There are moments in this sport that stay burned in your memory forever.

For me, one of those came at the 2024 World Stock Dog Championship at the Calgary Stampede — and it all came down to one step.

I’ve worked dogs long enough to know that every move matters. But standing out there in that big arena, with the crowd watching and the stakes higher than ever, that truth hit me harder than it ever had before.

One small step… and it nearly cost me $10,000.

When It All Went Sideways

We were having a strong run. My dog was reading the stock beautifully, everything flowing the way you dream it will. Then, in a moment that seemed like nothing at the time — I took a single step out of place.

That step changed everything.

The ewe shifted and shot around the pen, and my heart sank.

In stock dog work, that’s all it takes. One small mistake under pressure, and the whole run can unravel in seconds.

Thankfully, we managed to recover...

What That Step Taught Me

Looking back, that day taught me more than any ribbon or paycheck ever could.

1️⃣ Stay present. When the adrenaline hits, your focus can narrow in ways you don’t realize. Slow down your mind before your feet move.

2️⃣ Trust your preparation. In big moments, you don’t rise to the occasion — you fall back on your training.

3️⃣ Respect every step. Every movement and command affects both the livestock and the dog. Small things create big consequences.

That’s the beauty and the heartbreak of the stock dog world. You’re never done learning — and the field always keeps you humble.

The Full Story

If you want to see what really happened, I break it all down in my latest video:

Final Thoughts

The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest stages — and that 2024 run reminded me why I love it. The pressure, the partnership, the unpredictability… it brings out the best and worst in all of us.

That one step hurt — but it also sharpened me.

And if sharing it helps another handler avoid the same mistake, then maybe it was worth every penny.

See you at the next sheepdog trial.

Jen

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