29/07/2026
I love this! Thank you, Lisa!
We can’t possibly get every detail perfect all of the time. Our experience may make the mistakes fewer, but we are always assessing our timing, decisions, skills and results, as well as how each dog is doing.
We’re always pushing ourselves to understand dogs more, to learn ever better ways and to reach people more effectively.
This is how we do the best for every dog and person we cross paths with. It’s how we get better all the time, no matter how long we’ve been doing this.
We will all make mistakes along the way, so we need to accept that, so that we can see them…and fix them.
Just remember that our dogs aren’t the only ones learning. So be kind to yourself too.🙂
𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸
I screwed up Roy a bit this summer. I noticed that he had gotten tight and fast on his Away side, and was starting to blow up.
That’s right folks, this 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 30 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 made a mess of things.
I don’t think we talk about (publicly) this aspect of dog training enough. Beginners assume that experienced handlers have all the answers. That those gorgeous videos of dogs doing amazing things means that no one has ever put a foot wrong with them.
Why should we talk about it more? Because all of that “Big Hats on pedestals” talk intimidates the heck out of beginners. And if you’re a beginner and afraid to talk to someone who’s experienced, where the heck are you going to get help?
Every time I post a video on social media I am painfully aware of the errors in my handling and the imperfections in my dog’s work. I worry (often with good cause) that someone will call me out on it. Point out just how unqualified I really am to put my shingle out.
I pushed him too fast. Most likely because he's so much fun to work. So willing. So talented. I also think I over faced him. I think he's a bit scared now. Hence the tight, fast and occasional grips for no reason.
I had big plans for him this summer - including the trials I've since had to scratch from for unrelated reasons (let that be a lesson to me!).
I also pushed him too fast because our season is incredibly short. I knew I only had 2 opportunities to run him in Nursery due to his birth date. He was coming along so well I figured he could run Open as well…which meant I started working him like a much older dog. I’ll admit it. My ego was heavily involved.
Roy and I have gone back to doing super basic stuff. Every day we go out and he has fun and I let him. Funny thing, I’m having more fun too. Sometimes the universe reminds you that the heart of all this isn’t dog trials - it’s having fun working your dog.
Why am I posting this? Because it’s ok to say you messed up. It’s also ok to slow down. It’s also important to understand that 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 makes mistakes. Making mistakes is all part of the learning process. That every dog teaches us something. Ideally we improve as we become aware of our errors. That being open and honest about our shortcomings helps the next person avoid a few themselves.
Do you have a story about messing up and learning from it? Do you have a question about your own dog or your handling that you’ve been afraid to ask? Comment below.
Interested in learning from someone who admits they are far from perfect? Details 👇
