The Wins That Truly Matter: More Than Just a Rosette
“If you work on something a little bit every day, you end up with something that is massive.”
This quote often makes me reflect on the delicate balance between training and competing. Is there a clear line between the two, or should our approach blur them, especially when it comes to our incredible canine partners?
I'm always reminded of Smudge and Emma, a truly inspiring team who light up the agility ring. Their journey beautifully illustrates the power of consistent effort. They've poured their hearts into learning and practicing their agility skills, and their dedication shines through in their impressive wins at Bee Happy IDA shows and Kennel Club events.
Celebrating the small wins.
What makes their story so special isn't just the wins themselves, but Emma's resilient approach. When she steps into the ring with Smudge, her primary focus is to show up for him, to be his dependable guide around the course. And when they cross the finish line, regardless of any faults or eliminations there's always a celebration. It's never about perfection; it's about acknowledging the positives.
Ask Emma what she's celebrating, and you'll hear her proudly say things like, "Smudge made his contacts!" or "He nailed that difficult weave entry!" Sometimes, she's even proud of herself for consciously choosing a training opportunity over chasing a win. These small, positive moments all bank towards something truly significant.
Practice makes good dog training progress.
Of course, it takes practice and a shift in mindset to "sacrifice" a potential win for a much larger, long-term gain. Emma often shares how our Bee Happy IDA shows have provided her with the space to do just that – an environment where there's no pressure for perfection, no rush against the clock. This understanding highlights a crucial point: training doesn't have to stop once you're in the competition ring. In fact, entering with a training mindset, or being ready to switch into one, is one of the most powerful ways you can support your dog and set them up for enduring success.
Small dog agility wins all adds up in the end.
Remember, for many dogs, performing skills at a show is a huge leap from practicing at their familiar training venue. Transferring those skills to a new environment, with all its novel sights and sounds – more dogs, more people, different equipment, and even your own nervous energy – is a skill in itself that many dogs need help developing.
So, take a breath. Go slow. Allow your dog the space to practice their skills in these new, exciting, and sometimes distracting environments. Chase the wins that genuinely matter – the tiny breakthroughs, the moments of connection, the unwavering bond with your dog. Each and every one of these small victories adds up, and one day, they will indeed accumulate into something massive!