10/06/2026
My next is to set you and your dog a challenge.
Having something you’re working towards together can give you a sense of purpose. Then when your goal is achieved a sense of accomplishment.
Remember to keep it SMART;
S - Specific. Be clear on what your goal is.
M - Measurable. How long for? Or how many?
A - Achievable. Can you and your dog physically and/or mentally manage the goal in the time frame.
R - Realistic. Eg your reactive dog is unlikely to be able to walk past 29 dogs without reacting in a week of training. They might manage 1-2 though.
T - Time Bound. Set yourself a deadline. 1-2 weeks is usually reasonable for simpler goals.
🐾 Maybe you’ve a young pup so it can be something like sit or toilet training.
🐾 Perhaps you’ve an adolescent dog so it can be something like settle or staying engaged with an enrichment activity for longer than 30secs
🐾 A new rescue, you could teach them their new name.
🐾 An adult dog, a new trick or skill. Maybe it’s adding the difficulty on a skill they already know. Eg from sit, to sit on a tree stump.
🐾 A senior dog, who doesn’t fully accept they’re not as agile as they used to be - teach them how to use a ramp to get in the car/on the sofa etc
As always, the biggest goal should be to have fun. Even serious training shouldn’t be dull for you and your dog 🥰🐾
