Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011: The Year in Review

Well. December 31. Time flies, doesn't it?

I started this blog on April 7, with my post Why a Doberman? I think I'll be revisiting that question in the coming year, not because I've changed my mind, but rather because I think I might be able to articulate it further, or better.

Now, 8 months later, I've crossed the 200 post mark. I've got a bunch of followers on Twitter, fewer on Google itself, or that Blogger tells me, anyway. I've come to terms with the face that Blogger's stats are a bit suspect, but that's what I have StatCounter for, right? But, my Blogger stats are from the beginning, and I can at least tell you that I've had 17,472 pageviews. Not visitors (hoo boy, I'm not that popular!), but still. That's a big number!

So, what should my goals be for the coming year?






I've considered starting a Facebook page, but it won't be Elka's Facebook "in her words" or anything (Besides Facebook seeming to have an aversion to fun in that manner), and I'm unclear what I would put there that I don't already put here or on Twitter. Things to consider.


I may or may not try to develop a blog schedule but really, it's seemed to work out pretty well that I post when I feel like it!

The tennis ball schtick, while lots of fun, has kind of fallen by the wayside. Who knew that there were a limited range of brands in the doggie tennis ball world? I'm not sure what my next running theme will be. Suggestions are of course welcome!



I've considered doing videos, once I figure out my technology, so we'll see how that goes. Elka in motion will be a fun thing to share with you! So many of our pictures are my understanding Doberman, paused for just a moment to represent what I wanted, or sitting where I've directed, wondering what it is I'm playing at. She is patient with me, and I want my patience with her to remain and grow.



I'm so glad that I truly discovered clicker training this year, and I want to stick with it in order to work towards more Trick Dog titles. We're very close to Intermediate! Part of my problem is I don't stick to one thing before moving on to the next. So, we'll work on that too.


All right, so looking forward to 2012, and learning more tricks, reading more books, and discussing things Doberman and dog with you all! Comments and questions are always welcome!

10 comments:

  1. Videos would be so fun to watch as I work with Justus! Your posting seems just right; if I try to post every day, I get way too uptight....real life is out there to be lived; it's from where blog fodder comes, as Kristine says :). Happy New Year!

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  2. I don't know a whole lot about Dobermans specifically, so I'd be interested to learn more about them! Some of my favorite and most popular posts seem to be the Greyhound history posts, and it does take some time to research them, but it's especially great during the winter when we can't get out and be as active. I gave up on my Blogger dashboard for following blogs and went to Google Reader. I found out that a lot of blogs I thought I was following were updating and I wasn't seeing it! Yeah for learning new technology! :P May you and Elka have a fantastic 2012!

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  3. You should consider taking the Pet Blogger Challenge (although you've pretty much covered all the topics)! http://willmydoghateme.com/dog-blogging-2/its-baaack-the-pet-blogger-challenge

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  4. i like the idea of video's.
    Everyone loves to watch pictures of dogs doing special things.
    I would love to take vodeo's of Middi, but my wheelchair controls get in the way!.
    I am going to train my other dog this year, two service dogs at once will be an interesting challenge.
    A Happy New Year to you both.
    Anne and Midnight.

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  5. Happy New Year you guys!!!! woo woo woo!

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  6. Good goals to aim for, and you'll definitely have fun with video ;) Happy 2012!!

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  7. I second Edie's suggestion that you join the Pet Blogger Challenge. I did it last year and it was an awful lot of fun.

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  8. Happy New Year

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    dogisgodinreverse.com

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  9. @Roberta Thanks very much! Of course, videos would have to be outside our like, in my attic. My housekeeping...well, we won't talk about it.

    @houndstooth I'm still learning about them myself! Pedigree, digging up historical stuff online...it's all very neat. I have to figure out a way to blog about it so that people who aren't total nerds like me are interested too ^^

    @Edi and @Pamela I will definitely consider the Pet Blogger Challenge! Thanks for recommending it.

    @Anne Yup, I spend a lot of time on YouTube watching videos of peoples' dogs! I think Elka might get jealous.

    @rumpydog and @Kari Happy New Year to you too!

    @M.T. Thanks very much! I really ought to read my camera manual, because I thought I took a video. Now I just need to know where it goes!

    @When I grow up Thanks very much! Happy New Year!

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