Environmental challenges and championship events: Perspectives from the serious dog sport enthusiast

How event competitors handle social, emotional, and environmental conditions can have a significant impact on the outcome of their competitive experiences. This article is part of a larger exploration about the role of serious dog sport in shaping life choices, overcoming challenges, and learning about one's self. It was conducted with participants at NADAC's 10th International Championships held at Castle Rock, Colorado in 2004. As I was both a competitor in this event as well as an investigator, I have chosen to use a modified ethnographic approach. Results demonstrated the power of adaptation and coping to achieve goals as well as the role that emotions play in perceptions of accomplishments. Competitors faced challenging environmental conditions, very long hours, and unfamiliar programmatic situations. Yet, the majority of the competitors found ways to make the experience one in which they found satisfaction.