Reflecting on 2025: What the Dogs (and People) Taught Me This Year

As the year winds down and the quiet of December settles in, I’ve been reflecting on everything 2025 brought. The moments of growth, challenge, learning, connection, people and of course, dogs. So many amazing dogs.

This year reminded me more than ever that dog training is not just about teaching cues and behaviors. It’s about relationships. It’s about being present, observing with intention, and meeting both dogs and people exactly where they are. My goal has always been and will always be to support the well-being of the whole family. Two-legged and four. Every day, I have the privilege of helping people not only teach their dogs, but also see them through a new lens, deepen their bond, enhance their lives and discover just how much they can accomplish together.

There are days when this work is tough, when emotions run high or progress feels slow. But then I see it: that spark in someone’s eyes when their dog makes a breakthrough, that moment of pride when they realize they did it together. Those are the moments that make everything worth it. I am endlessly grateful to every person who has trusted me to be a part of their story.

I’ve watched people come to me at their wits’ end, tired, worried, unsure, and still choose to show up, dig deep, and give their dog everything they can. Seeing them come out on the other side breathing easier, smiling bigger, and loving harder has been one of the greatest gifts of my year.

One team in particular stands out to me~A dog and his incredibly devoted guardian who came to me for help with separation anxiety. Their journey was anything but straightforward; we had highs and lows, and many weeks where I found myself back at the drawing board, searching for a way to move forward; but his guardian never gave up. She showed up every single week, fully committed to improving his life, no matter what it took. Through the laughter and the tears that we shared, she taught me so much about perseverance, selflessness, and determination. In many ways, I truly feel I got more out of our time together than they did. She made me a better trainer and a better person, and I’ll always cherish our time together.

Another part of 2025 that I’m deeply grateful for has been the chance to continue expanding my knowledge so I can show up as the best version of myself for the dogs and people who rely on me. Staying up to date on the latest behavior science has always and will always be at the forefront of my mission. When you know better, you do better; and the dogs in our care deserve the very best we can give.

Two of the most impactful learning opportunities this year were Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals course, which I returned to audit for a second time because it truly is that good and Dr. Daniel Mills’ seminar on dog anxiety. Dr. Friedman’s work continues to challenge me to observe more precisely and think more critically about the “why” behind behavior, and yes… I’ll likely be back for a third year. Dr. Mills’ seminar offered both affirming and groundbreaking insights that I’ve already begun implementing with my clients’ dogs and my own.

On a personal level, now that I’m settled in Westbrook, CT, I’m finally feeling the stability I’ve been chasing for years. After multiple moves, there were moments when I genuinely wondered whether my business would survive. But this year, I’ve broadened my reach, helped more dogs and families than ever, and found myself (more than once) pausing to take a deep breath and feel an overwhelming gratitude that I truly get to live my dream.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited. I’m building a new and improved puppy training program, creating more resources for my clients, and finishing this year strong with several separation anxiety families. I cannot wait to celebrate their graduation in the new year! I’ll also be attending Clicker Expo 2026, my first in-person training conference! After years of virtual events, I finally get the chance to learn, connect, and collaborate face-to-face with passionate trainers from around the world. I’m eager to geek out, meet some of my training mentors, and bring fresh ideas home to the clients and dogs I work with.

Here’s to reflection, growth, gratitude, and deepening relationships; and to the upcoming year with more amazing dogs and client success stories!

With wags and aloha,

Cori Tufano- CPDT-KA, CSAT, FDM, FFCP