"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare and in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal
man has ever made." M. Facklam

Issue: July, 2002

Publisher & Editor: Diane Peters Mayer
President, Conquering Ring Nerves
Co-editor: Vanessa Klapper - Director of Fitness

A. PeakSpeak
B. Training Tip of The Month
C. Handlers Tales - Contest Winners
D. Second Chances
E. Handlers ISO
F. Announcements & Coming Events
G. Invitations

A. PeakSpeak

Hello and welcome to all of our readers and new subscribers. PeakNews offers a range of information about ring nerves, the ways to conquer it, and how to really enjoy competition, plus your stories, interviews, book reviews and more.

We enjoyed a wonderful vacation. At the same time that Diane played fetch with Benny or lay in a hammock reading mysteries, and Vanessa trained for her first Triathalon (is that a vacation?), we were also working hard on the Audio Ring Nerve Program & Training Manual, which will be available in a few weeks.

Our July Training Tip is about "Ring Nerves and Routines."

This month, Handlers Tales announces the winners of the "Funniest Ring Nerve Stories", and we feature their submissions. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we did. A big thank you to all PeakNews readers who sent in stories!

We offer a new column this month, Handlers ISO, with a request from a South African reader.

A reader sent in a lovely piece for Second Chances. We greatly appreciate her offering.

PeakNews offers a unique format in which to engage and connect with handlers from the US, Canada, Australia, NewZealand, Finland and South Africa who, in some form, all experience "ring nerves."

Please send along your submissions for the August issue now. We need stories for Handlers Tales and Second Chances, and questions for Ask The Coaches. Length is unimportant and we'll be glad to edit for you. If you'd like to correspond with other readers, just send in your request and we'll publish it in Handlers ISO. The deadline for all submissions is August 20.

Please join us to become the handler of your dreams. Your dog will thank you!

Enjoy.

Diane & Vanessa

B. Training Tip of the Month

In a Ring Nerve Rut? Then take a look at your "routine."

Most of you have created routines around competing. From the time you register for an event, to the moment you step into the ring, you have established a pattern of customary behaviors and actions.

Routines have a natural rhythm that can make you feel secure and centered and able to focus your energy and attention within the comfort zone of habit. Sometimes, however, you may find that this "comfort zone" stands in the way of reaching your goals. So, the routine that you have in place may be one of your problems.

If you experience anxiety from show to show, get low scores, complain that your dog is not getting the job done, and are usually disappointed in your results, you'll want to look closely at your show routine. Ring nerves may actually have become an inherent part of the pattern you've created around showing. In order to attain success, you'll need to make some changes.

C. Handlers' Tales - And the Winners Are…

1st Place: E.E. and M.E. a married couple who both submitted stories. They win the Audio Ring Nerve Program & Manual and two hours of coaching.

2nd Place: Lee Allen and Tessa of Texas. They win the Audio Ring Nerve Program & Manual and one hour of coaching.

3rd Place: Rosemarie Ludwig and Kim of South Africa. They win the Audio Ring Nerve Program & Manual.

Congratulations to the winners!! And a big thank you to all of the PeakNews readers who submitted stories.

The Funniest Ring Nerve Stories

1st Place — E.E.:
One of my biggest ring nerve problems is being able to concentrate in the ring . This is especially difficult in the Utility Class where there are so many more things to think about and focus on. Sometimes this makes funny things happen. This incident occurred recently when I was entered in my first Utility show.

We had completed the heeling and the signal exercise and were qualifying so far. I had received permission from the judge to pick up the first article and was scenting it. The judge, a very dignified looking, older, white haired gentleman who had obviously been judging for years, was standing there with his clipboard, obviously waiting for me to finish scenting the article and get set to go. Somehow, my brain ceased to function and I asked him, "Are you ready?" After I said it, I thought to myself, that was kind of a stupid thing to say, so I just pretended I hadn't said anything. He didn't reply and I handed him the article. He then asked me if I was ready and I said, "Yes." He had a very strange expression on his face and probably thought I was crazy. Nevertheless, he told me to send my dog, who retrieved the correct article. We finished the other exercises, qualified and earned first place. We did eventually get our title, but have not yet shown under that judge again. I'll bet, though, that when judges get together over lunch or dinner at shows, he tells the story about the nervous guy who had the nerve to ask him, the judge, if he was ready for the exercise to begin.

M.E.:
My husband and I like to combine vacation travel with our dog showing and we have enjoyed showing in various parts of the country. The anonymity a distant show gives you seems to help my ring nerves. Although I have managed to convince myself that there is less to be nervous about when showing away from home, sometimes local speech patterns combined with ring nerves can lead to some strange results.

