Managing Stress (Excitement) in Dog Agility
Check out the video to learn a Five Step Program
for Stress (Excitement) Management in Dog Agility
In summary, here are the Five Steps for Managing Stress in Dog Agility...
1. Navy Seal Breathing --
Slowly take a deep breath through your nose, as you count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
When you reach 6, hold your breath for 2 counts. Then exhale slowly through your mouth (with lips pursed as if to whistle) to the count of 8. Repeat 3 times. --
inspired by the Champion's Mind by Jim Afremow. ( Learn More)
2.
Tense, then relax specific muscle groups
In this example, we start with our feet.
1. Tense the muscles in your feet, wiggle your toes so they don't cramp up. Then Relax the muscles in your feet.
2. Tense, then relax the muscles in your left leg. Then do the same for your right leg.
3. Tense and then relax the muscles in your hip area, front and back.
4. Pull your stomach in tighting your stomach muscles. Then relax.
5. Start feeling the relaxation spreading to your lower back,Your Upper back.
Your Chest, Your Shoulders, Your arms, hands, neck, throat, lips, muscles around your eyes, your forehead, your scalp.
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inspired by With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham.
Humans should do the same!
5. Visualize yourself "in the zone," in perfect control
Inspired by the work of Olympic Champion, Lanny Basham
Learn More about Visualizing
cuing it with proper form in "in the zone."