Calming exercises before entering competition?

[wolfish_one]

Anyone have tips for calming down before entering the ring? We have a show in March. I'm very Type A personality and this will be my first experience in a Rally competition. I don't think heaving before, during or after would be a good thing lol.
I read the poem posted and that sounded great but I don't drink so 1 hit and I'd be curled up somewhere asleep. That would be a little too relaxed. LOL
Mint Tic Tacs are to be good to hide the fear smell so their stock will sky rocket this year.

[BlackPuppy]

Well, after the trial you'll wonder why you were so worried in the first place. Rally is very low key and fun. And it's hard to cheer on your dog if you're a basket case yourself. Just remember that there's a first time for everything.

Get there a couple hours early. Put the dog in a crate and chill for a while watching the excellent and advance classes. Have fun!

[Branca's Mom]

As silly as it seems... I always sit down on the floor right outside the ring and give my pup a massage. Relaxes us both. One dog before me, I get up and we do a VERY short warm up and in we go.

Just remember that it's just for fun! Don't take it too seriously....

[selzer]

Every time I get stupid nervous before going into the ring.

The best thing to do is to make all the signs second nature to you and the dog. It is amazing how being well prepared does make it easier.

Once you feel really good about the signs and how the dog is doing them, the couple of days before the show, lighten up on training.

Go to a puppy match. This will initiate her to what happens at ringside. And it is fun.

Get to the show early, get your number, and figure out your order. Getting there at the last minute increases the tension a hundred fold.

Then, after she potties, leave the pupper crated or in the car until you do the walk through. Do the walk through at least twice, preferably three times.

It is a little tougher if you are the first dog, as they will take the first dog right after the walk through, and you will have to go and get her (if she is in the car). Been there, done that.

But if she is not the first dog, you can warm up on a couple of the things after the walk through. Not a lot, once or twice.

Remember that a 70 is all that is needed to qualify. If she heels well (without pulling) it is really hard to use up 30 points without having a major NQ -- missed a sign (but you walked through three times so that shouldn't happen), pottied in the ring (this is a lot more likely if the dog is nervous, get there early so you can be relaxed when you take her over to potty at the appropriate place). You can try a station over 1 time and lose only three points to do this.

I always take the mints and forget about them. Do not suck on them or chew gum in the ring!!!

If you take Scarlett for a walk every day of February and work on her heeling, she will be awesome by march. And, tell her that we expect BLUE ribbons. RED = APL, LOL!

Oh, and you will be Novice A, Novice A is really great!!! The class size is generally pretty small. And most of the others will not be as prepared as you are. You will not be competing against dogs with multiple titles already, or against people who have titled dogs in obedience or Rally.

[Branca's Mom]

I don't believe in the mint thing myself. If your dogs knows you... they are going to know you are nervous. Mints to cover up the fear smell ain't gonna help, IMHO. I know that this probably isn't going to help... but don't be nervous! It is JUST FOR FUN! SERIOUSLY!

If you are doing rally? The absolutely best piece of advice I can give you is to get the map as soon as you can. Study it and walk it IN YOUR MIND till you can walk it without thinking about it.. Then, when they have the walk-thrus > walk the course from the moment they open it up till they kick you off. I have walked courses a dozen or more times. You shouldn't even have to look at the signs when you do the course with your dog. That is where people mess up. It should flow naturally and you and the dog should be thinking about nothing but the routine. If you have to look at the signs as you go you will not work as well together and it will not look as smooth.

[IliamnasQuest]

It's funny - I don't walk the course a lot. I find that walking it too much makes me tense. Everyone has to figure out what works for them, I guess.

I study the course map ahead of time, walk it twice, then I stand off to the side and think about it. I look at any possible traps (very little usually in novice, excellent level is a different story). Then I run it through in my mind, standing to the side or even out of the ring. I may walk it one more time, but by then I have it memorized.

If you know all the exercises, then it takes a huge amount of the nervousness away. My dogs and I were absolutely ready for the competition before we went in (actually they were trained for excellent level before we ever showed in novice). I just prefer it that way. I want to go 3/3/3 and have my three titles. But then I've been trialing in obedience since 1989 .. *L*

One of the things I see in beginning people is that they sometimes tend to hang around the ring with their dog, which stresses both the dog and the person. If you have a crate, bring it along so that your dog has someplace to relax. Bring a chair for yourself. Plan on kicking back and relaxing as much as you can. I usually potty my dog (again) when there are 7-8 dogs still to go, and then warm up when there are 3-4 dogs. Then, if my dog is dull that day, I play a little (pushing her back and having her jump forward, tug, etc.). If my dog is hyper, I sit down again and have her settle.

Keep in mind that if you're in novice A especially, everyone understands that you're just starting out! And everyone in your class is in the same boat. Don't try to judge your performance against anyone else's .. the qualifying score is the most important, placings are secondary. Don't rush. Forget the timer - just concentrate on your dog and doing what's best for your dog.

And try to remember to breathe! *L*

Good luck! Have fun!

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[agilegsds]

I have calming essential oils that I bought for the dogs, however, I find it more helpful for myself. A few dabs on my pulse points really does help me relax. The scent is very comforting.

[Mark B]

Meditation. Prior to you trialing listen to a meditation CD. After a while you'll be able to do it anywhere and calm yourself down within minutes. But it takes practice.


Mark
http://www.ultimatekanine.com

[rokanhaus]

I don't know about prior to entering the ring, I think that is just all part of the "thrill"....the butterflies!

A day or so before a trial, I do always take my dog on a long quiet hike. Just the two of us. No talking. I just let him be a dog. I don't know if it helps unleash the pressure the both of us feel preparing for the event....but we both feel better afterwards. I think it helps.

[sleachy]

I am with Kandi.
I kinda LIKE the butterflies!