jvw Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Okay, I'm not really part of this clique but hoping someone will remember being in my position and give me some sage words of advice. I'm stepping out into pronovice tomorrow for the first time. I'm so nervous I could puke! Last weekend's practice didn't go so well. I'm not at all worried about how I'll fare in relation to the other hanlders. But I am terrified of just making a total a** of myself. And if I have to use my whistle I really will make an a** of myself. Why do I do this again? Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipedream Farm Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Go to the post to just run your dog. Focus on running your dog like you do on your home field. It's hard, but when I do this (forgetting about being at a trial) I do my best. Oh, don't forget to move to help your dog make the turn at the post; you're not glued to the post you have a crook's length of space to move around. Mark Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackacre Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Or, as Lyle Boyer once put it: "You TURN the post, you don't have to BE the post." Jen, there's a BIG entry at that trial. Nobody's gonna care about little old you five seconds after you finish. Humbling but it takes the pressure off too. Personally, I set my sights on having the dog working well, at the expense of making a panel, completing the course, whatever. Changing your focus this way really helps with nerves. A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgt Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 C'mon, now. Cheer up. What's the worst that can happen? Heh. Heh. Heh. charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve clendenin Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 JVW Go out and have fun and try to learn to relax, that is what these classes are for. To put it in the proper prospective only a couple of your close frends will remember your run, unless you win. There is a saying in dog trialing. Who remembers who won yesterday only the person that won because it all starts over today. So it is not worth worring about. I only worry if everthing gets real quite then you realize I'm are having a good run. As long as the noise is going on, not many people are paying attention to my run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccnnc Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Jennifer, I agree with what these folk have told ya.... remember that EVERY big hat -- and little hat -- has taken that long, first walk to the post at one time in their life. also, don't be afraid to leave the post and help your dog if you need to... HAVE FUN!!! Colin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca, Irena Farm Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 OK, that's two people who have cheered you up by saying, "No one cares about you!" No, really, that's the core of the truth. I always thought I was making a huge spectacle of myself but I bet no one here even could name my first dog or when I started running him (Ben, Feb 1999) or what it was like (mostly a lot of screaming on my part and grip out/thank you every time ). I'm Nervous Nellie, let me tell you. I spent years so scared every time I went to the post, that couldn't hold my crook, my hand shook so badly. I'm a control freak and the fact that I can't control every aspect of what goes on out there was a big obstacle to my enjoying myself. It wasn't until I started enjoying the problem solving aspect of the competition that I relaxed and the more I relaxed, the better it went for me. I've just now gotten to the point where I can learn "how to" trial rather than How Not To Faint At The Post. This took about six years for me but you sound more together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted February 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 Thanks everyone! Good advice. I'll try to put it into action. Right now I'm working on remembering to breathe. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TotallyTerry Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 And she survived and thrived. You also made a lot of friends with your couscous! Off topic question: Does anyone know how to make spell ck., etc work in the reply sections? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeltaBluez Tess Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 I remember the first time at the post. My trainer was the judge and I am sure he remembers. Did you know that sheep could fly...like a set of five on formation in the air? Well, Tess sure proved that sheep could fly. We were in Novice and to this day I remember that run. We were both raw, raw. Now when I go to the post, I put myself in the mode...do your best, think like we are at home. RELAX...and you dog will relax and you will have the time of your life. BTW, Tess and I don't make sheep fly anymore. Diane Pagel www.deltabluez.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted February 14, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 Yes, I did survive. AND I actually had fun. I was very pleased with both runs. I'm looking foward to the March Benefit Trial. Thank you everyone. I remembered everyone's advice and used it. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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