I was showing in Open A at a cluster show in Raleigh, North Carolina a few years ago. We had done fairly well up to the last show day, earning our CDX and even winning a couple of placements. Ring conditions had been perfect and it had been a very quiet show where obedience was in a separate building from the conformation show. There was no difficulty hearing the judges' directions as there can be at some large, noisy shows. We completed the first four open exercises and I was actually getting to the point where I was feeling good about what we were doing. Then we lined up for the broad jump. The judge, a very big, older man from Georgia, was standing behind me. and off to the side. He gave the order to "Leave your dog." The thing was, I heard him to say, "Send your dog." So I did ....from the starting position, not from the correct position by the broad jump.. There was a collective gasp from the spectators as my wonderful, well trained dog took the jump and came back to me in front with a very puzzled expression. I couldn't believe I had done what I had done. Then the judge burst out laughing, walked up behind me, put his arm around my shoulders and said, "In all my years of judging, I've seen a lot of things, but I've never seen the broad jump done quite that way." I've since shown under the same judge, who, I believe, hasn't forgotten the incident because he always has this strange smile on his face when I enter his ring.

M.E.:
"I have been in dogs for more years than I'd like to admit. I started when my six month old golden retriever puppy began walking me instead of the other way around. I joined a dog training club, got bitten by the "show bug" and have been showing golden retrievers ever since. I am currently showing a golden in open, getting ready for utility and have a 9 month old puppy who has been teaching me a thing or two about obedience."

E.E.:
"I am currently showing a golden retriever in Utility B. I have been showing dogs for about 21 years, belonging to various clubs and training with several professionals. Some years ago I did field work as well as obedience. I am working with a golden puppy as well as the UD dog. This is the very first contest I have ever won."

2nd Place — Hey PeakNews readers,

Dad and I wanted to let you know about our first agility trial. It was a NADAC trial in Pearland (Texas). Dad woke me up pretty early Saturday morning which was fine with me. I much rather be up and about. After breakfast all four of us canines and Mom and Dad loaded up in the van and drove for a little while. From the smell of things in the van and the sight of crates and chairs I new we were going to spend the day somewhere. I was not real happy because that meant I had to spend most of the day in my crate while the other dogs played. We set up in a nice shady place with some breeze so this might not be too bad.

Can you imagine my surprise when Dad came and got me out of my crate and told me I was going to get to play. Boy was I excited. I was pretty used to being at trials with all the noise and smells. Man this was really different. Everybody at the gate area was real serious and some of the other dogs did not look too happy. Before I knew it dad took me out into the ring. This was going to be great !!! The sky was a beautiful blue, the grass was freshly mown, and here were all these jumps and tunnels.....those jump bars sure do look high. Dad took my leash off and told me to wait. I hope it's not too long and then he said OK and we were off. I was really gunning over those first few jumps, it does not get any better than this, "what's that jump doing there?."...."oops," I misjudged my stride..."ouch", I tangled my feet in the bar and took quite a tumble. "Grass stains look so tacky on white fur." I jumped up, Dad gave a long look and asked if I was OK and off we went again to finish my first ever agility run. Not quite my best effort but I got a jackpot of treats and a nice cool drink. I just might like this.

My other runs that day were quite the learning experience for me and Dad. Sometimes I was not clear on what he wanted me to do or the direction he wanted me to go , but it sure was fun and beat the heck out of being in my crate all day. I just wish they would not set those bars so high. Don't they know I'm only 18 months old?

Sunday was more of the same feelings. Getting up early, going to the trial site. "Man those trash cans really smell interesting . What are all of those little blue houses?" Dad and I were getting ready to do something called novice regular. Looked just like playtime to me. Our turn came and we walked to the wait line. Why do they call it a start line when they always make you wait? It was at this time that I noticed a stranger in the ring with us. "This will not do at all" (bark) and the stranger is wearing a big billowy shirt and "oh my goodness" (bark) what is that strange thing she has on her head???? This will not do at all!!!!!!!. I am just going to have to go tell this stranger to leave my ring!!!!!!! This will not do (bark, bark), this will not do at all (bark, bark, bark!!!!!!!!).

Can you imagine Dad getting upset with me and telling me to come in a rough voice. Well I came but during this run kept one eye on Dad and one on the stranger with a couple of barks thrown in during the run. Everyone was clapping and cheering when we finished. Something about a clean run and something else called a "Q." Oh well where's my cool drink?

See Ya,
Tessa

Tessa: "Bark, bark, bark, arf, arf, bark, bark, bark......................bark." (Is now a 2 1/2 year old rescued Border Collie with more than a few titles under her collar. She is loved, owned, and handled by Lee Allen).

Lee Allen:
"I will have to let Tessa know that she won. Now she will really get the big head. Tessa and I live in La Porte, Texas. It is east of Houston and borders Galveston Bay. I began competing in agility in 1999 after coaching girls soccer for 21 years. My wife and I compete with our BC's. We have two grown children and agility is our main hobby. We are fortunate to have enough space to train in our backyard on most occasions with a trip to a formal training site every now and then. I enjoy the uniqueness of agility. Making the connection with your dog, and the camaraderie with the people is special."

3rd place — The Circus Dog!

