Photo credit: Turek Studios
Does your performance in training match your performance in competition?
What is Mental Management?
Mental management is the secret weapon of top competitors across all sports, including dog sports. It’s the system that helps you:
✔ Overcome competition nerves
✔ Stay focused under pressure
✔ Build confidence in yourself and your dog
✔ Bounce back from mistakes quickly
✔ Develop consistent routines for success
By learning proven mental strategies, you can train your brain just like you train your dog—ensuring you perform at your best when it matters most.
How Mental Management Helps in Dog Sports
Competing in dog sports like obedience, rally, agility, nose work, and protection sports requires more than technical skill. It requires:
Confidence
Trust in your training and ability
Emotional Control
Managing nerves and self-doubt
Focus
Staying in the moment, not second-guessing
Resilience
Learning from mistakes without letting them shake you
Join the Competitive Edge Membership Group
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- Bi-Monthly Live Group Training (15-30 minutes)
- Recorded Mini-Workshops / Masterclasses
- Guided Exercises & Worksheets
- Private Community (FB Group)
- Monthly Office Hours / “Ask Nancy” Posts
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Explore the Competitive Edge Coaching Program
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Personalized Game Plan: Tailored strategies to help you manage nerves, stay focused, and perform with confidence—designed just for you and your sport.
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Private Coaching Sessions: One-on-one time to work through your mindset blocks, prep for upcoming trials, or debrief tough runs.
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Customized Mental Exercises: Practical tools and exercises you can use before, during, and after competition to keep your head in the game.
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Video Review (Optional): Break down your performance with expert guidance to understand how your mindset shows up in the ring.
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Ongoing Support: Accountability and encouragement between sessions to help you stay consistent and motivated.
About Your Mental Management Coach
Nancy Reyes
Nancy Reyes has been a professional dog trainer for the past 30 years. She began her love affair with animals when she was very young. Over the years she found that she enjoyed training dogs and learning more about animal behavior.
During this time she discovered another passion, working with shelter and rescue dogs. For the past 15 years, Nancy has donated much of her time to working with various rescues in the Midwest. She has provided training and evaluation assistance as well as fostering in her home. She has even rescued a dog or two or six.
Nancy has competed in a variety of canine activities such as obedience, and agility, and currently competes in nose work and rally. Nancy is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is on the National Board of World Cynosport Rally. She is a Certifying Official and Judge for NACSW and CWAGS and CPE Scent Work judge.
Nancy is a certified Mental Management Instructor and she coaches dog-handler teams to reach their performance goals in a variety of dog sports.
Start Building Your Winning Mindset
We offer workshops, private coaching, and online resources to help handlers develop the mental skills needed for success in dog sports. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your focus, conquer nerves, or build competition confidence, our mental management training is designed to help you perform at your peak.
Ready to train your mind like you train your dog?