CGC and TDI nervous!

liamsmom · #1 06-24-2008, 10:20 AM

hi all.
we'll be finishing up our Therapy Dog classes in another 2 weeks. after that, we will test for our CGC and Therapy Dog certifications.
how do you stay calm when testing or going into the ring??????
the mere thought of the test sends me into a tizzy. i get butterflies in my stomach and everything. i know i can't be that way the day of the tests if i expect Moby to do well. hubby doesn't seem phased. so i'm sure he and Liam will do fine.
i just don't want to send all kinds of anxiety down the leash to moby!!!!!
any suggestions??????????

IluvLucy · #2 06-24-2008, 02:24 PM

For as many times as I have gone into the ring, I still get a little nervous. The best thing to do is think about what you are doing. You, the judge and your dog are the only ones that exist. Concentrate on your teamwork with your dog. If you stay focused, your dog should too. Good Luck! You'll do just fine!

DiverDiva · #3 06-24-2008, 02:43 PM

When I left to take the CGC test with Oscar, DBF Steve said, "Remember, we love him, pass or not." That was all I needed to focus on my wonderful dog, not my butterflies, and he did pass.

I thought he did beautifully.

Renee&Jake · #4 06-25-2008, 06:28 AM

You might benefit from mental management techniques (visualization, rehersal, etc.) to help you build focus. I recommend Lanny Bassham (http://mentalmanagement.com/) who has some products out there for helping you focus and having self control. It can help you get though this, and also a good primer for when you actually start competing.

For a CGC and TDI, remember that what the tester (who is NOT a judge!) is looking for is that your dog is under reasonable control, and responsive to you. This is not a stylized performance, as it would be in competive obedience, but more a checklist of everyday skills - things that, for the most part, you and your dog could demonstrate spontaneously any day of the week.

Any time I get nervous in a situation like this, the FIRST thing I do is start controlled breathing, and begin immediately focusing on the mental image in my head of what I WANT to go out there and do, so that it overpowers what is going on mentally that is causing the nervousness.

And, one thing I do - each and every single time I compete (granted, CGC/TDI isn't competition - but it still applies here) is to take a DEEP BREATH after the judge asks me if I'm ready and before I respond that I AM ready. Helps me clear out my mind so that I can focus on what I should be thinking about -

auntthelm · #5 06-25-2008, 06:55 AM

Good luck. You must have put hours of work into this training and I am sure you and Moby will be shining stars as you work together for the certificates.

Widges · #6 06-25-2008, 09:44 AM

I was a bag of nerves taking Billy for his GCG.

My trainer noticed this and sent me off on a run to get rid of my nerves before the exam - worked for me but I generally run 5-10 miles a day anyway!!

Billy sailed through it and I let out a big breath at the end.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

liamsmom · #7 06-25-2008, 09:55 AM

thanks, everyone, for your encouragement.
i know moby can do it....it's me I'm worrying about.
i feel like i'm going to mess him up by being so nervous.

sometimes i even get nervous in class when we have to do a run thru individually!
i'm not usually the type to get so nervous. so this is really wierd for me to have to deal with. i've always done well with public speaking and doing presentations but for some reason the thought of taking these tests is making me nervous.

zomo · #8 06-25-2008, 11:54 AM

So in your case I would tell you "Don't worry at the end of the test Moby will still love you

You'll do great !!!

RoxiesEcho · #9 06-26-2008, 01:28 PM

I can empathize. I was a barrel of nerves the day that Bella was to take her CGC test. I was so afraid that I would do something stupid like over correct her because I wanted her to be perfect. Then when we were done I thought for sure that we hadn't passed but she did! The best advice that I got was that Bella didn't know what was going on, only I did. She was just going to do what she had been taught and if she didn't pass - no big deal! Good luck and I'm sure everything will be just fine. Can't wait to hear how things go.