The Aussie - Summer 2020 final

Calm, Cool and Collected
Are you confident when you compete with your dog?
This might not be the obvious dog compe<<ons, it could be
doing the Good Ci<zen Award, or even a training club task.
The Aussie was sent this ar<cle which might just give owners
a different view on how they can increase confidence and
improve their part of the team. Your emo<ons are felt by
your dog, so by remembering some of this advice can help
your chances of success.
Compe<ng with dogs is really a mental game. Compe<tors
are con<nually trying to reach new goals and surpass
expecta<ons. However, the road to success always hits a
bump or two along the way. This is perfectly normal and is
even experienced by athletes in every sport.
Unfortunately, this causes many to have self-doubt. This
doubt kills more dreams than anything else can. The feeling
of incapability even leads some to quit altogether. The
problem is that the con<nuous striving for perfec<on oben
drives people away from the big picture.
Overcoming self-doubt is what sets the winners apart from
the other compe<tors. It is essen<al to strive for progress,
but do not let the bumps in the road crash your dreams.
Realise that you are more than capable
You are a dog enthusiast. Do not take this label lightly. You
are a person who with an animal that does not speak the
same language and for many breeds are stronger and
tougher than ourselves. If that isn’t courage and bravery,
what is?
Everyone hits a bump now and then, but that should not take
away your en<re confidence. You are more than capable of
overcoming any challenges that you may face.
Ac<vi<es with dogs has become a mental game that you have
to play wisely. Most dog owners in this category are
energe<c, passionate, and courageous, even in <mes of
doubt. Recognise your capabili<es and be proud of yourself.
Change each doubt into a statement of confidence
“I can’t…” or “I won’t…” are the two killers of confidence.
Sport is challenging; exhibitors pay for other people’s
opinions of their capabili<es. You must first recognise the
obstacles and think of ways to turn that doubt into a
confident statement.
For example, “I’m not going to win today because I don’t
think my dog is concentra<ng,” becomes “We will try our
best and highlight our talent with what I can get the dog to
do.” Focus on the good, acknowledge the bad, and try your
best. Never underes<mate the power of posi<vity.
Show graHtude
The world is full of the hustle and bustle, geMng from one
thing to the next. Through this chao<c state, it is easy to
forget to show gra<tude. If you start having those feelings of
self-doubt, realise how many people support you. This could
be your family, trainer, etc. It indeed takes a village to
achieve success. Therefore, it is crucial to appreciate those
who make your journey possible.
Ask for advice
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Even if it is nerve-wracking
at <mes, the informa<on may change your outlook. The dog
community is full of individuals who would be more than
happy to offer some wise words. Whether this is a friend, or
even an exhibitor who you look up to, ask a friendly face for
their thoughts. The best way to learn is from one another.
Give yourself Hme to grow
Chances are you have heard the saying, “Good things take
Fme.” This rings true in every facet of life, including in the
world of dogs. Allow yourself to make mistakes, but most
importantly, learn from them. Use your newfound
knowledge to beUer your skills. Self-doubt hinders your
ability to learn from prior experiences. Time is the most
valuable tool, and it is essen<al to recognise this. Good
things honestly do take <me.
Remember that everyone feels doubt someHmes
You are not the only one who experiences the plague of selfdoubt.
Everyone from the highest to lowest levels has felt
this at one point or another. Aber all, we are human. Do not
feel like you are alone or the only one who understands.
Connec<ng with a friend, fellow exhibitor, etc. and sparking
a conversa<on would be extremely beneficial.
Keep hustling
James MaUhew Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, once
said, “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease
forever to be able to do it.” When in doubt, keep hustling.
The only way to overcome self-doubt is to face it head-on. If
you are struggling then push forward and go for it to the
best of your ability.
Hard work is essen<al to achieve success and overcoming
doubt. Be posi<ve about yourself and your abili<es. Always
strive for improvement, but do not believe in non-existent
perfec<on. Overall, remember why we do these things in
the first place – for fun.