It's a Head Game

Winning isn't always about skill, or who is the best. I believe a good part of winning is determination and grit.
I'm competitive. I like to win. But, in the sport of dog obedience (this probably applies to all other competitive venues) that blue ribbon isn't necessarily what constitutes winning.
Yes, I'm writing that, but I need to REMEMBER it. I can be my own worst enemy.
At a show n go recently Pinch didn't so very well. Someone was disassembling a wire crate with a series of loud BANGS, which distracted him. Lesson learned: teach Pinch how to recover from distractions and keep focused on the job. If we accomplish that, we have won.
Training with a friend the other day, Pinch failed the recall over the High (a UKC Novice exercise). Why? There was just one person instead of two. Pinch felt the pressure and ran around the jump, opposite side of where the one person was. Lesson learned: Pinch needs to learn to take the jump no matter if the picture is somewhat different. If we accomplish that, we have won.
Had a mini-run-through/private lesson prior to class last night. I was nervous and stiff. Pinch thought I was an alien (to quote Renee: "where was my FUN mom?") and lagged, went wide, sat crooked, and didn't respond to the down command. Lesson learned: get OVER myself and quit focusing on high scores!
I've been out of obedience competitively since Shiloh retired. I can go into the ring with Moto just fine, as I really just want him to have a good time and enjoy himself. Um, do you see what I just wrote? That is EXACTLY what I need to do with Pinch as well. See, I have high goals for Pinch. But he's unproven and while he does have potential I need to the same attitude with both dogs.
Take a deep breath.
Relax.
We are off on a really fun road trip.
Remember the previous blog post.
If Pinch is a happy, animated dog in the ring this weekend who tries his best, we have won. Regardless if we qualified. Regardless of the score.
Because, it's about the journey.
Note to myself: don't forget that!