Creative goal-setting for dog handlers

As the year begins, I hope you're thinking about goals. (Ha) Many handlers approach this process by focusing almost entirely on their dogs—what titles they want to earn, what skills they want to refine, or how many trials they plan to attend. But what happens when you’ve checked off those big goals? Or what if you’re unsure what the next step even looks like?

One of the most overlooked opportunities in goal-setting is this: taking a moment to focus on yourself. What if, in addition to setting outcome goals for your dog, you considered what you want to gain, grow, or experience as a handler?

Expanding the Goal Horizon

Many handlers think only about outcome goals like titles or placements. These goals are valuable—they give us something to work toward and measure progress. But when we focus exclusively on outcomes, it’s easy to miss other types of goals that can bring growth, excitement, and fulfillment to our dog sport journey.

For instance, have you considered setting goals around building your skills as a handler? Maybe it’s refining your timing, improving your handling of tricky courses, or mastering a challenging skill. These goals push you to become a better partner for your dog.

Or what about setting goals that expand your experiences in the sport? This might include competing at a new venue, traveling to a national event, or trying out a new sport entirely. Goals like these can help you break out of the routine and bring fresh energy to your training.

The Missing Piece: You

One of the most important mindset shifts is recognizing that you are an equal part of the equation. We often fixate so much on what we want our dogs to accomplish that we forget about our role in the partnership. Yes, our dogs are the stars, but we’re the ones guiding the journey.

Ask yourself: What kind of handler do I want to be? Do I want to be calmer under pressure? More consistent in my training? More present and connected with my dog during competition? Goals like these go beyond titles and ribbons—they strengthen your partnership and make the journey more rewarding for both you and your dog.

Getting Creative with Goals

If you’re struggling to figure out what’s next, start by brainstorming goals that feel exciting and slightly uncomfortable. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, so look for goals that challenge you in new ways.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Skill goals: Choose one handling skill to refine, like cleaner footwork or better distance handling.
• Personal growth goals: Work on managing ring nerves or staying focused under pressure.
• Exploration goals: Try a new sport, enter a new venue, or attend a seminar with a top instructor.
• Consistency goals: Commit to logging every training session for the next three months.

Don’t limit yourself to just one type of goal! You can layer different goals together—outcome goals for your dog, personal growth goals for yourself, and exploration goals to keep things fresh.

A Mindset of Growth

Ultimately, goal-setting isn’t just about achieving something specific. It’s about creating a mindset of growth, curiosity, and intentionality. When you approach your goals with this mindset, you’ll find that the journey becomes just as rewarding as the achievements.

So, what’s next for you and your dog in 2025? Take some time to dream big, think creatively, and don’t be afraid to step outside the box. After all, the best goals are the ones that inspire you to become the best version of yourself—both as a handler and as a person.