A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline. Harvey Mackay

Issue: September, 2003

Publisher & Editor: Diane Peters Mayer

A. PeakSpeak

Hello and welcome readers and new subscribers.
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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.

The Conquering Ring Nerves book is finished!

Well, I did it. The deadline was a killer, but I finished my first book, Conquering Ring Nerves: A Step-by-Step Program for all Dog Sports, forthcoming from Wiley/Howell Book House, March 1, 2004. You can get a look at the cover and even make an advance purchase, by going to Amazon.com.

Accepting the offer from Wiley/Howell, though incredibly exciting, was also fraught with a great deal of anxiety. I had to deliver an approximately 300 page manuscript in a little less than four months. It had to be factual, well-written and most importantly, the content had to be easy to put into practice for conquering ring nerves.

Yikes! I'm struck with first time book anxiety.

The first day I sat down at my computer to write, I looked at that blank screen, and had a panic attack that was so intense, I had to get up off my chair and leave the room. But, breathing exercises got me back to the computer within a short time, and I was able to write. I knew that anxiety would be back, but I had months of writing to face, so I had to do something, and fast.

The solution to book nerves: stay in the moment with small, manageable, achievable goals.

So, dear reader, I did what I've written to you about a number of times. I broke down that 300 page manuscript into the tiniest pieces: some days I was able to focus on just one chapter at a time. I worked page by page when my anxiety was high. The week I had to send in half of the completed manuscript, the pressure became almost unbearable. By never looking beyond the sentence I was writing, book nerves were kept at a controllable level, and my concentration actually increased!

This month's Training Tip, Break Down Those Big Goals!, will remind you how to stop feeling overwhelmed, and at the same time remain focused on taking the steps toward success.

A News Flash introduces a nifty ezine (coming January 2004), for beginning and intermediate agility handlers.

Handlers Tales features an update from a reader who has written to PeakNews a number of times. She's been working on stopping ring nerves for quite a while and is seeing great results.

Second Chances highlights Rescuers.com, California's Directory of Pet Adoption Resources.

The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of America's Wild Street Dogs and Their Unlikely Savior is our September BookPick.

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, all experience "ring nerves."

Your questions, comments, and stories enrich PeakNews immeasurably. Send us your submissions for the October issue. Deadline is October 20th.

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

Enjoy.

Diane

B. Training Tip of the Month

Break Down Those Big Goals!

Okay, you decide you want to begin competing in Agility or Obedience and want to win lots of titles. Or, you already compete and have decided you want that OTCH within the next 12 to 18 months. Trouble is, every time you think about what it will take to achieve these goals your stomach turns and you feel panicky. The desire is there, but so are the feelings of being overwhelmed by it all, and you don't know where to begin.

Begin by taking your big goal and breaking it down into small steps. Doing this will decrease feelings of being overwhelmed and reduce anxiety, enable you to take action, now, and increase your confidence because small goals are more easily achievable.

Exercise:

1. Write down a big goal.
2. Break this big goal down into 3-5 small steps.
3. Set a reasonable time-frame to meet each step.
4. Keep focused on each smaller goal, to stay in the here and now.
5. If you realize that you will not meet either the small steps or the big goal in the established time-frame, adjust it to a later date. Do not set yourself up to fail!
6. If you are having difficulty achieving goals, do some soul-searching and write down what you think are the barriers to your success.
7. Then set up a plan of action to make necessary changes so you can get out of your own way.
8. Believe in your ability to succeed.

Get started and write down your goals today.

C. News Flash!

Agility enthusiasts-read about a forthcoming ezine published by Laurie Leach, editor of Laughing Dog Press. I'll be a regular contributor writing about, what else? Conquering Ring Nerves. Subscribe Now.

LAUGHING DOG PRESS PRESENTS — AGILITY ACTION.COM

Coming January 1, 2004

Like an algae bloom in spring, agility fever has captured the hearts of dog lovers. Recent counts indicate that well over 300,000 folks in the U.S. alone are active participants in this sport of teamwork between dog and handler.

At present, there is plenty of advice available for advanced competitors but not much for newer handlers. However, on January 1, 2004 a new electronic magazine, agilityaction.com, will go on-line with a variety of articles geared for folks who are starting agility through the intermediate competitor. Issues will include articles such as:

• Conquering Ring Nerves

• How to Walk the Course Like a Pro

• Using Toys to Create an Enthusiastic Dog

• How Do I Know When My Dog Is Ready to Trial?

• Using Verbs to Steer Your Dog

• Weaving Without Weeping

• Agility Trial Etiquette

Agility Action.com is published by Laughingdogpress.com so readers have a money back guarantee if they don't have at least one good laugh per issue.

Subscriptions will be available online during December. If you would like to be notified when they are available, email laurie@laughingdog.press.com.

