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The Year in Reflection: What Your Dog’s Behavior Taught You

Woman sitting on ground with back to camera looking out on a river with her brown and white dog sitting and looking behind her.
Time to reflect!

By: Stephanie Barger, CSAT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

Progress does not always bark or wag loudly. Sometimes it is a quiet sigh, a softer glance, a peaceful moment shared between friends.


Quiet Moments at Year’s End


December slows everything down. After the holidays, the rush of the year turns into quiet time to breathe, notice what’s changed, and look to the year ahead. 


If you have been working through separation anxiety or reactivity, you know it takes patience, perseverance, and heart. Every little win counts. Your dog no longer panics when you grab your keys. Those walks that used to feel stressful now feel peaceful. The progress may not look perfect, but it is real.


Why Reflection Helps You Grow

Dogs learn through repetition. In many ways, we’re no different. Reflection, like practice, is a tool for growth. 


Looking back reveals patterns: what worked, what didn’t, and what might come next. Growth, after all, is rarely linear. Some moments flow effortlessly, and others feel tangled and chaotic. This is part of the process. By pausing to reflect, you can better appreciate how far you’ve come and move forward with clarity.


Remember Where You Started

Remember those early, slightly chaotic chapters? Like when your dog staged a full-blown opera every time you dared to leave the house, or when "walkies" felt less like a stroll and more like a tactical mission through a minefield of squirrels or other dogs? 


Now, let's play 'spot the difference.’ Your dog might be less likely to bark at every little thing, and you no longer worry about them reacting to every stray leaf that blows by. Growth shows how much you've leveled up.


Try this simple reflection:

-Write down one behavior that felt hard last January.

-Write down how it looks today.

-Circle what improved.


That small list might not look like much, but it’s proof that progress is happening. Every big win starts with tiny victories, so give yourself the credit you deserve.


Hidden Wins That Deserve a High-Five

Progress hides in tiny moments. Your dog may look to you for help rather than react or recover faster after seeing a trigger.


Heck, you may even find yourself recovering faster, too! You deserve a trophy. Or a parade. Or a chocolate (or two).


-What feels easier now?

-What moment made you breathe easier this year?

-When did your dog surprise you in the best way?


If you can name even one of these, you are doing something right.


Reflection Creates Lessons That Stick

Behavior work teaches both of you patience. It teaches you to stay calm, celebrate small steps, and treat setbacks as feedback, not failure. 


When things go sideways, take notes instead of assigning guilt. Ask, “What triggered this?” Then use that information to adjust. That is how you and your dog both grow.


Your Dog, the Real Coach

Your dog has been teaching you all year. Patience. Presence. Humor. 


Your dog knows when you rush and when you relax. Maybe your dog taught you that slowing down speeds up results. Maybe your dog showed you that trust builds one calm breath at a time. 

Every lesson supports Canine Zen’s philosophy of partnership rather than perfection.


Plan for The New Year with Strategy and Heart

Use what you learned to shape next year.  If your dog struggles with alone time, aim to add one calm minute at a time (or just a few seconds).


Working on reactivity? Try a short, calm walk. Want to build your confidence? Set a goal to enjoy your training session rather than rush it. Focusing on feelings as much as results can help create lasting change.


Easy Tools to Keep You Motivated

-Behavior journal: After each practice session, take a moment to jot down short, reflective notes. Document what went well, any challenges you faced, and specific observations about your performance or interactions. (Hate journaling? Send yourself texts instead.)


-Progress videos: If you enjoy it, record a video once a month from the same spot to track your dog’s training journey. You'll be amazed to see the noticeable progress and how much better your dog’s behavior and skills have improved over time.


-Calm calendar: It’s funny how life works. It always seems easier to remember bad times and forget the good. So, keep track of the days your dog tackles challenges. These small victories are stepping stones to bigger successes, and they give you a deeper understanding of the progress you’ve made. 


Gratitude Changes Everything

End the year with a thank-you to your dog, to yourself, and to the process. You both worked hard. You both grew stronger. Every calm moment, every soft glance, every quiet sigh shows how far trust has come.


How do you thank a dog? It's simple: quality time. Take them on an extra-long walk to their favorite park, spend an afternoon on the couch just cuddling, or treat them to a new, exciting toy. A special, healthy snack can also go a long way in showing your appreciation. The most important thing is to show them love and attention in ways they understand best, reinforcing your bond.


Share Your Wins!

I spend a lot of time writing these blog posts for you. I’d love to hear from you, too! What’s one win you’re proud of? Tell me what worked, what surprised you, or what you want to try next.

And, as always, if you want help with your goals, reach out. Together, we can make next year calmer, kinder, and more connected.


Here's to another year of wagging tails, shared adventures, and an ever-deepening connection.


About Stephanie Barger, Canine Zen


Stephanie Barger is a dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety and behavior modification. She spent the early years of her career teaching humans before transitioning to dog training over a decade ago. Her passion is helping you and your dog live more harmoniously together.


The name of her business, Canine Zen, embodies her approach to life with our dogs. She recognizes that dogs are living, breathing, sentient, social beings that need human support, compassion, and understanding to coexist with us in our complex human world. She shows people how to communicate effectively with their dogs and understand what their dogs are trying to say. She strives to create a safe environment where dogs and humans can learn and thrive together, free from fear, pain, and judgment.


If your life with your dog is not what you anticipated and "nothing has worked" to change things, Stephanie can help you understand and work with your dog to achieve your goals and a better life together. She is an exceptional teacher who works compassionately with both humans and dogs, providing practical solutions tailored to your dog's training needs. Her goal is to calm the chaos in your home.


Feel free to contact Stephanie if you want to transform your relationship with your dog and create a more harmonious home. You can also ask questions in the comment box below. 



Stephanie and Canine Zen's links/handles:  



Stephanie’s Certifications/Organizational Affiliations:  


Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)  

Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)  

Certificate of Completion-Aggression in Dogs Master Class  

Fear Free Certified Professional (FFP-Trainer)  

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)  

Member of the Association of Professional Trainers (APT)  

Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)  

Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)  

Alignable Ambassador: Alliance of Central NM  

Alignable Group Co-Leader: Pet Industry Group  

Owner/Operator of Canine Zen LLC

 
 
 

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