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Than you for this great chapter on visualization!
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Do you whisper verbal commands when you visualize?
I don’t think I do. Some people are silent. Some people move their lips but are quiet. Some people whisper, and other people say the commands at 1/3 or /12 volume. Look around at a big trial and you’ll be able to spot the people who are doing it. It’s all okay!
I am going to read and re-read this. Thank you. I’ve studied visualization before. When I did the exercise and asked myself “what are you feeling”, I identified “fear”. I’ve not had much success in my opinion. It’s always just about good enough, 90%, good run, but…. I want to believe performance will be better, but without improving (qualifying) time and time again, fear of failing, yet again, is now the handicap that is holding me back.
You’ve done the hard part, because many people don’t understand that on some level, they’re afraid of something–failure, or looking silly, etc.
In a week or two, we are having a special VIP Q and A about fear and how it negatively impacts dog agility, and what we can do about it.
I’m glad you found this helpful!
I will be trialing tomorrow and plan to use all the key elements for visualization. I am planning for a wonderful day. I believe this will be my key element as to doing better as a handler and getting my dog to focus more.
How did your visualization go?
The first time I entered a CPE trial I visualized my dog’s regular behavior in class. I pictured her jumping at the judge, running over to the bar setters and getting the zoomies. This all came true, but I wasn’t flustered or upset. The next two runs we got a Q and a blue ribbon and had a lot of fun! I think by preparing myself mentally and being honest with who my dog is and what could happen I felt relaxed and confident. Just glad and surprised we had a happy ending.
Great job!!
One of the links talked about getting pumped up emotionally. I find that doesn’t work for me, except in the days when I was sparring in karate. In Agility, I’m looking for serenity and focus when I visualize – more like an archer or a billiards player. Mentally, I have great confidence that my dog will wait patiently at the start line & do everything I ask her perfectly. She always does, but sometimes MY end falls apart if my memory fails me during the run or if I physically run out of gas. But I’m working on those!
That’s interesting and I can totally see that. Love that you compare it to OTHER focus based sports.
I expect that it is somewhat of a personal preference.
Yes, even in sports where getting “pumped up” is the norm, serenity and focus are required for certain moments, like taking a penalty shot or shooting a free throw. It’s a great approach in situations where adrenaline can work against you.
I am late with my cues. I am hoping that by using this technique it will help! Sometimes my mind goes blank and I get lost in the course even though I just did it with my other dog. I am excited about learning this technique. Thanks a bunch!
This skill takes practice to develop but you will use it every time you run a sequence in practice or trials–it will change your life! Be patient with yourself.
Great section. I especially like the YouTube video “Scientific Benefits …”
Glad you found this helpful, I watched many different videos but I liked that one a lot as well…
Run for improvement on visualization. Find when running the actual course, negative thoughts still creep in. Do self-positive talk to over-ride these moments.
thank you! this is very helpful info.
Excellent!
Link t Scientific Benefits of Visualization for Athletes is not working.
Could you be on a network that blocks YouTube? That link just worked for me. Here is where it goes: https://youtu.be/VHISQ6xIGZE
I already do visualizations, but can see that I need to be much more efficient with this.
Fascinating – I got lost (i.e. I was somewhere else just seeing it) a couple of times – and really enjoyed the feeling. I will definitely give this 10 mins a day