Training stock dogs can be one of the most rewarding experiences for handlers and their dogs, but it's not without its challenges. A frustrating training session or competitive run can feel disheartening, leaving you and your dog both disheartened and questioning your progress.

Maybe it’s the proverbial “my dog never does this at home” to “I can’t believe I yelled through my dog’s entire run.

Recently, at a big field trial. My experienced 7 year old dog, Bryn completely caught me off guard. I set her up to head out on a tricky 450 yard outrun, across the field and up a hill. The sheep were being set out by a rider on horseback and not that easy to spot. At this trial, I was head shepherd of the flock and had spent the morning grazing the flock and then helping to load the trailers that hauled the sheep to the trial field set out spot.

Anyway, when Bryn left my feet, she went a bit wide and I thought she was heading towards a trail up the field, but NOOOO she ducked under the fence and ran 400 yards towards the corrals that we were loading out of!

What?? My wise, experienced dog completely blowing her gather??? Well yes. She was on a mission and wouldn’t recall or stop. I was quite horrified as I walked off the field trying to find my dog. GRRRR. Dog Trialling.

After some time sulking and pouting! I kicked myself in the butt and reminded myself that I still had to run my young dog, Sam and that I also needed to react quicker when handling and to be ready for ANYTHING.

Here are 10 Quick Tips that have helped me to "move on" from a challenging session!

1. Take a Step Back

First things first: give yourself and your dog a breather. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and try to push through the frustration, but taking a short break can do wonders. Use this time to reflect calmly on what happened, and give both you and your dog a chance to reset.

2. Analyze What Went Wrong

Once you’ve had a chance to cool down, take a closer look at the session or run to identify what went wrong. Was it a specific command that was misunderstood? Did your dog seem over-stimulated by the stock or situation? Were there external factors that could have affected performance? Understanding the root cause of the issue will help you address it more effectively in your training.

3. Adjust Your Training Plan

Based on your analysis, make adjustments to your training plan. If a particular skill or command was problematic, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on reinforcing the basics before building back up to more complex tasks. Sometimes, a small tweak in your approach can make a big difference.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Rebounding from frustration doesn’t mean you need to dive straight back into intensive training. Instead, focus on small victories. Celebrate progress in even minor improvements. Whether it's a well-executed command or a new behaviour demonstrated by your dog, acknowledging these wins can boost morale and motivate both you and your dog. Need some inspiration? Have a look at Welsh Team member Angie Driscoll's field trial run!

5. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your attitude can greatly influence your dog’s performance. A positive mindset can help turn a frustrating experience into an opportunity for growth. Remind yourself why you and your dog started this journey and focus on the fun aspects of training. Your dog will pick up on your energy, so staying upbeat can help keep your sessions productive and enjoyable.

6. Seek Support and Advice

Sometimes, it’s helpful to seek advice from fellow handlers or trainers. They may have experienced similar frustrations and can offer valuable insights or strategies that you might not have considered. Join forums, attend workshops, or simply have a chat with others in the field. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide new perspectives and solutions. Here at Dore River Training Academy, we host a vibrant Face Book community.

7. Re-evaluate Goals and Expectations

Frustrations often arise when expectations aren’t met. Reevaluate your goals and ensure they are realistic and attainable given your current progress. Set incremental goals that can be achieved in smaller steps, which can provide a clearer path forward and help maintain motivation. Sometimes, we expect our dogs to perform at a level they aren’t ready for.

8. Focus on Bonding and Enjoyment

Remember, training should be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Take some time to focus on activities that strengthen your bond and are enjoyable for both of you. Play, exercise, and engage in activities that reinforce positive interactions and build trust. A strong bond will contribute significantly to successful training outcomes.

9. Reflect and Learn

Use the frustration as a learning experience. Reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself and your dog through the challenging session. Each experience, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity to grow and improve. Embrace these moments as part of the journey and keep a mindset of continuous learning. I like to remind myself that working and competing with these dogs is a privilege not everyone is lucky enough to experience and that my results when competing don’t define me as a person.

10. Return with Renewed Focus

After addressing the issues and making necessary adjustments, return to training with a fresh perspective and renewed focus. Approach each session with patience and optimism, and remember that progress is often incremental. With perseverance and dedication, you’ll overcome the hurdles and achieve your training goals.

In conclusion, a frustrating stock dog training session or trial doesn’t define your journey but rather offers a chance to refine your approach and strengthen your partnership with your dog.

By taking a thoughtful and positive approach to overcoming setbacks, you’ll not only rebound stronger but also enhance your overall experience in training. Keep your eyes on the long-term goals, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Happy Training & Competing!

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