Deload Weeks Don't Cover YOUR Inconsistencies

With all training, resistance training or not… you get what you put into it. If you push hard every day, you end up with a burned out dog with little motivation( this happens MORE often than we like to admit). If you don’t push at appropriate times during their development, you end up with a dog who lacks confidence not only in his or herself, but also in their faith in you as a handler when the day max effort work shows up. I mention this idea because I want to talk about deload weeks versus inconsistency as a handler.

CRT is a beautiful training program to weave and incorporate into your dog’s life. FOR MANY REASONS, not just competition. Depending on your dog’s level, prior experience, and health—there is a phase of programming for any dog. Truly. With that being said however; it takes SOME commitment. I have students who dedicate early morning hours ( LIKE SUPER EARLY) to make sure their dogs get the sessions in. I have some who travel all over the country for seminars and events and PACK their training gear with them— they turn CRT into one giant adventure! (which is amazing). My point with this—- there is virtually NO room for inconsistency. It’s all doable… you have to dedicate 3 days MAX for session… no more than that. If you want a dog who can pull heavy weight, you NEED to put the time and training into it. Deload weeks are essential for your dog’s development… essential for growth. In fact, the physical gains and body repair occur on the “off” days.

Within the CRT programs, deload weeks are carefully and timely embedded within the program to not only provide a mental break from the work, but also to allow the dog’s body to rest. It is BUILDING the habit to NOT push or overtrain… not for the dog—-but YOU. Dogs can’t speak to you, last I checked…. so if their body hurts, you have to be diligent in picking up the subtitles and hints along the way. (cue the value and importance of rest and recovery strategies).

Now, in the Building Blocks programming (foundational program) and with the focal point not being primarily on heavy weight or physical exertion but rather confidence building, relationship development, and introductions to strength training principles—it may seem silly to have a week dedicated to backing off and promoting rest. But again, it’s about creating the habit of taking a week to do nothing, allowing that recovery time. This isn’t a good week to double up on flyball practice, or overtrain in other sports. You won’t have given your dog a true break, physically or mentally by doing this. Therefore, defeating the entire purpose of the deload.

Another thing to be said about deload weeks; they aren’t implemented in the programming as an excuse to miss sessions or to mask the inconsistencies in training. With the programming becoming more readily available and more people utilizing it, I’m seeing many add deload weeks in whenever they feel. The idea of adding additional deload weeks to allow recovery from the work is fine, except, in the very beginning programming—- your dog is barely working. I hate to be the one to say that but……. the percentages we are working with are just beginner work. Adding in ADDITIONAL deloads (aside from the preprogrammed ones) look like you just can’t be consistent in training for whatever reasons ( life). Sprinkling in a deload isn’t your best option here…….repeating weeks or weights might be (talk to your coach!). Adding TOO many deload weeks will result in a dog who will stall in progress and never learn HOW to push through resistance.. literally and figureatively.

Remember the value of deloads…… to provide physical and mental breaks… not to throw in when your life becomes hectic and chaotic…. that’s handler inconsistency and poor planning. Remember.. you and your dog ONLY get what you put into training. The outcome of resistance training is a dog who is strong enough BOTH physically and mentally to push through adversity and overcome resistance. At some point, got to be able to teach both ;)

Be consistent. Deloads are STILL training and a very important part of the process.