When it comes to dog training goals, many people think of training as something that has an endpoint — a “finished product.” But this is the wrong way of looking at it. Training is not about checking a box or reaching a finish line. It is a continual process, filled with both setbacks and small successes, that builds your relationship with your dog over time.
Training is a Journey, Not a Destination
No matter how experienced you are, there is always more to learn and refine. A dog is not a machine that you program once and walk away from. A correct perspective on training sees it as a living process that evolves as both you and your dog grow.
Take my own example: I’ve been training my dog Lupin in IGP for over five years. We’ve achieved many milestones together, including an excellent protection routine at his IGP3 that earned us a qualifying spot at the national championship. And yet, at those same nationals, Lupin was disqualified in protection for lack of control.
Does this mean he failed? No. Lupin is one of the most driven dogs I’ve ever trained. The disqualification simply shows that training is never “over.” Each trial, each session, even each mistake becomes part of the greater arc of growth.
The Real Reward
The real reward isn’t the title or the trophy or the podium finish — it’s the ability to engage in the activity of your choice as a team with your companion. Whether that’s a national-level IGP trial, daily obedience, or just peaceful walks through the neighborhood, the bond you build through training is what matters.
Embracing Setbacks and Successes
Every handler will face setbacks. Every dog will have off days. The key is to embrace these moments as opportunities for learning. With each correction and each small success, you deepen your connection with your dog and improve your handling.
This mindset keeps you from becoming fixated on the “culmination” and instead helps you appreciate the process. Training goals should guide you — not define you.
When you set dog training goals, remember that there is no finished product. Training is lifelong, and it should be. The ups, downs, and small wins are what strengthen the partnership between you and your dog.
At the end of the day, the joy comes not from perfection, but from the shared journey of growth, learning, and companionship.