So, tonight we started a new training class as I didn't like some of the things about the one we used to attend.

As well as liking the methods employed by the trainer, I also chose the class as the lady had RRs and I thought it would be great as she has such a massive knowledge of the breed. So...for some reason I got very nervous about going to the class, extraordinarily so .

When the time came to bring our dogs into the hall a whole new Kilo I have never seen before came with me - skittering about, tail between legs, teeth chattering, barking, hard to get his attention. In the end, I had to stand a little away from the other dogs with the clicker just clicking and rewarding for him looking at me.

He was so, so nervous and unsettled (because I was) and it must have looked as if I had never socialised him or made an effort (or so I thought, so got really nervous as, being me, in my head the trainer was going to tell the breeder I got Kilo from that I couldn't cope with or handle him - I tend to be extremely self critical!!). Anyway, I confessed to the trainer (who is really very lovely) and things got better although she said not to worry if Kilo wouldn't do anything that was asked of him when we tried sits, downs etc given the state he was in....but he did, bless him .

So, now I am at home so upset with myself for messing up tonight so badly and putting Kilo in that position, plus worrying that all the other owners in the class thought I was crap and that the trainer thinks I can't handle my dog .

And breathe. Had to let it out.

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Awww, bless fancy working yourself up like that. Kilos a gorgeous dog- because of you. Go next week and knock em dead

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No idea why I did that; poor Kilo he was a nervous wreck .

I think because I knew that I would be asked where I got him from and if the trainer and my breeder know each other well (no idea if they do!) I wanted them to hear I was doing a good job with him. So I blew it .

Things were much better by the end and at least I told the lady why I was such an idiot .

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Aww I didn't like my training session today either, it wasn't what I was expecting and could have cried when I turned up!!

At least you began to relax a little towards the end and know what to expect next week, I do it with bella all the time, when i'm nervous she definatly picks it up and will become unsettled ect.

Good luck for next week, you can both do it

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Oh bless you and I know exactly how you feel. I've been there many times myself, both in front of instructors and also in obedience competitions.

I'm sure if the trainer was experienced she could see how nervous you were and it will get better - promise.

We can't help what we are, no more than our dogs can and if we get anxious/ stressed, etc. we just can't help it.

The worse occasion (so far) for me was not dog related - I was playing a Chopin Nocturne in a concert and in the interval a lady came up to me and said how much she was looking forward to hearing it played as it had been her mother's favourite piece - I can only say I'd bet she'd never heard a rendition like it (think the late Les Dawson). That's what happens when nerves take over.

I know we can do it and it isn't like we haven't been to training classes before...bless Kilo for still doing as I asked despite him being a state because of me, poor dog.

I am generally very calm and focussed, but when my nerves hit...they really hit. I failed a course last year on an aspect of my job that I usually teach as someone very experienced who I really look up to was assessing Had to retake it and second time around no nerves at all and no problems.

I also compete in quite a few sports and use the nerves as a positive thing, didn't manage it tonight though, but next week should be fine (fingers crossed).

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It WILL be fine

I'm not very good at using nerves positivly lol I tend to crumble

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I either use them very positively or go to pieces . I purposefully work myself up before a race or like people yelling at me that I can never do it etc etc as it makes me angry enough to find that bit extra.....

...however tonight I went to pieces. Sure it will seem like nothing by tomorrow .

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You've actually been very canny!

The very worst thing you can do is turn up to a course, with the best performing dog, that does it already. You're going to just focus on learning, and not worry what the dog does in the hall, and end up being one of the best improvers

I always watch It's me or the dog, and she does give some good advice, dogs pick up every mood a person is feeling so try and relax and have some fun with your lovely dog