30/08/2025
Remember How Far You’ve Come
On any training journey, there will be stages that feel difficult—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, but it’s just as important to take a step back and recognise how far you and your dog have already come.
A good training plan isn’t only about setting your dog up for success—it also needs to work for you. You’re the one putting in the time, effort, and patience, and that deserves acknowledgment. Dog training isn’t always straightforward; it can test us in ways we don’t expect, especially emotionally.
As humans, we often focus on the negatives—the setbacks, the behaviours we wish were different, or the way progress doesn’t always look like we imagined. But we rarely give ourselves enough credit for the positives. Those “small wins” that may feel insignificant in the moment are actually huge stepping stones toward long-term success. Every time your dog makes a better choice, every time you stay consistent, every time you celebrate progress instead of perfection—you’re moving forward.
The key to setting yourself (and your dog) up to succeed is shifting your perspective:
Celebrate the small victories, even if they feel minor.
Acknowledge the effort you’re putting in just as much as the results.
Set realistic goals and take baby steps—it’s the little changes that add up to big transformations.
Training is a journey, not a race. When challenges come up, pause and look back at where you started. Chances are, you’ll realise you’ve already achieved more than you give yourself credit for.
At Ultimutt Dog Training, we believe that success is measured not just in your dog’s progress, but in your growth as a team. So remember to celebrate the journey as much as the destination—you’re doing better than you think. 🐾