Why competing with intention changes everything.

There’s something about the fall season in dog sports. Qualifying periods are winding down. Big events are on the horizon. Trial calendars start to fill up fast.

And without realizing it, a lot of handlers slip into autopilot.

Show up. Walk the course. Run the dog. Pack it up. Repeat.

But this is the time of year when being intentional — about how you train, prep, and compete — makes all the difference.

Because when you compete without intention, you’re not just coasting. You’re reinforcing habits that may not be helping you. And you’re more likely to leave a weekend feeling frustrated, disconnected, or stuck in a loop of “Why can’t I get this right?”

What does it mean to compete with intention?

It means you’re not just reacting to what happens in the ring — you’re planning for it.

You’re clear on why you’re entering this trial. What your goals are. How you want to show up. What matters most to you this weekend.

It’s bigger than whether or not you Q.

Maybe your intention is to support your dog’s confidence all weekend.

Maybe it’s to test a specific skill under pressure.

Maybe it’s to stay present and breathe between obstacles.

Setting an intention gives you an anchor — a way to measure your experience beyond the scoreboard.

But isn’t that what goals are for?

Yes and no.

Process goals are critical. But intention sits one layer above that. It’s the energy you bring into the weekend. It’s how you want to feel. It’s the lens through which you evaluate how things went.

And unlike the outcome of a run, your intention is always within your control.

Make it a habit

If you’re a member, you’ve heard me say this before: rituals matter.

Set your intention before the trial weekend. Write it down. Put it on a post-it. Stick it to your coffee maker.

Then — and this part is key — circle back to it on Monday. Did your weekend align with your intention? Where did it fall apart? Where did it shine?

The intention you set becomes the foundation for your reflection and your plan for the next weekend.

Why this matters now

Right now, many handlers are entering the fall push. Whether you’re chasing points or just getting back into the ring after a summer break, this is the time to compete with purpose.

Not because it’s trendy. But because it actually makes you better. More present. More consistent. More connected to your dog.

You don’t need to trial every weekend. You don’t need to win every class.

But if you’re going to compete — show up on purpose.

👀 PS: Inside the membership, we’re spending the whole month diving into this. Weekly lessons, reflection prompts, and support to help you turn intention into a habit — not just a one-off idea.