The Journey

The journey continues here at K9 Track NW. I am growing as I watch each new dog come in to find the trails. New ideas, concepts, methods, and inspirations from each dog, and each handler I have the pleasure to work beside. 

It can be overwhelming at times trying to find the time and wanting to jump into a new concept. But just like you, I have to stop take a breather and enjoy the moment we are in right now. I have goals just like you. Goals for K9 Track NW and goals for my own team- Neo and I. Goals are good! Excellent actually. Yet, there is something really important that goes along with these goals. The journey.

Another piece of becoming a strong team is enjoying the journey.

Enjoying strengthening the team, learning, repeating, and learning some more.

Working on the muscle memory.

Having a track that just does not go well and learning from it.

The slip and fall and getting back up.

Being present each training session.

Yes, you will complete those goals during this journey and then you will make some more.

This year, with my team- Neo and I- I have taken a step way back. Not so much on the trails, but farther to the basics of engagement. It was hard to see some of our goals fade farther and farther into the future. I had to remember that he doesn't care about those goals. And, more important was his overall wellbeing. On a trail he would get the job done, but outside of the trails I have a very anxious dog. Our goals changed; our journey changed a bit. We both have changed. And, more than ever I am enjoying this journey with him. Not to check off goals, to just be together doing what we both love to do. 

Your training will have some bumps, you may fall down, but if you truly embrace the journey, you will find more than you ever hoped too, It is not just about the trails!

Enjoy the journey.