"Controlling the breath, is a prerequisite to controlling the mind and the body." Swami Rama

Issue: September, 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
D. Second Chances
E. BookPicks
F. Announcements & Coming Events

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.

On September 18th, Diane presented a new program for handlers who have reactive/aggressive dogs at the Ted Turner-Pam Dennison R.E.W.A.R.D.S. camp held in Blairstown, NJ. It was an absolutely fabulous experience working with Ted and Pam and the wonderful handlers who participated. She focused quite a bit of her time on teaching "breath work" and explaining the impact that controlled breathing will have to help them to cut their anxiety and calm their dogs.

On September 29th, Vanessa completed the USA-Triathlon in Disney World. Performance anxiety surfaced, but Yoga Breath saved the day!

Presenting the new program sparked the idea for this month's Training Tip that is was time to revisit (see January 2002, Yoga Breath) "breath work."

Handlers Tales features a reader who found that "breathing" was just the ticket for her ring nerves.

In Second Chances, you'll read about a rescued Schnauzer, submitted by a family member of Sheri Huffman, Competing At Your Peak's wizard Web Master.

BookPicks reviews again, one of the best books on the importance of conscious breathing and it's impact on harmony, health and success in life.

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

Your questions, comments, and stories enrich PeakNews immeasurably. We need submissions for Ask the Coaches, Handlers Tales, ISO, and Second Chances. Also, any comments about what you've read will be appreciated. Deadline is October 20th.

New for submissions. If you wish, you may include a photo. Email for details.

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

Enjoy.

Diane & Vanessa

B. Training Tip of the Month

Breathe Your Way to Success!

Most of us don't think about breathing, because, after all, it just goes on by itself. But learning to consciously control the length, depth and number of breaths that we take, will have an amazing calming effect on the state of our mind and body, even in the pressured environment of the dog show.

Look what happens if you experience ring nerves at a show:

Yoga Breath II

• You'll breathe through your diaphragm which works on the relaxation response.
• Will help you get and stay calm and relaxed.
• Helps keep worries and tension away by keeping you in the moment.
• Increases concentration and focus.

Exercise

• Sit comfortably on the floor with your legs crossed or sit in a chair.
• Keep your back straight, but relaxed.
• Cradle your hands in your lap.
• Close your eyes and focus on the "third eye", (the spot in the middle of your brow).
• Or, keep your eyes slightly open and focus on the tip of your nose.
• Breathe through your nose only.
• Begin taking long, slow, smooth, deep breaths.
• Make the breath as long as you can.
• Concentrate on each breath as it goes in and out of your body.
• When thoughts intrude, don't fight them, then gently refocus on the breath.
• Practice this technique for 2-3 minutes. Increase time to 5 minutes or more
• Practice Yoga Breath II at least 3-5 times a day.

Training Tip:

• Practice the night before a show.
• In the car when you get to the show.
• While waiting for your number to be called.

C. Handlers' Tales

L. R., a handler from Delaware, participated in one of our seminars, and tells how "breath work" has helped to enrich her experiences with her dog.

"I admit I came to the seminar with skepticism. If any of the methods were of the type where I had to stand in front of a mirror chanting positive affirmations, then I was out the door. On the other hand, I desperately needed some tools to help relieve me of the anxiety that did not allow me to achieve the focus and concentration necessary to get the most out of any activity that required performance. I was so insecure that I constantly played mental tapes of my ineptness and I was consumed with thoughts of making mistakes. I began to shut down and not participate, even when I wasn't showing, and I was missing so much from the workshops, seminars and dog shows that I attended.

I had a rather mortifying experience at an agility trial. I knew I had to do something when a 12 year old competitor had no problem remembering to do the 3rd and final red jump required in a Snooker class, and I forgot to do it because of my nerves! That's when I registered for the Competing At Your Peak seminar with my dog. I was in desperate need of tools to help me obtain focus, and at the same time to stop communicating my anxiety to my dog and stressing her out.

