As we get closer to the 2025/2026 Futurity and Ranch Dog Finals, I want to talk about something that doesn't get discussed enough in our sport: the mental game. Competition is as much about mindset as it is about training, for both dogs and handlers.


The Handler's Mental Game



I've seen brilliant dog and handler teams fall apart at their first trial because the handler's nerves got the better of them. When you're nervous, your dog feels it. When you're tense, your dog gets tense. When you're worried about making mistakes, you usually make more of them.

Here's the truth: your dog doesn't care about ribbons or points or what other people think. Your dog cares about working with you and doing the job they love. If you can stay focused on that partnership and trust in your training, you'll both perform better.
I remember my first big trial with Copper. I was so worried about messing up that I was giving him commands he didn't need and confusing him with my body language.

Finally, I had to stop, take a breath, and remember that this dog knew his job better than I knew mine at that point.

Time Slows Down with Experience



Something interesting happens as you gain experience in competition. Time slows down. When you're a beginner, everything feels like it's happening at 3x speed. The dog seems to be going 100 miles an hour, the sheep are running everywhere, and you can barely think of what command to give.

But as you gain experience and master the sport, you develop the ability to control time. You can see problems developing before they happen. You have time to make decisions. You can read your dog and your livestock and adjust accordingly.

This is true in any sport, any skill. The more expert you become, the more time you have, the better it gets. They say 10,000 hours of practice equals an expert. That's about five years of full-time work. But it has to be intentional practice – 10,000 hours of conscious, learning practice, not just doing the same thing over and over.

Preparing Your Dog Mentally



Dogs that are trained in high adrenaline states often struggle in competition because they can't think clearly under pressure. This is why I start all my dogs in low adrenaline training. A dog that's learned to work calmly and think through problems will handle the excitement and pressure of competition much better.

I also expose my dogs to as many different situations as possible. We work different stock, in different locations, with different people around. Dogs see in pictures – if you only train at home with your sheep in your arena, your dog thinks that's the only place the rules apply.

Take your dog places. Work other people's stock. Let them experience different environments. The dogs that do well at the Futurity will be the ones that understand the rules apply everywhere, not just at home.

The Partnership Mindset



Competition should strengthen the partnership between you and your dog, not test it. I've seen too many people get so focused on winning that they forget to enjoy working with their dog. Your dog should leave the trial field feeling successful and confident, regardless of how you placed.

I have a different philosophy than many trainers when it comes to my thinking dogs. Copper knows the job, and if I give a wrong flank, I have no issue if he ignores that command and executes the job properly. He's my partner, and I want a partner that has my back.

This has hurt me and helped me in trials. There needs to be balance – there still needs to be a leader, and I don't allow him to blow me off completely. But when I'm wrong and he fixes it, I don't correct him. I apologize to him and thank him for having my back.

Dealing with Pressure



Every dog handles pressure differently. Some dogs thrive on the excitement of competition, while others get overwhelmed. Know your dog and adjust accordingly.
If your dog tends to get too excited, work on calming exercises before you run. If your dog tends to shut down under pressure, work on building confidence and making sure they feel successful.

Remember, confusion is not a bad place for dogs to be – it's where learning happens. If your dog gets confused during a run, help them work through it. Don't panic and start shouting commands. Stay calm, give clear direction, and help them succeed.



Whether you're running in the Futurity or the Ranch Dog Finals, remember that this is just one day in your dog's career. The goal isn't just to win – it's to have a positive experience that builds your partnership and prepares you for the next challenge.

I've had runs that were disasters on paper but felt like victories because my dog and I worked through problems together. I've had technically perfect runs that felt hollow because we weren't really connected.

The best runs are the ones where you and your dog are truly working as a team, reading each other, trusting each other, and solving problems together. That's what we're really celebrating at these events – the incredible partnership between human and dog that makes great stockdog work possible.

Final Thoughts



As you prepare for competition, remember why you started this journey. It wasn't for ribbons or recognition – it was because you fell in love with watching your dog do what they were born to do. Stay connected to that feeling, trust your training, and enjoy the experience.

The 2025/2026 Futurity and Ranch Dog Finals will showcase some incredible dogs and handlers. But more than that, they'll celebrate the working heritage of our breed and the partnerships that make it all possible.

Support the Future of the Sport



We can’t put on events like the 2025/2026 Futurity and Ranch Dog Finals without our incredible community. If you’d like to get involved and help us keep the working Australian Shepherd tradition alive, there are two great ways to support us:

Join the Friends of the Futurity: Become a part of the inner circle supporting our young dogs and upcoming talent. Your contribution goes directly toward making this event a success.

Join the Friends of the Futurity Here

Become a Sponsor: Showcase your business or ranch while supporting the highest level of stockdog competition. We have several tiers of sponsorship available to fit your goals.

View Sponsorship Opportunities Here

See you at the trial field!