Dog Living A lifestyle magazine for dog lovers
The numbers vary from survey to survey, but it’s safe to say that the majority of New Years resolutions are never kept. Forget about those promises to join a gym, we’ve got some doggy resolutions that will be easy to keep.
I resolve to not get angry at my dog when it’s my own fault.
If you know your dog likes to chew on shoes and you return home to find your laces destroyed, don’t blame your dog. It’s your fault for leaving them out. It’s okay to try and modify this behavior, but until you can resolve those chewing issues, you are the guilty one, not your dog.
I resolve to mix things up when it comes to walking the dog.
Is your daily walk stuck in a rut? Seeing the same scenery over and over can get boring for you and your dog. Mix it up a little in 2013! Your dog is happy just to get out, but he’ll be delighted to catch some new sights and new scents along the way. Try different parks, new trails, even a side street to keep things from getting too routine.
I resolve to make sure my dog has “new” toys every few weeks.
You don’t have to shell out big bucks to keep your dog entertained with new toys. Split the toys into three or four groups and only bring out one group at a time. Switch up the toys every few weeks and your dog will get “new” toys with every switch. You can also try swapping toys with other dog lovers.
I resolve to tackle just one of my dog’s behavioral problems.
Your dog may have several issues to work on and trying to take them on all at once can be overwhelming. Pick just one and vow to work on it consistently. Consult with a trainer or a training book to help with the process. You will probably find the behavioral problem can be solved a lot quicker than you think.
I resolve to remember to play!
We all lead busy lives but it’s important to remember to devote some time to your dog. And that doesn’t mean throwing the ball while you check your email. Take at least 10 minutes every day where your sole focus is your dog. Focusing on play will not only benefit your dog, it will also benefit you.
