If We're Lucky

If we're lucky the day will come when our dogs are gray in the face. It might be a little harder for them to run after the ball like they used to, or go for long hikes. The stairs might be a challenge if there's too many of them. The bed and couch might be too high of a jump, even if it used to be a game before. They will nap more than they used to. Their hearing might not be that great (or just selective towards things that sound like "cookie"). Their eyes might not be as sharp in the dark-- or light.

The days of agility will be some of our favorite memories.

The NQs, dropped bars, missed contacts, broken startlines won't be what we remember of them. They certainly won't be something we criticize them for in their old age. That one time they lost to so-and-so; that time they didn't run their jumpers run as tight as the day before; that time they self released from the table and lost a double Q. These things will become inconsequential. Try to not let them get to you at the time. Try not to leave the ring angry with your friend who has just done their most favorite thing in the world with their most favorite person. Do not put them right back in a crate without a word.

How much we'd regret it if our last day of playing with our dogs was left on a note like that. Walk with them after a bad run instead-- I bet your mood will change much faster than if you went off and stewed alone.

The unexpected can happen. Our time with these amazing creatures is painfully, regrettably and unfairly short. Let's make the most of the time we do have.

I want many more years of getting our feet dirty, friend.

Make It Count

Five weeks stand before us and the AKC National Agility Championships.

I wanted to make another sort of reminder list for myself for the coming weeks. I'll do my best to follow my own advice. Please add to this! 

Like the final days (or hours if you're like me) before an exam in school, there's not much you don't already know. The foundation you need for the nationals you already have. You practice it every week in training. You compete in it every weekend you show. Trust in the skills and work you've put into your team- doubting yourself won't get you anywhere.

Stick to your guns. 

Run your dog the way you are confident in running. Do not change your style to be like someone else- do not compare yourself at this point. Re-evaluation and re-training comes after major events. Not in the weeks before. Don't second guess your initial instinct on handling choices-- chances are you're thinking them for a reason, and a good reason. They work for you. Put in your headphones and blare some good tunes before your walk-thru. Give yourself the time to plan and walk and visualize the good.

Get tough. 

Mentally & physically. Surround yourself with positive affirmations. I have positive phrases posted in my notebooks, as the background of my phone. I stick them in the mirror or tape them to the fridge. At my desk at work. There's a bunch in this post too. Push yourself- but not too hard (read: my hamstring scare). Drink more water. Eat well. Get to bed earlier. STRETCH. Run. Walk. You'll thank yourself when you see that straight running line in Round 1/2/3/finals & it doesn't feel like your legs are falling off, or your lungs are giving out.

Quality vs. Quantity training. 

You know how to do serpentines. Blinds, fronts, rears. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t know how to handle the types of courses you’re going to see at nationals. Not that you shouldn’t train skills, but don’t overdue it. The more you over-analyze the more likely you are to doubt what you already have.

Be kind to yourself. 

Expect more, but do not criticize yourself too harshly. There are plenty of other people in this life who will do that for you. Surround yourself with those who don't.

You've got 5 weeks left. Make them count.