New Year's Resolutions: Being the best pawrents we can be!
Every winter, the New Year prompts us to reflect on our past and create resolutions for our future. Most of the time, we set our resolutions to improve ourselves through diet, routines, or other intentioned changes, but it’s also the perfect time to reflect on your role as a dog parent!
We all know that being a responsible dog parent isn’t just about providing food and shelter; dog ownership goes far beyond the bare minimum. It’s a commitment to their well-being, happiness, and doing our best to foster a strong bond.
As dog trainers and dog parents, we want to help you and your dog be the best you can be. Here are four simple New Year’s resolutions to guide you towards being an even more exceptional dog parent in the upcoming year:
1. Commit to Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation
We suggest committing to more engaging walks (allowing your dog to sniff, explore, and be ”free” around structure), mixing in interactive games (food puzzles and search games), and exploring new environments to keep your dog’s body and mind active!
Did you know: One of the key pillars of a dog’s well-being is regular physical exercise and mental stimulation; but exercise and mental stimulation aren’t always the same thing! A long walk is great, but did you know dogs can burn the same energy in half the time by playing a mentally stimulating game?
2. Prioritize Health and Wellness
Make a promise to your dog’s health by scheduling regular vet check-ups, ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date, maintaining a balanced diet, and establishing a grooming routine tailored to their needs. A healthy dog is a happy dog!
Did you know: Physical ailments and illnesses can intensify your dog’s problem behaviors? Dog behavior specialist, Jay Jack of Next Level Dogs, introduces this concept as ‘The Layered Stress Model’. Dogs’ physical wellbeing, alongside mental state, environment, and other factors, all impact behavior. It’s kind of like us humans having less patience for others after a long work day or when we’re not feeling well!
3. Invest Time in Training and Socialization
This year, dip your toes into training with your dog and dedicating time to socialize to make sure they’re comfortable and well-behaved in various situations. After all, we wouldn’t be real dog trainers if we didn’t preach the benefits of training and socialization! Training isn’t just about teaching tricks; it’s about building a strong communication system, bonding, and helping both yourself and your dog live the most harmonious lives you can.
Did you know: Just 15 minutes of training with your dog per day can transform your communication and relationship! Training does not just fit one mold – Whether you spend 5 minutes or 5 hours training per day you are going to make progress. Don’t feel pressured to spend thousands on training or dedicate half your time to it, just put in whatever effort you can!
4. Educate Yourself!
The fact that you’re reading this blog right now shows you’re already on the right path- Props to you!
Arguably, the best thing you can do to ensure you’re doing right by your dog is to educate yourself! From learning about your dog’s specific genetics and physiological needs to researching nutrition and wellness, the knowledge you can gain will be immensely valuable. Each of the resolutions in this blog (Exercise/Stimulation, Health/Wellness, and Training/Socialization) go so much deeper than we could include here. Check out our Resources Page for lots of information about dogs, dog behavior, and dog training! Start small – Your dog will thank you for it!
Did you know: There are many valuable resources online for learning about dogs! Youtube and podcasts are some of our favorite places to explore the dog community, learn new things, and enrich our abilities as dog handlers/parents. We recommend learning from a variety of sources so you have frame of references and can also form your own opinions on the topics! (Special shoutout to the Dog Trainer’s Podcast! Worth a listen for dog trainers and owners alike. Co-Hosted by CANIS’s very own Brent LaBrada)
Being a remarkable dog parent involves dedication, love, and continuous effort. By taking on some of these resolutions, you’ll pave the way for a fulfilling journey as a responsible dog owner in the New Year.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything all at once! One of the biggest pit-falls of New Year’s resolutions is how quickly we tend to give up on them. Something is better than nothing; so make the changes you feel confident in your ability to maintain. You know yourself and your dog better than anyone else – Pick realistic, reasonable, and fulfilling resolutions to help you and your dog succeed!
Happy New Year everyone; Let’s make this next year a tail wagging adventure!