D. Handlers' Tales

Pam Dennsion updates us on her progress to stop ring nerves...

Day 1
For the past 7 years, when I would be driving home from a trial, I would have a raging headache and sleep for 3-4 hours once I got home. This would happen whether I won or NQ'd!

I have been practicing Diane's breathing techniques and positive mental imagery (these 2 exercises work the best for me) at shows and at today's trial, I was the absolute calmest I have ever been. I was even able to do some of the stretching exercises. I was showing my Border Collie Beau, in Novice, hoping for his 3rd leg for his CD title. He is a squirrel dog and I never know how he is going to be on any given day. He can be "hot" and he can be "not." While waiting for my turn, I decided that HIS "state of mind" was not my concern - I cannot control it. BUT, I am able to control MY state of mind.

We went into the ring, my legs did NOT seize up, I did NOT hyperventilate, Beau's attention was mostly great and we ended up with a 2nd place (1/2 point shy of tying for 1st place) and he got his CD. His stays were rock solid (a sore point in the past) and he actually got better as we went along - so much so, that the judge gave me positive comments on it!

Today for the very first time in 7 years, I did NOT have a headache and did NOT have to take a nap!

I was so UN-nervous, here is the sequel:

Day 2
I was almost completely calm. I only had to think about breathing for a few seconds. Beau NQ'd - something stupid on his part...but his score would have been a 194-1/2. His group stays were perfect, which had been a major issue in the past.

Day 3
I was 100% calm - I didn't even need to do belly breathing or imagery - I was that calm. Beau got a 197-1/2 and a 2nd place!(1st place was a 198) He was HOT and so was I! When I first started to work with Diane, I don't know if I ever believed that I could be this relaxed when showing, but, I practiced and tried to "believe" and it has really paid off.

We have now qualified with points to spare for the Allstar Obedience Championships in 2004!

Pam Dennison
Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plosive Dog Training"
Dogs of Today: Cody, Beau, Shadow and new rescue Molly
Dogs of yesterday: Carrie, Noel, Brandy
"If you don't have time to train your dog, get a stuffed animal"
www.positivedogs.com
dennison@goes.com

Thanks Pam. If you'd like to submit a story, write to us at CAYPNews@aol.com

E. Second Chances

Rescuers.com, California's Directory of Pet Adoption Resources was begun in 1997. The home page is chock full of dogs, cats, rabbits farm animals, reptiles and more that need loving homes. You'll also find articles on behavior and health, links to more resources, fun places to visit with your beloved canine, as well as clubs, activities and shopping. Check out this great site.

Have a rescue story? We all want to read it. To submit, write to us at CAYPNews@aol.com.

F. BookPicks

The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of America's Wild Street Dogs and Their Unlikely Savior

by Melinda Roth,
Thomas Dunne Books, 2002.

The story of Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St Louis. Roth draws attention to the plight of the millions of dogs who roam the streets of America, and tells of Grim who became their crusader. An unflinching book that delivers a powerful punch with many stories of heartbreak and redemption. Get out the tissues!

Have a book you loved? Write a review, and send it to us at CAYPNews@aol.com

G. Announcements & Coming Events

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER!

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 4, 2003 at Positive Motivation Dog Training, Blairstown, NJ from 9:00am-4:00pm in Blairstown, NJ.

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! $135.00 for seminar and materials.

See the difference a day makes!

For more information, please write via email: CAYPNews@aol.com or click here.

STOP "RING NERVES" FROM HOME with our Audio Ring Nerve Program for All Dog Sports, with Training Manual.

• Great Exercises & Techniques.
• A Super Quickie Stress-Buster.
• Guided Imagery to mentally rehearse your perfect performance.
• Terrific Training Tips.

This program will help you do it!

The Audio Program & Manual is $29.95 plus $6.00 S&H in US. (PA residents add $1.80 sales tax). International add $10.00 S&H.

To read more about it or purchase by check or secure credit card online, please click here.

or call Diane at 215-348-8836.

Coming March 1, 2004 !

Conquering Ring Nerves!
A Step-By-Step Program For All Dog Sports

By Diane Peters Mayer, M.S.W.
Wiley/Howell Book House, March 1, 2004

Conquering Ring Nerves is designed for competitive dog handlers, from novices to seasoned veterans who experience mild to severe performance anxiety. Featuring mind-body exercises and techniques from the Competing At Your Peak Ring Nerve Seminars, plus chapters on Self-Esteem, Making Mistakes and Creating a Safe Mental Space, and more. Illustrated with real-life handlers stories and packed with training tips, Conquering Ring Nerves will help you to ease your anxiety and compete at your peak under pressure.

Pre-order a copy today!

If you enjoyed PeakNews we invite you to forward it, intact please, to other handlers who you think might benefit from it.

Thank you! See you next month.

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

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