About this episode
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 FOLLOW US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.trainmedogs.com/