The Handler’s Journal
Edition 01 – June 12, 2025
Title: The Compass and the Craft: Executive Thinking for Handler Progress

“Great training doesn’t start with action—it starts with thought.”

As we begin our Summer season together, we’re reminded that our work isn’t only about the dog in front of us—it’s also about the mind within us. True progress begins in how we think, how we reflect, and how we respond to challenge. This is Executive Thinking for Handlers—a practice of aligning our mindset with our mission.

And this season, we’re adding two powerful allies to our process:

• Curiosity – the courage to wonder instead of worry.

• Grace – the wisdom to honor your effort and humanity.

When something hard shows up in training or in life, don’t brace—be curious. Ask: “What might this be here to teach me?” Let the unknown become a doorway instead of a dead end. And as you walk that path, give yourself grace. You are already strong. Already accomplished. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on a foundation of experience and care.

So as DY26 (Dog Year 2026, yes planning for the next year! lol) approaches this fall, don’t just rush to set goals. First, shape your thinking. Cultivate curiosity. Practice grace. Then let your goals emerge from that place of grounded confidence.

Here are five strategies to improve your thinking and lead yourself—on purpose:

Take Your Time: Think Before You Train.

In the rush to “get it done,” we can miss the most important step—reflection.

• Pause before you plan. Let your ideas breathe. Mature thinking leads to mature training.

• Sometimes, the most strategic move is... waiting.

• Let curiosity replace urgency.

Embrace the Process: Progress is Nonlinear.

Goals aren’t granite—they’re clay.

• Capture your evolving thoughts. Revisit. Revise. Refine.

• Every session is a draft, not a final.

• Be curious about what’s unfolding—and give yourself the grace to evolve.

Examine Your Envy: It’s a Compass.

Feel a twinge when you see someone else's success? That’s data.

• Ask: “What do I wish I had?” Then: “What do I want to create?”

• Let envy guide you—not shame you. Let it reveal your deeper calling.

Question Your Beliefs: Interrupt the Defaults.

“I always…” and “I never…” are warning signs of rigid thinking.

• Challenge assumptions. Explore alternatives.

• Curiosity here can be a breakthrough.

• What if the way forward is through a belief you’ve never questioned?

Build Thinking Systems: Turn Ideas Into Strategy.

Journals. Voice notes. Visual maps.

• This is the craftwork of the Handler’s mind.

• Organize your thoughts so they can grow into action.

• This isn’t just strategy—it’s self-respect.

Why This Matters for goal setting in our dog-worlds?

Goal setting isn’t a list. It’s a mirror. A compass. A conversation between your purpose and your process.

• This year, lead with thoughtfulness, not hustle.

• Let your direction be crafted, not just reactive.

• And most of all—stay curious about what’s next. And graceful with where you’ve been.

We’re thinking about this now—not because it’s the end of the year, but because we’re out there doing the work. These summer months offer the clearest window into what matters. As we move through the field, solve problems, and face new challenges, we may just uncover the goals the upcoming “dog-year” is already trying to hand us.

We are shaping not just goals—but the kind of Handlers we are becoming.

Join the Dog Merickel newsletter and stay connected to the ideas, tools, and training strategies that move your craft forward.

You’ll get weekly inspiration, behind-the-scenes insights from The Society, and early access to resources like OdorQuest and The Handler’s Journal.

Subscribe now and let curiosity and grace guide your next great training season.

Sign Up for the Newsletter → https://dogmerickel.com/contact