the dog & yourself. I know when you are finally able to get out the dogs they are just bounding around with that canine smile and there is nothing worse then a pulled muscle to set you back. Everyone wants to be so ready for the new season in agility, flying disc or whatever your sport is, take a few extra minutes to stretch and warm up it will payoff in the long run. The days are starting to get longer and warmer so you don’t want to waste a single minute, but over training or working for that extended time can have a adverse affect on what you want to accomplish with your partner. Mix in some silly play time, make it a game always enjoy the time you spend with them because they work so hard for that pat on the head or belly rub, I am sure they put a smile on your face everyday with some goofy things only they can do.

Everyone has a certain goal in mind when they start working in their chosen field of performance. Before you go out to work, start a log or journal keeping track of what your plan is and what you were able to accomplish that day, it makes everything so much easier to remember. One other trick is to video what you are working on, side-note… sometimes it’s painful to watch yourself but tape doesn’t lie. The one thing people always told me when I started with my dogs was “make the hard things look easy & the easy things look hard” or in simpler terms “play to the strength of your dogs”. You really want to showcase what your dog does well and looks good doing. There is nothing sweeter then watching a team that is totally synchronized, working the field catching everything or hitting all their jumps & contacts and most of all enjoying themselves. When you are ready to start in competitions the main goal is to have fun with your dog/dogs so enjoy being outdoors in the warm sun with them. Ok students time for recess…. Go and have some fun !!!!!