Why You Crush It in Training but Struggle in the Ring

Have you ever walked off a competition course shaking your head, thinking, Why can I do this perfectly in training, but in the ring, it falls apart? If so, you're not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations among handlers.

In training, you're confident. You know your dog's abilities. You give clear cues, trust your training, and problem-solve without overthinking. But in competition? Suddenly, your body tenses, your brain races, and everything feels different.

So, what's going on here? And more importantly—how do you fix it?

Training vs. Competition: What Changes?

It's easy to think that competition is just a higher-stakes version of training. But the reality is your mindset is entirely different.

In training, you're focused on learning and improving. Mistakes don't carry weight because they're part of the process. You're relaxed, engaged, and willing to try things without fear of failure.

In competition, the stakes feel higher. The emphasis shifts from learning to performing. Instead of focusing on execution, you might be focused on the outcome—needing the Q, worrying about what others will think, or fearing that a single mistake will undo all your hard work.

This pressure changes everything. It tightens your muscles, affects your timing, and, most importantly, creates doubt where confidence should be.

How to Close the Confidence Gap

If you want to perform in the ring the way you do in training, you need to bridge the mental gap between the two. Here's how:

1. Train How You Want to Compete

If training is all about problem-solving and adjusting, but competition is about execution, it makes sense that they feel different. So, start integrating competition-style training into your sessions.

• Set up run-throughs where you treat it like a trial—no rewards, no redos, no adjusting on the fly.
• Practice handling under pressure by simulating distractions and self-imposed stakes (like recording yourself or running in front of an audience). 

2. Make Pressure Your Training Partner

If pressure makes you crumble in competition, train with pressure.

• Set personal challenges ("I only get one shot at this sequence today").
• Enter fun matches or smaller events where the outcome matters just enough to trigger nerves.
• Give yourself mini-goals within a trial day (like focusing on confident handling vs. a clean run).

3. Manage Your Focus

A huge reason handlers struggle in competition is that their focus shifts from execution or process to outcome.

• Instead of thinking about the Q, bring your attention back to the present moment.
• Set process goals (e.g., I will breathe deeply before stepping to the line, or I will focus on my dog's cues, not the other exhibitors).
• Use a mantra or mental reset to catch yourself when nerves creep in.

4. Trust Your Training

At the end of the day, confidence comes from trusting the work you've put in.

• Remind yourself: I have trained for this. I know what to do.
• Stop overthinking. Your dog knows their job—support them as you would in training.
• Focus on what's in your control: clear cues, smooth handling, and being present in the moment.

Final Thoughts

The best competitors aren't the ones who never feel pressure—they're the ones who know how to manage it.

If you've been struggling to translate your training success into the ring, it's time to start training your mindset as intentionally as you train your handling. Because when you get your head in the right place, your results will follow.

So tell me—what's the biggest difference between your training and competition mindset? And what's one thing you can start doing today to close that gap?