Goal setting

With our first zoom sessions approaching I wanted to take a minute to talk about goal setting so when we speak we can make the most product use of our time!

Setting Goals

• Set 1-3 big goals for example: get my dog’s reactivity under control, off leash reliable recall, compete in a dog sport, etc

• Set many small goals: walk past a calm dog, walk past a barking dog, perfect the individual skills for your dog sport, get an instant head turn to a call on leash, etc.

Balance goals

• One emotionally challenging goal with one fun and encouraging goal

• One physical goal with one stationary goal, for example training a dog to jump through your arms and teaching your dog to do a chin rest

Make your goals realistic

• Dog Training Goals are not wishes and dreams, they are not things that we hope for that magically happen. We have to set goals we are willing to fight and commit to make happen, or they just stay wishes and dreams.

• Assess your available time and willingness to work, it’s ok to know we are busy and that doesn’t have to mean we can’t reach those dreams, but it means we have to have realistic expectations so we don’t set ourselves up for frustration and disappointment.

Make your goals, your goals

• You don’t have to chase goals that you think you are supposed to want as that’s what social media says you should want for you and your dog.

• Be sure your family is aligned with or supports your goals, it’s very hard if everyone wants something different.

So get out a pencil and paper and think about what you want so we can talk about that and I can help you design a training plan to help you go after these things.

If you are not ready to set goals that’s ok too. Just write down the topics you want to discuss and prioritize them so we can make most efficient use of our time together. 30 minutes can go quickly so I want to make sure you are prepared. I do have a lot of appointments set so I won’t have time to go over our time limits.