Hi Everyone,

I want to talk about something that I try so hard to make my number 1 rule—working with myself instead of pushing against the tide.

Ever feel like you’re just constantly swimming upstream? I had one of those moments recently during a training session. Nothing was going right, my energy was low, and my dog was picking up on every bit of it.

My old instinct would’ve been to push through, thinking, “If I just keep at it, we’ll break through this.” But all that does is create more stress, right?

So, instead, I stopped. I asked myself, “What can I do today that feels good for both of us?” It turns out, sometimes the best thing you can do is to just slow down and acknowledge where you are—without judgment. It’s not about giving up, but about adjusting the pace and approach.

This week, I want you to reflect on that.

What would it look like if you worked with your current situation, rather than fighting it?

Whether it’s in training, work, or life, there’s a beautiful power in being gentle with ourselves while still moving forward.

Honour Your Energy—It’s a Guide, Not an Enemy

We all have days where our energy is off, right? On those days, it’s so easy to beat ourselves up for not doing more, but what if we shifted that perspective?

Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, think about what feels good today. In your dog training, maybe it’s not the day for a long, structured session.

Instead, take a slower walk, enjoy the fresh air, and just focus on your bond. Small actions—especially those that feel aligned with where you are—still lead to progress.

Don’t underestimate the power of small, intentional steps.

I want to share a win from one of our members that really ties into this week’s theme of working with yourself. Bailey, a 3-year-old Lab, and his owner have been going through the Hot Mess Handler course, and they recently had a breakthrough that’s worth celebrating—but more importantly, it holds a lesson for all of us.

Bailey used to dash ahead down 18 steep steps in their garden, leaving his owner behind. But just a few days ago, something shifted—Bailey began to wait for her so they could walk the steps together. Now, what’s powerful here isn’t just that Bailey changed his behaviour, but how it happened.

There was no forcing, no frustration—just steady, consistent work and a deepening connection between them. Bailey, with the freedom to still run, chose to stay close, reflecting the bond and trust they’ve built.

The lesson here? Training doesn’t always need to be about control or pushing for immediate results. Sometimes, the most meaningful progress happens when we’re patient, let go of rigid expectations, and allow the relationship with our dogs to guide the way.

For you, this could mean adjusting your own pace—whether in training, life, or personal growth—and trusting that those small, unexpected wins will come when you work with the situation rather than against it.

Resource: Plan for Success with the LWDG Quick Plan Pad

If you’re finding it tough to stay organised with your training sessions, the LWDG Quick Plan Pad is exactly what you need.

This handy tool helps you map out your training goals for the day, week, or month, making it easy to stay focused and track progress. It’s perfect for those moments when life gets busy, and you need a simple, structured way to plan your dog’s training.

By breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, you’ll find it much easier to work with yourself and your dog, rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything at once.

Plus, it’s a great way to reflect on those small wins that we know make all the difference!

This week’s podcast episode, Be Your Own Competition, dives deep into the idea of making your gundog training journey a personal one.

I chat with LWDG experts Claire Denyer and Jemma Martin about setting achievable goals, being your own competition, and how community support can help keep you motivated.

We also touch on the importance of realistic expectations—especially for new dog owners—celebrating small wins, and the balance between training and everyday life.

If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in comparison mode or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. It’s all about focusing on your own journey and making progress on your terms. Check it out, and let me know what resonates with you!

I want you to take a deep breath this week and remember—it’s okay to meet yourself exactly where you are.

Progress doesn’t have to be perfect, and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is honour what you need in the moment.

Whether it’s in training or life, the journey is yours to shape. So, let’s focus on working with ourselves, celebrating every small win, and remembering that the LWDG community is always here for you.

Action Steps for the Week:

  • Pause. Take a moment each day to ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” and honour that.
  • Celebrate even the smallest progress. Whether it’s in training, mindset, or just getting through the day—acknowledge it.
  • Give the podcast episode a listen, and reflect on where you can work with yourself more this week.

Much Love

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