No One Else Matters

I haven't trialed in a few months, or really done much in the way of agility in the past few months either so it's weird to talk about trialing, but I think it needs to be said-  No One Else Matters except you and your dog. Serious. Say it. Mean it.

To me, this means a few different things.

At training you should be 100% focused and committed to your dog from the second it is out of the crate, until the second it goes back to the crate. That means no standing around talking to your friends while your dog sniffs the ground, or wanders away, or goes off to engage someone else in fun. If you give that, you will get it back. Your dog should want to be with you above all else.  No One Else Matters.

At trials you should be 100% focused on your dog and on your run- before, and after you are done. Warm up your dog mentally and physically, do all your pre-run rituals, and tell people to buzz off. If they don't get the hint wear headphones. You don't need to have actual music on, just pretend. (if you are like me, music distracts me too much.) After your run- same thing. Take your congratulations and keep on playing with your dog. Don't stop to listen to people (friends or otherwise) pick apart your run, that can wait until later. Celebrate with your dog. No One Else Matters.

And here's a biggie- don't worry about what other people think. Get your head in the game, focus on your dog and tune everything else out. If you worry about what other people think you are setting yourself up for failure. No One Else Matters. Say it. In your head. Out Loud. Whatever. "The Peanut Gallery" does not know you, or your dog, or your training, or your goals, or your training issues. So it does not matter what they think or say. Really. It's simple.  I understand that it's easier to say that than to feel it, but it certainly is something that people need to be working towards.  We are all guilty of wondering what other people think at one time or another. But shake it, and move on. No One Else Matters.

Sometimes at trials you get well meaning people who have lots of advice. And they have no problem giving it to you- even if you've not asked for it. Often it is at the worst possible times- before your run, after your run, on your way to the bathroom. Serious, it's like people wait for those moments to talk to you. Keeping in your head that No One Else Matters, tell them you're busy. Depending on what kind of person you are you can do this subtle-like, or not. I am a "or not" kind of person. Especially if it the people who have an ulterior motive- "good" advice that isn't meant to be helpful or kind. "Good" advice or criticism that is meant to hurt or upset. That's the kind of crap that needs to be dealt with right off the bat. And you have to do it.  Tell them thanks, but no thanks. All the while keep in your head- Nothing Else Matters. If you say nothing you are giving them permission. Speak up for yourself and your dog.

Understand that no one is perfect- least of all me. Pixel can often be found mooching food from  people, or their bags. And sometimes I do let other peoples opinions sneak into my thoughts. But I try very hard to make sure my focus and thoughts are where it needs to be- on my dog, and on my run.

End of Rant.