The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon

Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. If you’re questioning your goals, your motivation, or even why you’re doing this sport at all, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the difference between burnout and boredom—and more importantly, what to do about it. Whether you need a total reset or just a fresh challenge, I’ve got you covered. Tune in and let’s get your mojo back! Support this podcast by...

Feeling stuck with your 2025 goals? Let’s shake things up! In this episode, we’re talking about how to set creative, exciting goals that go beyond just what your dog can accomplish—and focus on you as a handler. Get ready to dream big and think differently about what’s possible for you and your team! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). ht...

Trust is the often-overlooked ingredient that can make or break your performance in the ring. In this episode, we explore how to build trust in yourself as a handler, strengthen your bond with your dog, and repair trust when it wavers. You’ll walk away with practical tips and insights to turn trust into your greatest competitive asset, so you and your dog can perform with confidence, connection, a...

Your inner critic is that voice that tries to keep you safe - safe from failing, from embarrassment, from potential disaster. The problem is, our inner critic can also keep us from growing, from new experiences, from potential awesomeness. But since our inner critic isn’t going anywhere, we need to learn to live alongside this meanie. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (...

While you’re in the mode of setting goals for the year ahead, I have one more for you: push yourself out of your comfort zone. Today, I’ll convince you that all the growth, skills acquisition, and real change happens when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable and push ourselves beyond what we think is possible. Get ready to grow this year! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” co...

We kicked off Season FOUR (wow!) and 2024 with a bit of a common resolution: fitness. But as always, we have our own hot take on handler fitness so I brought in Liz Joyce whose Canine Handler Fitness has been helping handlers get stronger and faster. Good news! It’s not about weight! It’s about having the speed, strength and stamina to do what we do - from moving crates in and out of the building...

I talk a LOT about the importance of rituals, and within those are your “crate-to-gate” routines. Who better than Cara Armour of Startline Pod to break down the components to help you create the ultimate routine? Cara and I break down why getting these routines right will set you up to perform at your best - no matter the venue. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in...

I knew it would be a great conversation, but I had no idea that multiple-Westminster-winning, and podium-loving Cynthia Horner is such a devotee of the importance of a strong mental game! She had me at process goals. Fan-girling aside, listen to what Cynthia has to share about the importance of mindset when it comes to major competitions and why she wishes her dog “good luck.” Support this podcast...

Cara and I both lost dogs this year and it rocked us as grief can. We both believe that as a community we don’t always talk about grief, and if we do, we don’t do it so well. So today we face grief head on and give all of us permission to walk through our unique grief journeys in whatever way we need to. Want more of Cara? Her podcast is Startline Podcast and she can be found on all the usual plat...

I’m already in goal-setting mode for 2025, anxious to tackle big things next year with hope and optimism! But before we leave 2024 in the rearview, there are some things we need to process. Today I’m giving you homework and several exercises to help you process this last year and walk into ‘25 like a boss! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza...

A great suggestion from a listener brings this topic of decompressing after a trial. We need to not only process the quality of our runs, but also the emotions of the trial. Our dogs need to decompress too - they’re just better at finding balance. Let’s create some new habits. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymeacoffee.c...

On one hand, we know that the present moment is the only moment we have any control over. On the other hand, we have a REALLY hard time staying there! Why? Let’s break down why it’s so hard along with some tangible steps you can take to improve your “get present” skills. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymeacoffee.com/the...

We tend to think we need to be confident before we do something, but it’s just the opposite. We become confident as we hone our skills and gain experience. We can accelerate our confidence by picking up and applying some simple skills, and perhaps by embodying someone really cool. Let’s break it down. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). h...

Lately, it’s a theme with my coaching clients - they are focused on their process goals when they walk into the ring, but they are measuring their success by the outcome when they walk out of the ring. Whoops! When we do that we negate the progress we are making and can cut down our own confidence - yikes! Let’s fix that! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case...

Many of us run multiple dogs at shows and it’s not the easiest thing to switch our mindsets when we trade-out dogs. Sometimes we carry over what just happened in the ring to the next dog which doesn’t always work. Or sometimes we are just really thrown by how different the dogs are. You know I like to unpack things, so let’s get started! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffe...

We talk about sooo many topics related to developing a strong mindset, yet most can be sorted into these 5 buckets. A strong mindset is the sum of very learnable skills, all of which can improve your confidence and consistency over time. Mindset is a handling skill - time to treat it as such! Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://ww...

I talk a LOT about the importance of rituals, and within those are your “crate-to-gate” routines. Who better than Cara Armour of Startline Pod to break down the components to help you create the ultimate routine? Cara and I break down why getting these routines right will set you up to perform at your best - no matter the venue. Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in...

When we make other things, events, people, dogs … better than ourselves, we make ourselves less-than. Obviously, that’s not good for our confidence, imposter syndrome, or ring nerves (just to name a few!). I get it, big events ARE big deals - but we deserve to be there. And yes, there are other better handlers out there, but they’re not judging your journey. Let’s knock down some pedestals! Suppor...

Recently I entered a conformation show which also hosted CGC and Trick evaluations. While we came home with all the right ribbons, my day could not have felt more disconnected from my young dog. I was so in my head and worried about my own handling that I completely ditched her (energetically that is). Learn from my mistakes!! Really like this episode? Say thanks with a coffee or slice of pizza! h...

As humans we want to feel safe - protected from failure or vulnerable experiences or other scary stuff. Being the creative species we are, we come up with some interestings ways to protect ourselves, including using our dogs to shield us from the scary stuff. Don’t worry, I’ll explain (and it’s pretty common!). Really like this episode? Say thanks with a coffee or slice of pizza! https://www.buyme...

Puppies have their honeymoon phase too - when they are perfect, can do no wrong, and the sky’s the limit! And then it ends, and the frustration begins. No, this is not a doom-and-gloom session, just reminding us that training a dog is hard and we need the right mindset to get through the tough times. Support our sponsor, Saint Rocco AND score yummy treats for your dog! Go to https://saintroccostre...

Seminars are their own type of animal - they can make us feel like superstars or convince us we haven’t done enough. While there is the ever-present comparison trap, there are other aspects of preparing for seminars that can help you get the most out of them both during and after the event. Want more on seminars? Check out episode #36 from the first season. Support our sponsor, Saint Rocco AND sco...

Stress is part of everyday life to the point it has become some twisted badge of honor. But taking our stress into the ring will not get us the results we crave! Get a preview of our “month of stress” when we dive into the causes and remedies whether you’re experiencing fleeting ring nerves or lasting anxiety. Ready to take the stress quiz? https://www.theqcoach.com/pl/2148501462 Support our spons...

We joke about our personal patience, yet we know we need patience when it comes to dog training and even our own mindset development - it takes time. Contrast that with our ambition - all the goals, hopes, and dreams we have for ourselves and our dogs. We want what we want and we want it now! How do we balance patience and ambition? And is patience the key to getting everything we want? Support ou...

Are your goals driving you forward or holding you back? In our latest episode, we explore the dangers of putting your goals on a pedestal, from the trap of perfectionism to losing sight of the journey. Discover how to maintain a healthy perspective and enjoy the process while pursuing your dreams. Support our sponsor, Saint Rocco AND score yummy treats for your dog! Go to https://saintroccostreats...