First Trial Nerves

Silaria

Silaria

Forums Sage
I'm competing in my first trial this weekend, a CPE trial hosted by my agility club, Splash 'n Dash K9 Sports.

The closer the weekend gets, the more nervous I get. I KNOW I'm not doing this for Qs or titles; I just want a fun activity to do with my dog. I'm just incredibly nervous about going to a location and looking like I don't know what I'm doing.

Yeah, it's an irrational thought. I've done a mock trial and a run thru as well as various exercises in my classes with reasonable success for someone new to the sport. I know I'm starting to see places where Front and Rear crosses can be used; even if I'm not necessarily crossing the right location (I'm usually 1 obstacle ahead of where the cross should be) I'm starting to SEE them.

I think it's the fear of the unknown. Being somewhere new - Edan has only been to 1 public venue for agility - an outdoor demo - and was distracted by what treats someone may have for him. I picture him running up to the judge and the people sitting in the ring to try and mooch treats they don't have. You get the idea. Yeah, I'm nervous.

Any advice on how to just calm down so I don't translate this to Edan?
 
Nerves

You will be fine and you will do great. I still get nervous before my run and what I do is I will walk the course and then go off by myself and visualize how I am going to run it. Then I keep telling myself relax and I keep walking my dog before I go in the ring. Good Luck
 
I don't do any competitions so I might be off base here but just keep in mind everyone there had a first time too at some point, so they will probably understand where you are. Just keep it fun for Edan and yourself and you'll probably do just fine. We're rooting for you . Be sure to let us know how it goes.
 
I'm also gonna compete soon, have not done that yet with marco, and I'm sooooo nervous! but my strategy is to say to myself: why bother being nervous? I'm gonna do everything wrong anyway! that usually calms me down when i get the nerves :wink2: The only thing that can happen then is better then what you expected, right? :biggrin2:
 
Marco said:
my strategy is to say to myself: why bother being nervous? I'm gonna do everything wrong anyway!
Click to expand...

:lol: Thanks, I needed a good laugh.

Honestly, I'm surprised I am this nervous considering I honestly don't care a lick about Qs and titles; I just want to have fun with Edan and see that happy Sheltie smile and bright glow in his eyes.
 
first trial jitters

Don't worry--I felt the exact same way for my first trial (just a few weeks ago). I was so nervous that I couldn't eat! I think what helped me was to try to visualize, as previously mentioned, what we were going to do. I have to tell you that that didn't really cure it, just gave me an outlet :) Luckily Bentley didn't pick up on my anxiety (or if he did, he didn't show it!) and I felt 100% better after our very first run.

You won't do everything right, but something to keep in mind is when you're done, focus on the things that you did well. Then go back a few days later and evaluate the things you need to work on. That way you stay positive with yourself and your dog the day of.

Good luck!!
 
I'm soaking up all the comments and advice that I can get from those of you doing agility.

Snap and I are still in the early phases of training, still working on obstacles. Our training is a blast, however, and I can see how this becomes addicting for both dog and handler !

Go for it and have some fun with Edan ! Can't wait to hear about it.
 
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