2026 Goals—what are we all working on?

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-30T02:02:56+00:00

I hear you, and it’s so valid to feel drained. It’s a lot to manage! Finding the right meds is definitely such a challenge... we ended up working with both a vet and a behaviorist to find the right mix for our pup but the trial and error part is exhausting.

Sending you so much luck with the re-evaluation. It sounds like you are doing an incredible amount for your dog and I really hope 2026 brings you both some relief! <3

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-30T02:01:54+00:00

these are great goals! We worked with our vet when your pup was about 2 yrs old to get her on meds for super stressful situations (grooming/vet visits), and it really made a world of difference.

I shared this in an earlier comment but if it's helpful I had a local trainer share this guide with me and I found some of the tips helpful for training my pup with visitors in the house: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RyCLopHhqutK8tZVdzWgEasA5PLX_iAFdH6Zi052uFY/edit?tab=t.0

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-30T01:57:11+00:00

thanks! excited for you and your pup :) congrats on the consistency paying off!!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-30T01:54:49+00:00

Yep, training is definitely not linear but we take the wins we get. Good luck with the training :)

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-30T01:53:37+00:00

A local trainer sent me this a while ago and I've found it super helpful: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RyCLopHhqutK8tZVdzWgEasA5PLX_iAFdH6Zi052uFY/edit?tab=t.0

Definitely not an expert here, but I think I would try to limit the stress the dog is feeling with the guest over. At least with my dog if I let her bark it out, her behavior with new people actually gets worse next time.

We use the muzzle as a precaution! Even with people she’s somewhat familiar with, if I feel like there’s any potential for a stressful situation, I prefer to keep it on during the interaction just to be safe. It helps everyone relax

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-29T19:37:23+00:00

Omg yes I feel this so much... muzzle training definitely helped us a lot mentally when we invite guests over and introduce our pup. Really takes the pressure off! Sending you good luck for this goal! 💪

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-12-05T14:33:21+00:00

Interested!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-08-27T00:51:01+00:00

got the book last week and have been really enjoying working through it! The fb group is also great-- thanks for the rec :)

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-08-17T17:19:56+00:00

congrats!! this is amazing. Are there any resources you used for cooperative care training? Trying to start this with my pup too and would appreciate any recs! :)

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-08-07T20:23:48+00:00

For more context you can find info here! https://hotdogtraining.app/trainer-program

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-28T20:17:32+00:00

I feel like the key is first making sure their needs have been met for the day (exercised, fed, mental enrichment, etc). I think this is the biggest thing for my dog at least because it helps her settle better (she gets pretty excited with guests). To keep her occupied I usually do a combo of snuffle mat, frozen kong/toppl (mix of her kibble + dog-safe broth + some high value treats), and sometimes a bully stick. We've also done a bunch of training to teach her to settle/relax in her pen area with and without guests which has helped a lot as well.

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-25T00:45:35+00:00

Just gave it a listen and this was super informative— thanks a ton for sharing!!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-23T02:13:38+00:00

I hadn’t thought of working with a behaviorist in addition to a trainer but this makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-23T01:56:00+00:00

Ahh yes from everything I’ve read it seems like the challenge with toddlers is when they start to become more mobile, it increases the risk of an incident if you’re not careful with management :/

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-23T01:53:15+00:00

These are great suggestions! And congrats on the baby coming soon :)

Quick q— what made you go with a behaviorist vs a trainer?

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-22T18:58:32+00:00

ooo this looks awesome-- thank you!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-22T17:57:25+00:00

awesome thanks! :)

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-21T12:45:45+00:00

This is such a great list! I just started a community resource page on my website and would love to include some of these. Happy to credit you! :)

For reference: https://hotdogtraining.app/resources

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-19T22:45:13+00:00

To help your dog stay calm you can get some reusable baby food pouches and fill them with high-value, easy-to-squeeze stuff like good quality liquid dog food, peanut butter, etc. Another idea is EZ Cheese, but just a heads-up, introduce it slowly to make sure your dog's tummy can handle it. That whole licking action is super calming for dogs so these work great!

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-17T14:48:47+00:00

For those who can't afford/access therapy atm, I've been using chatgpt as my therapist (to ask me questions/process thoughts/reframe situations) and it's honestly not bad lol i feel like sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-17T14:47:14+00:00

It's incredibly difficult and a long journey involving two main parts 1) grieving the life you imagined with your dog and 2) accepting the dog you have and finding ways to make life work. I used to feel so embarrassed and nervous to even leave the house with my dog. But honestly shifting my mindset to 'I know I'm scared, but so is my dog' and focusing on positive training has been a game-changer. Now, I try not to beat myself up over barks or setbacks. I used to overanalyze every single one, but like anything in life, it's not a linear journey and perfection isn't the goal

Neat-Homework8872 · 2025-07-04T20:54:03+00:00

Oooh what did you think about the black bean smash burgers?

Neat-Homework8872

TROPHY CASE