I have, yet, to meet a handler who has gotten into dog sports as a means to gain fame and fortune. Most of us started this journey because we loved a dog.
As we sought to better communicate with him or her, we began to train. We were thrilled with each new “trick” that we learned together. We discovered how much deeper our bond became as our understanding of each other grew through the learning process. Fun with our dog exceeded a simple game of fetch. We became a team. We learned to dance with each other. There are times when one of us might forget what we are doing, takes a wrong step, or gets distracted and loses our rhythm. There are times when we feel like a total klutz unworthy of taking up space in the realm of competition. Stress opens the faucets of self-doubt and the drains of confidence. We forget why we are there. We are there to enjoy the kinship we share with our dogs.
Sure we like those Q’s. Sure we like those high scoring runs. National and international rankings are thrilling. But if we are not having fun with our dogs, we’ve lost our purpose.
I can't deny that I am a bundle of nerves as I wait for our turn to enter the ring. I fear that I won’t hear my number being called. I’m certain that I’ve misplace my dumbell. I worry that I’ll suddenly have to pee as the person in front of me has just about finished her run. But here’s the thing - once I step into the ring, I see a whole playground in front of us, and for a few minutes it’s all ours.
Time with our dogs is all too fleeting. Our time competing with them is even shorter. Why, then, would anyone want to do this without thoroughly appreciating every graceful and not so graceful step of the dance? Delight in your partnership. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Have fun with your dog wherever you are! And never forget that you started this journey because you loved a dog.
~Perri Yinger
Play to Obey
As we sought to better communicate with him or her, we began to train. We were thrilled with each new “trick” that we learned together. We discovered how much deeper our bond became as our understanding of each other grew through the learning process. Fun with our dog exceeded a simple game of fetch. We became a team. We learned to dance with each other. There are times when one of us might forget what we are doing, takes a wrong step, or gets distracted and loses our rhythm. There are times when we feel like a total klutz unworthy of taking up space in the realm of competition. Stress opens the faucets of self-doubt and the drains of confidence. We forget why we are there. We are there to enjoy the kinship we share with our dogs.
Sure we like those Q’s. Sure we like those high scoring runs. National and international rankings are thrilling. But if we are not having fun with our dogs, we’ve lost our purpose.
I can't deny that I am a bundle of nerves as I wait for our turn to enter the ring. I fear that I won’t hear my number being called. I’m certain that I’ve misplace my dumbell. I worry that I’ll suddenly have to pee as the person in front of me has just about finished her run. But here’s the thing - once I step into the ring, I see a whole playground in front of us, and for a few minutes it’s all ours.
Time with our dogs is all too fleeting. Our time competing with them is even shorter. Why, then, would anyone want to do this without thoroughly appreciating every graceful and not so graceful step of the dance? Delight in your partnership. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Have fun with your dog wherever you are! And never forget that you started this journey because you loved a dog.
~Perri Yinger
Play to Obey