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The Accidental Bird Dog PodcastAuthor: Terry Ann Fernando
The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast focuses on hunting dog events and competitions for pointing breeds and is intended to inspire and encourage other dog owners to do more with their dogs. Language: en Genres: Hobbies, Leisure, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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The Mental Side of Dog Handling
Episode 71
Wednesday, 19 November, 2025
Do you feel nervous when handling your dog in competitions and events? Even after competing for 10 years, I still feel anxious every single time. In this episode, I dive into the mindset challenges that come with running your dog in tests and trials. I share my own experiences with negative self-talk, including moments when I nearly talked myself out of competing altogether. We explore what pre-performance anxiety feels like, why it's completely normal, and how to work through it so you can show up as the best handler for your dog. I also break down practical strategies—taking care of your physical needs, focusing on constructive thoughts, and setting layered goals—to make things a little easier the next time you handle your dog. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by onX Hunt.