In August last year one mini-team (small breeds), and standard team (larger breeds) consisting of four deep (four dogs per Province) each from Natal, went to Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State, to compete in an Inter Provincial (SA has been divided into 9 Provinces, eg. like US states) This was against four other provinces. (Natal on the east coast is sub-tropical with rolling green hills of sugar cane. The Orange Free State on the other hand is savannah and scrub land - good maize and cattle farming area).

The event opened with a parade with all the dogs and handlers in their provincial colours. We were all quite nervous as this was also a first time for the mini dogs. Hooch is a mini dog - a white cross "pavement special" (dogs of undetermined breed, both sexes run around on the sidewalks and copulate, and Hooch is a result).

The handler managed to steer the dog clear over the obstacles to the A-frame but now Hooch stood at the top of the A-frame surveying the flea market (the location of the event). The handler was desperately trying to encourage the dog to come down. Meanwhile the clock was ticking on with the commentator saying: "You see, folks, in Natal there are lots of green hills with sugar cane, but here in the Free State it is flat as far as the eye can see and obviously Hooch thinks the A-frame is a hill!" Eventually, his curiosity satisfied, Hooch descended the A-frame and fixed his eye on the see-saw. He could not be steered to the next obstacle.

He ascended the see-saw and proceeded to the centre where he stopped. Moving to just over the centre, he caused the see-saw to go up and down with him manipulating it from the centre! The crowd was in hysterics at this stage and the commentator speechless. The poor handler had given up any idea of completing the course at this stage. To the wild cheering of the crowd she managed to get Hooch off the see-saw and over the last jump.

Hooch of course thought he had won first prize and came off looking well pleased with himself. I have never enjoyed an event so much.

Rosemarie Ludwig
Umtentweni
Kwa Zulu Natal
Rep of South Africa

Rosemarie Ludwig:
"I have been doing agility for the last 4 years as it is a new sport in South Africa. Kim is a 2 1/2 year old Border Collie. I also train other beginner handlers and their dogs and I enjoy watching how the dogs progress from week to week. I think I am as excited as they are when they enter their dogs into their first dog show. I find that while training Kim I forget all the stress from work. I have done 11 comrades marathons, i.e. road runs of 90km, but this I do not do anymore and I have my provincial colours for the 42km runs. I also sew all my own clothes and I work a full day as a pharmacist at our local government hospital. I run 11km every morning except the weekends when I train Kim and the others."

"We live on the Natal coast. It's really tropical and beautiful there."

D. Second Chances

Thank you PeakNews reader for this tender piece.

Not An Angel

The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.

The young pup playfully nipped at the older dog. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!" The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path."

"But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told. Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge.

After the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.

The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered.

"No son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a person who worked rescue."

Note: Please send us the story of your rescued dog and how it became or is becoming a competitor. As a thank you for your contribution, Competing At Your Peak Inc. will donate $25.00 in you and your dog's name, to the shelter or rescue group of your choice. To submit a story, please write to us at: CAYPNews@aol.com

E. Handlers ISO

Rosemarie Ludwig wishes to correspond with readers of PeakNews. She does not have a computer.

Her contact information is: P.O. Box 324, Umtentweni, 4235, Rep. of South Africa. See Rosemarie's bio in this month's Handlers Tales column.

F. Announcements & Coming Events

Seminar - Combating Ring Nerves For All Dog Sports -
For Handlers and Dogs.
Saturday, October 19, 2002, 9:00am-4:00pm in Blairstown, NJ

Make plans now to attend our popular six hour seminar!
Or call us about presenting at your club. Learn great exercises and techniques to help you relax, concentrate, stay connected to your dog, walk smoothly in the ring, and much more. Don't miss it!

See the difference a day makes!

Click here to register
or call Diane at 215-348-8836

New!! Program for Handlers with Aggressive and/or Reactive Dogs* * *

Stop "freaking out" when your dog does. If your dog has major behavioral problems, your responses to its actions may be fueling the fire. Our program will teach you why your nerves stand in your dog's way, how to stay calm and collected in all circumstances.

This program will be offered in a four hour Workshop (without dogs) in Spring 2003. Check PeakNews and our website this fall for dates and times. Click links above to learn more about it or call Diane at 215-348-8836.

One-On-One, Group Training, and Workshops available.
Click links above to learn more about it or call Diane at 215-348-8836.

* * * NOTE: We'll also be presenting this program at:

The One and Only Camp for Aggressive Dogs (and their humans)!
Presented by Ted Turner and Pamela Dennison, Sept. 18-Sept. 22, 2002.
Contact info: dennison@goes.com

You can become a calming influence for your dog!

G. Invitations

We invite you to submit your questions to Ask the Coaches, and your stories to Handlers' Tales and Second Chances.

Please share your experiences and questions with your fellow readers, to help make PeakNews a dynamic arena in which to talk about the various aspects of ring nerves with handlers from all over the world.

We'd also love to hear from you with topics you want to see covered in future issues, and any comments you have about PeakNews.

Write to us at: CAYPNews@aol.com

Thank you! See you next month.

**Note: Columns may vary from month to month.

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