Happy 2024!

Welcome to the New Year! Let’s strive to make 2024 a banner year for our dogs!  Many of you may have received a new puppy or rescue dog during this Holiday season. Now is the time to not only make New Year’s Resolutions for ourselves but for our four-legged companions as well.

Here are some tips and ideas for the New Year to help strengthen the bond and improve the life style with your new or existing dog.  It is never to late to start fresh!

1.  Map out a training plan : Research training classes and Positive Reinforcement Trainers in your area.  Sign up for weekly group sessions.  We offer a variety of training and coaching opportunities for you and your dog from individual, virtual, to group sessions.

2.  Focus on daily training:  Spend 15 minutes a day on a formal focused training .session, you will be amazed at how much your dog will improve with those few extra moments daily.

3.  Incorporate exercise:   Stick to an exercise routine for a healthier dog.  The bonus is it will improve your health as well and maybe help you address your resolutions for losing weight and improving your fitness level. You will make a great team and have a work out buddy.as well.

4. Don’t forget enrichment:  Incorporate enrichment into your dog’s daily routine. Puzzle toys, Find It Games, and Activity Mats will improve your dog’s mental health , relieve boredom, and satisfy a dog’s natural canine needs to forage, hunt, search, and chew.

5.  Use kibble as treats:  Use a portion of your dog’s daily ration of kibble as training treats instead of a full meal in a bowl.

6.  Find opportunities to socialize:  Include your dog into your daily routine and chores such as picking up the children at the bus stop or during drive through banking or Starbucks.

7.  Get a vet check-up:   Review and stay up-to-date on vaccines, flea,  and heart worm treatments, etc.

8.  Put quality into walks:  Choose a new route when walking your dog to change up the scenery, sights, scents, and sounds. Most of all – put down the phone! Daily walks are the best way to strengthen the bond with your dog as well as incorporate training . Make your dog your sole focus on walks and use this valuable time to your best advantage.

9.  Upgrade equipment:   Replace old or worn out leashes, harnesses  or collars with something new and fresh! There are many new styles and colors available.

10.  Most of all shower your dog with love!