by Ang Auger
Witnessing the intensity and excitement of an international IGP competition was an experience like no other and one I certainly did not expect. I wasn’t sure what to expect at all.
When I travelled to the Czech Republic to support my friend and our club trainer, and her dog Cobra, I knew it would be a challenging yet rewarding adventure. I was there as a spectator, friend, teammate and canine bodyworker fully committed to ensuring Cobra was in peak physical condition. From providing essential massage and laser therapy, managing the impacts of extreme heat and humidity on Cobra to lending keen eyes and ears for Isabella, every moment was a test of our dedication, resilience and teamwork.
One of the most distinct aspects of this journey was watching Isabella train and prepare for this competition. She put in countless hours of work leading up to the event, fine tuning every detail. It was motivating to see her dedication in action- whether working on Cobra’s conditioning or perfecting obedience routines. Witnessing her apply all that hard work on the international stage in the Czech Republic was truly inspiring. Every move was a true testament to the preparation and passion she brought with her.
However, the trip was not without its challenges. Czech Republic was in the midst of a heatwave, with temperatures and humidity levels higher than what we are accustomed to. It wasn’t just tough on us; it was particularly tough on Cobra. We had to be extremely vigilant about his well-being, making sure he stayed cool and hydrated to perform his best.
I provided regular bodywork sessions to help keep his muscles relaxed and strong. The laser therapy was particularly effective in reducing inflammation and promoting quicker recovery after training sessions.
My role as a canine bodyworker became even more critical under these conditions. Each day, I assessed Cobra's physical condition, provided targeted massages and stretches to relieve any tension, and used laser therapy to address any potential issues before they became serious. Preventing injuries was paramount, and I was constantly on alert for any signs of strain or discomfort.
Rest and decompression were just as important for Cobra as the training sessions themselves, allowing his body and mind to recover and absorb the work that was done. This downtime helped prevent fatigue and risk of injury, ensuring that Cobra remained sharp, focused and physically ready for what the next day had to bring. This rest was equally important for Isabella in order to maintain focus and determination during a time when emotions can run high.
Mentally, the weeks leading up to the competition was incredibly challenging for Isabella. I can only imagine how difficult it was for her to do everything by herself in a foreign country. Navigating unfamiliar roads, dealing with language barriers, finding tracking fields, and managing all the little details without her familiar support system must have been overwhelming. There were frustrating moments even after I arrived so I can only imagine what it was like for her on her own. It made me realize how much we often take for granted, like having a spotter, someone to run the “send out toy” or just general help and camaraderie from other club members. Those conveniences make a world of difference, and their absence in a high pressure environment was genuinely felt.
For me, the pressure was in ensuring Cobra was feeling his best. I knew how much this competition meant to Isabella, and I wanted to do everything in my power to contribute to their success.
Isabella's determination and Cobra's resilience were inspiring. Seeing them perform and knowing that I played a role in helping Cobra stay healthy and injury free, was deeply fulfilling. I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute my skills and honoured to be a part of Isabella and Cobra’s journey. Watching them compete, knowing all the time and hard work that went into their preparation, filled me with pride.
This trip, marked by both challenges and triumphs, reminded me of the critical role of physical and mental health and wellness in competitive sports and the power of teamwork and dedication. Being a member of K9 Force is a privilege and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this club.
It was a journey I will cherish.
Until next time!
K9Force (2024, August). Supporting Champions: A Glimpse into the Journey of Dedication and Canine Care at an International IGP Competition
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
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