It’s All In Your Head

We live in funny times — and you might think I’m about to talk politics, diet trends, or crypto (and believe me, I could!) — but let’s keep it to the important stuff: dogs, herding, and stock dog trials. 😄

If you have a dog and you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt guilty at some point about “not meeting your dog’s needs,” or that you’re simply not good enough.

I’ve got news for you:

Even experienced handlers feel this way. 

Ask me how I know.

Imposter syndrome is real. So is guilt.

“I didn’t train today.”

“I can’t afford to travel to all the trials.”

“I don’t own a dog bred directly from royalty.”

“I do own a royally bred dog… and I’m sure I’ll screw it up.”

Here’s the truth:

Your dog’s inner monologue is almost certainly nothing more than:

“Ah yes, this sunbeam is perfect.”

“All squirrels must be chased.”

“When’s dinner?”

But your inner dialogue — the doubts, fears, and pressure — absolutely affects your performance, whether you’re on the trial field or just training in your backyard.

A few years ago, I realized my nerves were getting in the way.

(EVERYONE is watching. What if I screw up? Do I even belong here?)

So I didn’t stop training… but I did shift my focus.

I got help.

I signed up for a Kathy Keats course — How Winners Think — and spent my winter immersed in sports psychology. I worked on my mindset instead of my outruns.

That same winter, I did something that terrified me.

(And boy, do I wish I had the confidence of handlers who casually enter the big trials “just to see what happens.”)

I entered Meeker.

Before you gasp — yes, that Meeker.

I even asked a couple of close friends (your tribe matters — you might find yours in my EweNiversity community) to hold me accountable and not let me come up with a brilliant last-minute excuse to scratch.

“My dog is developing a bit of a limp” … you know the one.

I started practicing my pre-post routine at home.

I built habits (another great Kathy lesson).

And I repeated my mantra — over and over:

“Put your head down and do the work.” 

And guess what?

I made it to Meeker.

I had an amazing time.

Star and I ran so well that we won the Rising Star Award and the Maureen Scott Robinson Memorial Award for best rookie.

We were four points shy of making the semifinals… 40 dogs out of 135.

I couldn’t have done that without Kathy’s help.

Why does my mantra work for me?

Because at the end of the day — whether I’m walking to the post, or walking into my pasture — my dog and I have a job to do. It’s made up of small components. I focus on each piece. If something goes wrong, we move on. No spiraling. No drama. No judgement.

My mantra also reminds me how utterly unimportant winning actually is. 

And here’s the funny thing:

The moment I realized winning didn’t matter…

I started winning more. 

Kathy has a new program opening this week - The Winners Circle - and she is very good at what she does. If you’re struggling with the “human end” of your dog-human team, I can’t recommend her enough.

I don’t earn a cent by telling you this — I just know a good thing when I see it, and I know it can help.

👉 Check her out: Kathy Keats