Big events and the planning involved

So in New Zealand our national agility competition is coming up. For most competitors, this is a competition that is worked towards over the year, as well as highlight - both in terms of our competing, and socially.

So how are you planning your lead up to this event?  I posted earlier in the year about planning ahead.

Here's some things to consider:

• Goals

Have SMART goals for the event. As hard as it is to not just say 'I'd really love one ribbon' this is not realistic, as this is not specific to what you are able to control. It's related to the performance of others.  For example, I'm aiming to have two runs where Evo holds his start line in a sit, where I leave him, until I release him with 'Okay'. This is the main skill I have been working on with my baby dog over the last few months, as overarousal is a big factor for him in the ring. 

• Number of events

Not all dogs should be entered in every event. Chace is only entered in two runs over the weekend, and there is still a chance I may scratch her from these. Some dog's just aren't physically fit enough for the huge volume of runs. Some dog's will not deal well with the intense environment, or nerves of the handler, and some handlers will struggle to do justice while running multiple dogs. There is also always the chance that the weather and ground conditions are not ideal. Keep in mind it's just a competition. You are allowed to scratch your dog if it's the best thing for them. 

• Training and fitness work: tapering and peaking

For training to be effective, and to continue to challenge dog's training should put their body into a certain level of training stress. Without sufficient stress, the body will not have the physiological adaptions required to show improvement. In canine fitness training, this means continually changing and adding to their program. 

However, you dont want to be working on their full program leading right up to the big event. We want some reduction in activity, so they are not sore, tired, and are well rested. Research has shown that tapering activity in the few days up to the event is the most effective way to do this.   

"A well-designed taper can improve performance by about 3% over the year’s best performance. The taper should involve a progressive decrease in training volume of 70 to 90% and an increase or maintenance of training intensity over a seven- to 21-day period. The decreased training volume should be accomplished by decreasing distance or time per session. The number of training sessions per week should not be reduced by more than 20 to 50%. "

• Specialist's 

So I have to admit. I pre-booked in with my physio about three months out from the event, to ensure that my dogs would have the treatments they require. She is super busy, and amazing so I wanted to make sure I can get in to see her! I also want to ensure that my dogs are cleared to compete, with the intensity in training increasing leading up to the event. 

• Over the event

Look after your canine athlete's body! Pay attention to their fluid intake, and consider if they need a fuel boost over the day. Take the time to warm them up, and cool them down. Keep them warm in between events, and give them time to decompress at the end of the day - a bone to chew, frozen Kong, and a nice stroll where sniffing is encouraged! This isn't any normal from any other show, just sometimes harder to fit into a long event. 

Remember to take some time to enjoy you and your dog. Smile, give them a hug, and celebrate the success you are having. 

 

• Recovery

Have some physical and mental time off after planned in. You will both be tired! Physically it's a long event, and you and your canine athlete will be tired, and have small micro muscle tears that need time and energy to repair. I tend to take a few days off everything except for a few gentle short walks, and also a week or two off all agility training if possible. Enjoy this time, celebrate your success as a team. 

Remember to be grateful: of your dog, your team work, the ability to compete, and most of all the journey that you and your teammate have made. 

 - https://www.peakcentre.ca/general-endurance-sports/tapering-for-the-big-event/ 

 - https://keatsacademy.mykajabi.com/blog/after-the-peak 

 - https://www.freelapusa.com/tapering-for-speed-power-events-a-look-at-the-science/