Episode 56: Laura Rixham Interview

In this episode, Laura Rixham shares her journey from a childhood love of dogs to competing in multiple sports, training her dogs in obedience, rally, and scent work, and her insights as a judge. She discusses breed differences, training transitions, and the importance of building a strong relationship with your dog. Laura Rixham shares her journey with scent work, training challenges, and the importance of handler mindset. Petra and Laurie discuss how to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and enjoy the process regardless of outcomes. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Laura's background 00:01 Introduction to Laura Rixham's scent work journey 02:25 Early experiences with dogs and training 02:39 Challenges faced during training and competitions 04:05 Transitioning between breeds and groups 05:00 The importance of handler mindset and emotional control 08:13 Using clickers to neutralize emotions in training 09:25 Getting into rally, obedience, and scent work 12:03 Setting realistic goals and enjoying the process 12:04 Transitioning from rally to obedience 14:32 Judging and how it improves training 15:45 Handling environmental issues and outdoor training 18:22 Judging as a learning experience 20:12 Supporting your dog through training struggles 22:31 Memorable moments in the ring 25:29 The significance of community and shared experiences 26:32 The human side of judging and training 30:05 Final thoughts on training, mindset, and enjoyment CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025