New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Owners

By: Amy Garabedian, Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit

Tis the season for renewal, reenergizing, and new resources! I love the New Year as it represents another chance to try something you haven’t done before and reflect on all the things you have (or maybe have not) accomplished this year. Winter also tends to be a boring season for our dogs where training slips because access to activities may be limited by the weather. That doesn’t have to be the case, though.

In the spirit of National Train Your Dog Month and the New Year, here are a couple of resolution ideas to incorporate your furry friend into your resolutions, fend off winter boredom, and make this your best year yet.

Resolution: Get out with your dog more over the winter months.

Action: Explore one new dog-friendly place in the metro Detroit area twice a month. Our trainers frequently take dogs to Lowe’s, Bass Pro Shop, Bordine’s nursery, the Rochester outdoor mall and Partridge Creek. If your dog needs to stay warmer due to a short coat, make sure to invest in the proper gear before any longer outdoor trips.

Exposing your dog to new places is mentally stimulating. It also helps to keep the gears of socialization turning and not to get too rusty over the winter semi-hibernation.

Resolution: Learn to understand your dog better or make better decisions on their behalf. 

Action: Read Pukka’s Promise by Ted Kerasote. 

It’s a wonderful book which details the author’s quest to make all the best decisions for his new Labrador puppy, from what toys are safest, to nutrition, to how to make good health decisions for your dog. I read this book years ago and it’s still my go-to for people who want to learn to make their dog’s life the best it can be. Training is life. A healthy dog is a dog that will enjoy learning.

Resolution: Learn a new skill that will help your dog live a better life.

Action: Take up canine massage or learn the basics of canine fitness exercises.

Avoiding injuries is helpful not only for your dog to stay fit and active but also for your pocketbook! Learning a skill that can help your dog stay fit is an ability that will help your current dog and any future dogs you welcome into your family.

And lastly, one more resolution with plenty of options for making it happen.

Resolution: Don’t let your dog get the winter blues.

Potential actions: 

Schedule regular playdates (indoor if the weather demands.)

Look into starting a new dog sport for the mental and physical happiness of your dog.

Teach your dog one new trick each month.

…get creative! 

The best news? Any action that you take to improve your relationship with your dog will pay dividends far longer than 2020.

If you would like further information or you are in need of help with training visit us here: https://sitmeanssit.com/

Happy New Year to you and your dog!