The eXtraOrdinary Dog 28 Day Challenge 2025

Starts Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Do you have a training or relationship goal that you would like to work on with your eXtraOrdinary Dog? Something that could make life better, less scary, and more enjoyable for you both? Join us on Facebook at The eXtraOrdinary Dog Community – Shy and Fearful Dogs for our free 28-day challenge.

How it Works

October 1: Look for our kickoff post in the Facebook group. Share your story, your goals, and maybe a photo or two. Keep it short or long. It’s up to you.

Every Wednesday: On October 8, 15, 22, and 29, check in with our weekly post. Share progress, vent frustrations, or just say hi.

Anytime: Post questions or updates in the group whenever you like. Just mention the challenge so moderators and members can support you.

Day 28: Celebrate with photos, videos, and stories from your month-long journey. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement and be entered into a random prize drawing (just some goodies – no obligations).

Encouragement and Support Along the Way

We will officially start the free 28 Day eXtraOrdinary Dog Challenge on Wednesday, October 1st. Look for a post in our FB Community that asks you to share your story, your goals and maybe a photo or two. It can be as lengthy or brief as you like.

Then start the fun (with your XO Dog)! We can offer advice and support every step of the way. If you have a question about reaching your goal during the challenge, post in our FB Community anytime (it doesn’t have to wait until a Wednesday), but make sure to mention the challenge so we know you are participating.

Every Wednesday throughout October (October 8, 15, 22 and 29), watch for a check-in post in our FB Community, so you can share your progress, vent your frustrations or just say hi. The Challenge only works if you put the time and effort in, and we will celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.

On Day 28, we’ll share videos, photos and stories of our month-long journeys with our eXtraOrdinary Dog, and you’ll get a certificate of achievement and the chance to be included in a random drawing to win one of several prizes for your dedication and hard work.

Do you need help identifying a goal and figuring out how to get there? We (the eXtraOrdinary Moderators) can help! Join us on October 1st, and we can help you sort everything out.

If you have questions or comments before October 1st, post them in our FB Community, and make sure to reference the 28 Day Challenge

Some Tips and Tricks for a Successful Challenge

Here are a few thoughts to help guide you with your training plan:

1. Be honest about your dog’s strengths and her weaknesses. If your dog is terrified of children, setting a goal of having preschool children pet her may be a long (long) range, long reach goal, but you need to start by setting a more modest goal for your dog. Can she learn to stay calm if she sees children from across a large park (or whatever distance she needs to stay under threshold)? Now break it down even further to find safe places with enough distance for your dog to succeed.
2. Your goal may not directly involve your dog at all. If you get nervous and tense when your dog is near a trigger, you may set a goal of working on keeping your breathing regular and deep, and learn some yoga breathing techniques to use in stressful situations.
3. Shy and fearful dogs need lots of time and patience. If your initial plan isn’t working, we can brainstorm alternative solutions with you. Twenty eight days will go by in the blink of an eye, but the work you put into a positive, trusting relationship with your dog will last a lifetime. Compassion and empathy are key components for reaching or amending your goals.
4. Make it rewarding for both of you. Your dog may be motivated by tripe or chicken liver, but what’s your immediate reward? Figure out something small and easy and keep it on hand for your motivation during your training sessions (chocolate chips, anyone?).
5. It’s perfectly normal to regress a bit as you progress. Learning anything new is full of ups and downs, and that’s o.k. Both you and your dog are making new connections and pushing boundaries.
6. Schedule time to make progress. You are very busy. This challenge is not meant to make you more stressed and anxious, but to give you support and encouragement, and a new way to bond with your dog. Carve out just five minutes a day to devote to working with your dog. Really. Just five minutes.

Let’s Achieve Our Goals… Together!

So, here’s your ExtraOrdinary Dog 28 Day Challenge.

What will you and your XO Dog accomplish in twenty eight days?

Head over to The ExtraOrdinary Dog Community Facebook Group and post your goals and commitments.