This is my last post of 2017.
At the start of this year, I shared some of the goals I had for Baxter and myself, and I thought today was a good time to look back and see how we did.
How we did on our 2017 goals
1. Take a pet dog training class
We’ve recently been working on a few things with Baxter with our trainer. While we’re not in an official class, it’s been terrific to have that professional perspective.
Our trainer has lots of experience and she also brings a different point of view to Baxter’s behaviour. I’m ecstatic to share a lot more about what we’re learning in the new year.
2. better dental care
This one has continued to be hit and miss for us. We had success moving our brushings to morning rather than evening, but I confess I still don’t remember to do them every day.
One technique that helped was putting a daily checklist in my agenda. That way, every morning when I sat down to work, I had a tip that I was meant to brush his teeth.
Plus, the basic act of checking off each box gave me a sense of accomplishment.
See my post: how to make brushing your dog’s teeth a habit.
3. go back to basics
My goal in focusing on basic obedience was to be a lot more confident when off-leash hiking with Baxter.
I feel like we have come to an understanding when it pertains to hiking. He’s never going to be the pet dog that sticks ideal by me, and I know when I shouldn’t push his limits.
We spent some time over the last year on recall and some time leash dragging.
We’ve also hiked a lot more just the two of us, which I feel has really strengthened our bond and helped him tune in to me, rather than the rest of the pack.
Overall, 2017 has been a terrific year for Baxter and me.
We’ve spent a lot of time together (especially considering that I started working from home), and we’ve had a lot of new experiences.
2018 will bring a lot more new things, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him, have fun together and share it all with you.
Happy holidays to you and your canine companions. Bax and I will be back in the new year with a lot more adventures.
-Julia
Did you have any goals with your pet dog this year?
Did you have any new experiences together? What was the most memorable part of the past year with your pet dog for you?
Julia Thomson is a blogger at Home on 129 Acres where she writes about her adventures of country living and diy renovating. She and her spouse live on a 129-acre farm in Ontario, Canada.
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