A Lesson in Rejecting Metiocrity

Change can be scary. And sometimes, dipping a toe into something new feels safer than cannonballing in.

I’ve been dreaming about my next puppy for a while now—and not just daydreaming about what she’ll look like, but what kind of work we’ll do together. What sports I want to pursue. Because that decision determines the breed, the lines, the early foundation—it shapes everything.

This next step in my growth as a dog trainer, human teacher, and competitor is about more than just having another dog. It’s about choosing to train, prepare, and sharpen my skills for something specific. Whether that’s AKC obedience, one of the bite sports, NAVHDA if I went the pointing dog route… the goal is to lean in, not dabble.

A few weeks ago, I shadowed a lesson with a world class, well-known bite sport trainer. We were talking about puppies, and I told him I was almost ready, but that I just wanted to dabble in IGP—maybe shoot for a low-level title.

Without missing a beat, he said:

“No. You’re getting IGP3 and then nationals.”

And honestly? He’s right.

He didn’t give a long speech. He didn’t need to. But the message landed: don’t strive for mediocrity. If you’re going to do something—do it well. Commit. Go all in.

That same weekend, I competed in AKC obedience with Rumour for the first time. We walked away with two firsts and a second place. My AKC obedience coach—completely unrelated to that earlier conversation—echoed the same sentiment. He said, “Sure, you could aim for a passing score of 170. But why not go in aiming for 200?”

We earned a 198.5 out of 200, by the way.

Between those conversations, that weekend, and the fire it lit, I know it’s time. I’ll be adding a new puppy to The Composed Canine family very soon, and I’m so excited to share the journey—starting from Day One. We’re doing this with purpose, with intention, and with big goals ahead. I feel the same amount of courage and rejuvenation as I did when I was younger and decided to go to Iraq, or Paris, or move to Austin.

Follow along on social media (instagram and facebook linked below) to see how I raise my puppy. It’s a lot of the same things I teach my puppy clients!

Any guesses what I’m getting?

Big shout out to Rumour for her stellar performance at being the Best Girl this weekend! Extra Scooby snacks and pupcups for her 😊