Why You Crush It in Training but Struggle in the Ring

Ever feel like a different handler in competition than you do in practice? In training, you and your dog flow together effortlessly. But once you step into the ring, something shifts—nerves creep in, mistakes happen, and suddenly, your solid skills feel shaky.

You're not alone. This disconnect is common, but it's fixable. Let's break down why it happens—and, more importantly, how to bridge the gap between practice and performance.

Why Training Success Doesn't Always Translate to the Ring

1. The Comfort of Training vs. The Pressure of Performing

Training is a safe space. You're relaxed, your dog picks up on that, and mistakes feel like part of the process. But in competition? The stakes feel higher, and pressure shifts how you think and react.

What happens:

❌ You become hyper-aware of the judge, other handlers, or the crowd

❌ You focus on the outcome (I have to Q) instead of the process

❌ Your body language changes, making your dog uncertain or hesitant

2. The Power of Muscle Memory (Or Lack of It)

Repetition in training builds muscle memory—but only if you practice under conditions that mimic competition. If training is too relaxed or different from trial settings, your body and mind don't have a "familiar script" to follow in the ring.

What happens:

❌ Your brain perceives competition as a brand-new challenge, triggering hesitation

❌ Your dog senses your uncertainty and responds accordingly

3. The Mental Side: Self-Talk & Focus Shifts

Your inner dialogue has a huge impact. In training, you might think:

✔ Let's have fun and try this!

In competition, it shifts to:

❌ Don't mess up. I NEED this Q. Everyone's watching.

That pressure changes how you move, react, and handle. If your focus is on not failing rather than executing skills, mistakes follow.

How to Fix It: Train Like You Trial, Trial Like You Train

1. Replicate Competition Pressure in Training

✅ Run full sequences with no redos – Pretend it's a real trial.

✅ Use distractions – Have friends watch, add noise, or set up ring gates.

✅ Practice handling nerves – Use visualization before each run.

When training feels more like trialing, the ring will feel more familiar.

2. Use a Pre-Ring Routine That Grounds You

Before entering the ring, do something consistent to signal "game on" to both you and your dog. Examples:

🔹 Deep breath + power stance

🔹 A quick, familiar warm-up routine

🔹 A focus word or mantra (We've got this!)

This tells your brain: This is just another run. Nothing has changed.

3. Shift Your Mental Focus from Outcome to Process

Instead of thinking "I have to Q," focus on controllables:

🔹 I will trust my training

🔹 I will stay connected with my dog

🔹 I will commit to each cue with confidence

Your job isn't to control the Q—it's to execute your best run.

4. Rewire Your Competition Mindset

✅ Instead of "What if I mess up?" → Ask: "What if we have an amazing run?"

✅ Instead of "I have to win" → Say: "I get to play with my dog today."

✅ Instead of "Everyone's watching" → Focus on: "I'm here to have fun."

Final Thought: Confidence is Built Before You Step in the Ring

Success in competition isn't just about skill—it's about translating your trained confidence into the trial environment. The more you practice handling nerves, replicating trial settings, and focusing on execution rather than results, the smoother your performance will become.

Next time you step into the ring, remind yourself: This is just another run with my dog. I know what to do.

Track your progress (and goals, and a whole bunch of other dog-stuff) with the Dogged Planner or Workbook!