Does the idea of setting a training goal for your pet seem overwhelming? Let’s break it down!

Jot down some quick goals. Off the top of my head, for my own dog, I have this…

1. Make vet visits less stressful

2. Get his nails under control - for real

3. Do more hiking together!

Wait a second, these don’t sound like training goals do they? Not yet they don’t!

1) Vet Visits are hard on my dog. We have aid from medication to help us but there is also some things I can be better prepared for, and things WE can work on.

• I need to make sure I am using the prescriptions given to me the appropriate amount of time before the vet visit.

• Bring treats, clicker, mat every visit

• Be prepared to comfort him and distract him when needed, aid the technicians in handling as needed

• Visit the proximity without appointments

• Work on ‘exams’ at home with me + others

2) Nail are something we’ve been struggling with the past few years. We don’t hit the pavement like we used to

• Work on consent with trimming

• Use Dremel more frequently - and less toes per session

3) Hiking with my dog in Arizona is so much fun! Except, now he is blind and that makes it…. A little trickier

• Find ‘Nature Trails’, they’re usually flat and sometimes paved

• Work on his directional Cueing (ups, downs, with me, stop, etc)

• Confidence building

• Break out the Rex Specs to see if they help with light - train for duration

So, I took my 3 personal goals that came quickly to me, broke down what they actually look like and entail. Now I have a starting point for training in the new year!