The seminar began with some easy stretching exercises which helped reduce body tension. Then we learned how to do Yoga Breath in a variety of situations. I was so surprised that I felt an almost immediate lessening of my anxiety after we practiced Yoga Breath. I found I could stop the negative thoughts and was able to bring myself back to the immediate present. I still practice Yoga Breath every day. This helps me center myself so I can focus on my dog and the task at hand.

Yes, I still get nervous and make mistakes, but I haven't shut down since the seminar. I'm doing new activities in environments that have the potential to be very stressful for me and my dog. I'm getting better and I believe my dog is getting better as well. I learned how to cope with my anxiety and loss of concentration by just breathing! For this I'm very grateful."

Thanks so much L. R. for telling your story and letting our readers know how conscious control of the breath can lead to enjoyment and success.

Let's hear from other readers who have found techniques for easing ring nerves.

Note: Please share with us your experiences in the ring: achievements and successes, difficulties and how you coped, funny and/or embarrassing moments, etc. To submit a story, please write to us at: CAYPNews@aol.com

D. Second Chances

This month's rescue does not compete in dog sports. But we decided that her story was an important one to tell and that she's a real winner, as is everyone who she touched.

Hi! I'm Jasmine...and I'm a very lucky dog.

Eight weeks ago, I was adopted by my new forever parents. Laleen & Bob (but I call them Mom & Dad). And, boy, has my life turned around! They had found me by the internet through Schnauzer Rescue. They've said they didn't mind the 7 hr drive to Mesquite, TX to get me, since there was no rescue service in Arkansas.

Before I was adopted, I was really miserable. My master would leave me for hours and hours in a fenced yard with no food or water. The fleas & ticks were really bad on me...but what were really hurting me were the heartworms from some mosquito bite. My master didn't care about me nor how bad my health was getting. But an angel of a neighbor did. Anita Smith (my first angel) had been observing my daily abandonment...and finally called the authorities. When confronted, my master said he'd rather surrender me than to pay a hefty fine for cruelty to animals. What a bum!

Then, Diane & Don Marshall (my guardian angels) came and removed me from that infested yard. They took me to a vet where I was bathed, dipped, given shots and began treatments for heartworms. But most of my coat was matted or infested, so I was given a "mutt cut". It felt so good to be cleaned and trimmed that I didn't mind the cage...but I was scared because I didn't know what was going to happen to me.

Then, I was put in the care of Evelyn Hoover, who was yet another wonderful, understanding angel. She was vital in the search to place me in a forever home on behalf of the Lone Star Miniature Schnauzer Club of Dallas, Inc. Breed Rescue Program. Thankfully, it was her posting on the internet that resulted in my new home.

On July 28th, I started my new life with the Huffmans...and it sure is sweet! When Mom &/or Dad are home, I like to be right there beside them, like a shadow. I'm so happy here that the only time I bark is when they leave me alone...I'm so afraid of being abandoned again. But Mom & Dad keep telling me that they will be back...and they always are. Boy, am I a lucky dog!

After a couple of weeks, my little surprise started to show. By now, I'm ready to deliver my 4 puppies any day. Mom & Dad are still wondering about the male dog that did "the deed". They think it was the little black terrier that was seen in the yard with me for a few days before my rescue because I got pregnant about then. I wish it had been another schnauzer...

Mom & Dad bought a baby playpen ($4 at Helping Hands) for my puppies to grow in. They've been keeping a very close eye on my pregnancy, since it's high-risk due to the heartworm treatments. So, when Dad was called out of town to help his stepmother, Jesse, recover from a car accident this week, I was lucky to be given special treatment...I got to go to work with Mom!

I've really liked resting at Mom's feet under her desk while she's been working. I'm not stressed about being home alone and the vet is right down the street. Mom's boss and the whole Fuji team have been very understanding about my dilemma. They've said that I'm so quiet that they don't even know that I'm there. Mom walks and feeds me as frequently as a very pregnant dog, like me, needs to be. The Team nicknamed Mom's office as Puppies-R-Us.

