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Every competitive dog handler faces a crucial balancing act: maximizing performance while preserving their canine athlete's long-term wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with small animal physiotherapist Mel challenges conventional wisdom about training and recovery for sports dogs.

"Your dog only has so many jumps in their lifetime." This simple yet profound statement forms the foundation of our discussion, exploring how recovery isn't just about rest, but about strategic rehabilitation that allows muscle fibers to repair and strengthen properly. Mel reveals the surprising truth that many handlers unwittingly compromise their dogs' recovery by misunderstanding what proper post-competition care looks like.

We dive deep into designing the ideal training week between competitions, creating a bell curve of intensity that peaks mid-week rather than continuously pushing our dogs. You'll discover why Monday should be a genuine recovery day, how to incorporate skills training, conditioning, and sprint work in a balanced schedule, and why travel itself creates significant physical and mental stress that needs accounting for.

Perhaps most surprising is the revelation that muscle building doesn't require extensive free running - contrary to popular belief, controlled exercises that recruit specific muscles correctly can be far more effective than unstructured activity. This "fit without kit" approach emphasizes quality over quantity and simplicity over fancy equipment.

Whether you're competing every weekend through the season or selectively targeting specific shows, this conversation will transform how you plan your training, recovery, and competition schedule. Your dogs will thank you with longer, healthier, and ultimately more successful competitive careers.

Tune in next week for Part II! 

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