As a dog trainer and competitor, fitness is more than just a personal goal for me—it’s a vital part of my work and the relationship I share with my dogs. They give their all during every competition, so I make sure I’m in the best shape to match their energy and dedication. Staying fit allows me to perform at my best in dog sports and provides me with the physical and mental stamina I need to help my clients achieve success with their dogs.
Here’s an insight into my fitness journey, my current fitness plans, and how staying active impacts both my dog training and my competitive success in agility.
My Fitness Goals: Building Cardio Fitness and Muscle Mass for Dog Sports
Right now, my primary fitness goals are to improve my cardio fitness and build muscle mass. Cardio helps with endurance, while muscle mass is key for strength and stability, both of which are crucial in dog sports and training. I incorporate swimming and weight training into my routine to achieve these goals and to ensure I’m fit enough to compete and train at the highest level.
Why Fitness Matters to Me: A Dog Trainer’s Perspective
For me, staying fit isn’t just about personal health; it’s about being able to give my dogs the best support and match their energy when we compete. When I’m not at my best fitness level, I struggle with fatigue and low energy. This impacts my ability to perform well in agility and other dog sports, and it affects my overall performance as a trainer.
When I’m fit, I have the stamina to stay focused during long training sessions, maintain mental clarity, and keep up with my dogs’ energetic demands. I also feel stronger physically, which helps with the physical demands of training and competitions. Staying fit ensures that I can give 100% to my clients and their dogs, while also being present and engaged in my own training sessions and competitions.
My Weekly Fitness Routine: How I Stay on Track
I’ve structured my fitness routine around a combination of swimming, weight training, and rest. Here’s a breakdown of how I fit it all into my busy schedule:
- Swimming (3 times a week): I swim on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Swimming is great for both cardioand muscle endurance. It also helps me clear my mind and stay physically and mentally healthy, which is key when I need to stay sharp for training sessions and competitions.
- Weight Training (2 times a week): I incorporate weight training on Tuesdays and Thursdays to build muscle mass. On weeks when I’m not competing, I’ll also do an additional session on Saturdays. Weight training helps me develop strength, which is essential for both agility and day-to-day activities, from lifting equipment to running with the dogs.
- Rest Day (Sunday): Sundays are my rest days, which I use to recover and recharge for the week ahead. Rest is an important part of any fitness plan to ensure I’m ready for the next week’s training and competitions.
Fitness & Competition: How It Improves My Dog Sports
One of the biggest game-changers for me was ramping up my fitness last year. By swimming regularly, I saw huge improvements in my overall health, which had a direct impact on my competition performance. In fact, I think swimming three times a week was the single biggest factor that helped Izzy move into Grade 3 agility.
Being fit not only helps me perform better during competitions, but it also supports my role as a dog trainer. I’m able to stay energetic and present during long training days, ensuring I can fully engage with my clients and their dogs. Whether it’s working on agility drills or lifting equipment, being physically fit is essential for maintaining the pace and energy required for dog sports.
The Challenges of Staying Fit While Managing a Busy Schedule
Finding time for fitness can be tough, especially when there are competing priorities like my dogs’ injuries, my own health, and a busy work schedule. However, I’ve learned that prioritising fitness allows me to be better in every area of my life. When I’m not at my best fitness level, it’s harder to stay focused and keep up with the demands of my business.
But even when things get tough, I remind myself of the positive impact fitness has on my performance, my dog training, and my overall well-being. And it’s not just about physical fitness—mental fitness is key too. Regular exercise helps me maintain mental clarity and the stamina to face the challenges of running a business and competing.
Looking Ahead: Fitness as a Long-Term Investment for My Dog Training Career
As I continue to train and compete, my goal is to keep improving my fitness so I can be the best dog trainer I can be. Staying fit is not just about achieving short-term results—it’s an investment in my long-term health, my business, and my relationship with my dogs. The fitter I am, the more I can give to my dogs, my clients, and myself.
The fitness journey doesn’t stop here. In the future, I plan to add a long run to my routine on Sundays as we head into the colder months. This will help me build even more endurance and prepare for the upcoming agility competitions.
Fitness in My Dog Training Business: Helping Clients Achieve Success
I know from experience how important fitness is for both my dogs and me. It’s crucial to maintain high energy levels and mental stamina to perform well in training and competitions. By sharing my own fitness journey with my clients, I hope to inspire them to prioritise their own health and fitness, not just for the sake of dog sports, but for overall well-being.
If you’re feeling inspired to start your own fitness journey or want to improve your energy for dog training, I encourage you to find a routine that works for you. It doesn’t have to be as intense as mine—but staying active, even in small ways, can make a huge difference in how you feel and how well you perform in your dog training and other areas of life.
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