In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome mental management expert Julie Bacon. They discuss the significance of mental management in dog training, the importance of goal setting, and how energy and nervous system regulation affect both handlers and dogs. Julie shares her journey into dog sports, the challenges of being present, and the role of meditation and mindfulness in enhancing training experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional living and how it can positively impact training outcomes. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of mental management in dog training, emphasizing the need for small, achievable goals to build confidence and reduce performance anxiety. They explore the role of nerves, the significance of focusing on process goals rather than outcome goals, and the impact of social media on self-perception. The discussion also highlights the necessity of resilience, realistic goal setting, and the power of forgiveness in overcoming setbacks and improving performance. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of competition, vulnerability, and the mental challenges faced by individuals in dog sports. They discuss the importance of controlling what can be controlled, embracing vulnerability, and understanding the inner thoughts that contribute to feelings of inadequacy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindset, self-reflection, and the need for consistent practice in mental management to achieve personal growth and success in competitive environments.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Mental Management

02:08 Julie Bacon's Journey into Dog Sports

05:33 The Importance of Goal Setting in Dog Training

09:06 Understanding Energy and Nervous System Regulation

12:12 The Skill of Being Present

17:21 Meditation and Mindfulness in Dog Training

25:42 Intentional Living and Its Impact on Training

28:54 Starting Small: The Key to Success

31:36 Overcoming Nerves: Building Confidence in the Ring

32:42 The Role of Expectations in Performance

34:41 Focusing on Process Goals vs. Outcome Goals

40:43 The Importance of Realistic Goal Setting

44:11 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception

49:21 Developing Resilience: Moving Past Setbacks

56:44 Forgiveness: A Crucial Element in Performance

58:59 Controlling the Controllables

01:00:25 Embracing Vulnerability in Competition

01:03:00 Understanding Inner Thoughts and Imposter Syndrome

01:05:52 The Stories We Tell Ourselves

01:09:57 Reflecting on Successes and Failures

01:12:06 Mindset as a Lifelong Journey

01:18:45 The Importance of Consistency in Mental Management

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LAURIE:

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