Your Dog, Your Journey: Embracing Obedience with Joy

By Dana Nelson

Spoiler alert: only you can answer this question. If you do not have an answer, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on what it might be.

Everyone’s journey is different. I am not here to tell you how to navigate yours, but I would encourage you to consider three important ideas as you move forward.

Please do not compare your dog or your journey to anyone else’s. Full disclosure—I was 100% guilty of this until I came across this quote. Since then I have learned to stay on my own journey with joy (most of the time!). So can you!

What you can do is appreciate another handler’s outstanding performance—or appreciate when someone gives you a ‘hot training tip’ while staying on your own journey. If someone questions why I chose to do a Fix-N-Go. I have an answer: either I am working on something specific, or I will not allow my dog to practice undesirable behavior in the ring.

Does that mean you have to do a Fix-N-Go? Of course not. Although a valuable tool, your journey might focus on completing all the exercises instead. Remember—your dog, your journey.

This quote is echoed by coaches and motivational speakers everywhere, and dog handlers are no exception! Before you even arrive at a trial, countless factors can challenge your attitude. Maybe you are running late, forgot your special dog treats, or encountered a “Negative Nellie” who shared a laundry list of things that went wrong for them. Any of these can drain the sunshine right out of you.

I have been at many trials where the handler has a defeated attitude before even stepping into the ring! If this sounds like you, please stop. Better yet, reframe your attitude. I firmly believe everyone can do this. I am not suggesting nothing will go wrong—I am suggesting you need a plan to stay in a positive place. A good attitude will help you and your dog put forth your best effort in the ring. And while your dog’s effort may sometimes fall short (a topic for another blog), there’s no excuse for not giving your all. None.

With so many things outside your control at a dog show, attitude and effort are two that you can always command.

Since I can remember, I have always operated with a PLAN B – whether it was parenting my kids when they were little, managing my grandkids, or chairing an obedience trial. This mindset is invaluable in dog training, especially at a trial.

Often times I hear handlers say, “I know my dog isn’t going to drop.” My response is, “What is your plan if that happens?”

My plan A is for my dog and me to successfully complete each exercise. However, if that does not happen, I have a plan B. For example, if my dog has not been dropping reliably in practice, my plan B might involve doing a Fix-N-Go or giving a second command. Because this is your journey, you will know what plan B works best for you.

The key is to be flexible and proactive. Having a plan B helps you respond effectively to the unexpected while staying on your journey.

Remember – YOUR dog YOUR journey. Embrace it with joy, a positive attitude, a plan for success!