Today is my last day to go to work with Mom, which I have really enjoyed. If I go into labor today at the office, Mom will take me to the vet right away. If not, I hope to have my puppies at home this weekend because Dad will be back, too. Mom sure has been calling the vet and Evelyn (who works for a vet) a lot lately for advice about my delivery. For a mid-dogmom, I think she'll be okay.

Boy, am I a very, lucky dog! Ruff! Ruff!

With lotsa tail waggin',

Jasmine Huffman

Laleen Huffman and her husband, Bob, live in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Laleen is employed by Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc. and Bob is retired. Prior to Jasmine, they previously adopted a rescued schnauzer, Muffin, from a local shelter. They enjoyed giving Muffin the best years of her life. The Huffmans have also raised two other schnauzers from puppies, Crystal and Pistol. Even though they have a deep love of the schnauzer breed, the Huffmans have found it especially rewarding to give a rescued dog a "forever" home...because for whatever the dogs have been through, they are forever grateful.

By the way, much to their vet's surprise, Jasmine delivered 8 puppies instead of 4. Six survived and are growing bigger (as well as cuter) every day. They all look very much like their apparent daddy...a Boston Terrier.

Thank you Jasmine, Laleen and Bob for this lovely piece.

We are honored to send the CAYP $25.00 donation to Lone Star Miniature Schnauzer Club of Dallas, Inc. Rescue, 1310 Andrew, Mesquite, Texas 75149, Attn: Evelyn Hoover.

Have a great rescue story? We all want to read it!

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. Book Picks - This book can be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking on the book title.

Science of Breath. A Practical Guide
by Rama, Ballentine, Hymes
(see February 2002 issue).

We cannot recommend this book highly enough. Imagine a book dedicated to the examination of the breath, something most of us never consciously think about.

Here's a snippet from the Foreward to peak your interest:

"...in 1970, Swami Rama, raised in a Himalayan cave and trained in the closely guarded secrets of yoga from boyhood, walked into an American research laboratory. Under the most rigorous experimental conditions, he simulated death by virtually stopping his brain waves and heart beat-yet remained fully conscious of events occurring around him in the laboratory. Suddenly the claim of the Indian yogis seemed less like superstition and more like evidence of an extensive inner science..." Contains exercises for daily practice.

If the breath is that powerful, and it is, think what it can do to stop your ring nerves!

F. Announcements & Coming Events

Seminar - Combating Ring Nerves For All Dog Sports
For Handlers and Dogs

Make plans now to attend our popular six hour seminar on
Saturday, October 19, 2002 from 9:00am-4:00pm.

This is an intensive, interactive and fun seminar, limited to 25 participants - $135.00 includes seminar and materials.

Join us and learn to:

• Break the Cycle of Distorted Thinking.
• Embrace Positive Self-Talk.
• Change Your Picture and Change the Outcome.
• Relax with Exercises and Techniques that Work!
• Ready Yourself for the Ring with Easy Stretching Exercises.
• Move Smoothly and Effortlessly in the Ring.
• Feel Confident and in Command of Yourself in the Ring.

Practice with your dog in simulated show situations.

See the difference a day makes!

Read more about it or click to register

or call Diane at (215)348-8836.

Site: Positive Motivation Dog Training
187 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ 07825

Ring Nerves have you in a tailspin and can't make the seminar?

Our Audio Ring Nerve Program For All Dog Sports, with Training Manual, is now available. It contains many of the basic exercises and techniques we teach at the seminar, and a few new ones too. To read more about it/order click here or call Diane at 215-348-8836. $29.95 plus S&H.

The Program for Handlers with Aggressive and/or Reactive Dogs will ALSO be offered in a four hour Workshop on Saturday, March 22, 2003. (No dogs, please).

You can become a calming influence for your dog!

Seminar, Camp and Workshop will be held in Blairstown, NJ.

To register for this workshop, or for more information and details about all our programs and products, click here or send an email to Diane Peters Mayer at:

Dpetersmayer@aol.com or call 215-348-8836.

Thank you! See you next month.

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

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