Life’s Lessons I Have Learned At Dog Shows

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146 – September, 2026

By William Given

Call it an addiction, call me crazy, you can call me obsessed. I would not fight you over any of those descriptions. I am passionate about our sport. I love how every day and every show is different.

This sport is certainly not for everyone, and it is not something that everyone would want to do for their entire lives. It can be hard. We stay in random places with furniture and things that are not ours. We are constantly packing and unpacking. It is hard to eat healthy on the road, and unless we travel with a spouse or show buddy, it can get lonely.

We can be physically and mentally drained after a show, but our dogs need us, no matter how tired we are. Despite the downsides, I can tell you that if I had not spent the greater part of my life in the sport, I might not have learned any of the following important life lessons:

The best-laid plans

When well-thought-out plans fall apart, the sudden pivot can feel incredibly frustrating. However, instead of dwelling on what derailed, we can often save the situation by focusing on the ultimate desired outcome rather than the original plan. Navigating a sudden change of plans requires a quick, deliberate shift in perspective to get things back on track:

• We have to separate the problem from the outcome. Do not waste time and energy on the “what if.” Look strictly at what has to happen next. If a flat tire delays our drive to the show, the problem is the tire. We have to change the tire or find another way to get there. We need to focus our energy on the outcome rather than just being upset about the problem.

• Shift from an “all-or-nothing” attitude to “adaptation.” Life happens unexpectedly, so rigid plans often fail. Instead of abandoning our goal entirely when things get crazy, we must consider what small step we can take. Flexibility protects our mental energy and keeps us moving forward, even if we have to adjust our timeline.

Actions speak louder than words

Click here to read the complete article
146 – September, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Sep 13 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.