New Years Resolution

Five ways to be a better dog owner in 2013

January 17, 2013

Lots of people make resolutions to build a better body, land their dream job or find love at the beginning of a new year. If you’re a dog owner, why not make a promise to yourself and your furry best friend to improve your relationship this year? Here are some easy ways to be a better leader for your dog in 2013:

1. Make time for dog and human bonding. Plan ahead and commit to spending just 10 extra minutes a day doing some kind of activity with your dog. Even spending some quiet time scratching behind his ears before work can help improve any troubling behaviors or bad habits your dog may have picked up in 2012. Dogs love interaction and most thrive from frequent bonding sessions.

2. Make sure Fido looks fabulous. How many times a week do you brush or comb your dog, and when was the last time he had a bath? It’s a safe bet that he’s not getting enough grooming to meet his coat and skin needs. Regular grooming stimulates the skin and gets rid of dead hair, which means a cleaner house due to less shedding and hair.

3. See Spot play, and join in. It’s not just for puppies: play is good for both you and your dog, especially during the winter months when activity levels tend to slow down. Indoor play can keep you both active, even when it’s too cold or rainy to go outside. It’s best to first observe and understand your dog’s play style. Knowing his favorite type of activity and favorite time of day to play will make it even more successful. Choose toys that cannot be chewed or swallowed.

4. Stay in motion, even as the temperature falls. Keep in mind that inactivity will impact your waistline – and your dog’s. Daily physical exercise will help you and your dog combat the winter blues and keep you in top physical shape. Some breeds will need additional protection from frigid temperatures, so make sure your pet is dressed for the weather. Daily exercise often helps with canine behavior problems, and possibly some human ones, too.

5. Teach an old dog some new tricks. With a new puppy, obedience and training is a must. An adult dog who has been through previous training courses can benefit from enrolling in a new obedience class. A training class or one-on-one session with a trainer is also a good idea for dogs and owners who have had a lapse in using obedience commands or have behavior issues that crop up intermittently.

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