We hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season, whatever you celebrate! (Christmas and Yule, for us)
It’s been a slow yet somehow still chaotic few days at 3 Lost Dogs HQ, as it often is in the “no man’s land” week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
We’re catching up on a bunch of Academy stuff. We’re a bit behind on replying to everyone’s forum questions, but we’ll get back to it tomorrow. Thank you for your patience, friends.
The dreaded F word (fireworks)
To share a personal dog training win real quick:
I was actually, FINALLY organized enough this year to start consistently desensitizing Flower to firework sounds starting way back in September. 🥳
We’ve made a lot of progress, and while I don’t expect her to be entirely chill with tonight’s “festivities,” I have high hopes that she’ll be a lot more comfortable than in years past.
We’re planning on doing a write up/training guide for Academy members about this process. So we can all help our dogs prepare for the next firework-heavy holiday.
Speaking of New Year’s Eve:
This is where I’m supposed to write something inspiring and new-year-themed.
I’ve considered all my options.
Should I talk about resolutions?
Anti-resolutions?
Top 5 Dog-Related Things We’re Not Bringing Into 2026?
Here’s What 2025 Taught Me About Dog Training?
A glowing recap of how amazing our year was?
Nothing feels quite right.
I’m kinda tired. Both from the usual December madness and in a bigger sense.
I suspect 2025 has been like that for a lot of people.
There’s a Moira Rose gif for everything
So, shout out to everyone heading into 2026 feeling a little (or a lot) worn down or unmotivated! You’re not alone.
I wish you peace wherever you can find it.
I hope you have some adventures with your dog this year, whatever shape those may take.
And this year, let’s maybe try to measure success not in how many things go according to plan, but by how we show up when they don’t.
Who do we want to be?
How do we want to respond when things are harder than expected, when progress isn’t easy, when our dogs tell us something we don’t want to hear?
For your sake, I hope your dog doesn’t do everything exactly the way you want.
I hope you’ll listen to them as much as you talk, and have the courage to let them lead the way sometimes.
Those are the moments where the magic can take root, if you give it a chance.
All of my best experiences with dogs (and much of my growth as a human) have come from moments like those. When I stop imposing my will and start listening.
I only achieved the strong connection I always wanted with my dogs when I stopped seeking that connection through tighter and tighter control.
I gave them the space to be who they are, to do what they want… and watched as they chose to bring me on their adventure with them. “Let’s do this together,” they said.
I hope you’ll have some moments like that.
How’s that for a New Year thing?
Thank you for reading – and thank you for letting us come on your adventures with you!
Whether you’re new around here or you’ve been a member for years, we’re honored to have you.
See you next year (sorry lol),
-Jake (Erin and the gang say hi, too)