New Year’s Resolutions for Better Living with Dogs

This post was written heading into the Year of the Dog, but every year should be a year for the dogs. Woofs! Since was 2018 when this post was originally published, we have 18 ways to give your dog a happier and healthier life. I’m also sharing some of my own shortcomings, learnings, and New Year’s resolutions at the end of the post. Dogs make our lives better in so many ways. Let’s so the same for them.

1. Healthy Diet. Just like with people, a quality dog diet and moderation are key to good health and maintaining a target weight.  I’m a huge fan of treats, and sometimes we can get a little treat crazy. But quality treats can be part of a healthy diet, too. Research, learn about options, and make informed choices on food, treats, and supplements. Seek help from a trusted vet or veterinary nutrition specialist if needed. The right answer is different for every dog and owner.  See our Pinterest Dog Food and Nutrition board for handy links.
2. Clean Water. There’s more to clean fresh drinking water than just filling the bowl. The water bowl (and food dishes) should be washed daily, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Refresh the water frequently, too. Stainless steel or glass bowls are best, especially if your dog(s) have outdoor drinking water. Plastic can start to break down and leech into the water, especially with high UV exposure, and surface scratches can make it easier to harbour bacteria. See our tips for keeping a (mostly) clean home with dogs for more ideas.
3. Safety and Security. Make sure that your yard is secure and pet safe, including suitable sturdy fencing and gates, and secure latches. Check your home with a mindset similar to child-proofing. Ensure that there are no fall, topple, toxin (food, cleaners, chemicals, plants, etc.), or other lurking hazards. Check collars and leads regularly to ensure they are still secure and well-fitted to your pet.
4. Comfort.  In addition to the obvious shelter from the elements, provide your dog with a comfy haven (or several) where they can relax and rest. Everybody loves a nice squishy bed, but it’s especially important for senior dogs to help reduce aches and pains.
5. Identification. Make sure that your dog’s registration and microchip contact information (if applicable) is kept up to date. Keep a copy accessible for quick access away from home, such as on your mobile phone or email, in case of emergency. If you pet isn’t already microchipped, consider microchipping. You’ll have a greater chance of being reunited if you’re ever separated or the dog is lost/stolen.
6. Emergency Preparedness.  In addition to identification, be prepared for possible medical issues with a pet first aid kit and basic pet first aid knowledge. Include your pet in home emergency plans (including if you are absent), natural disaster prep, and emergency evacuation strategies. Check out our emergency planning with pets post for helpful ideas, links, and a free worksheet.
7. Direction and Core Training. Establishing accepted behaviours (such as curtailing barking, jumping, etc.) and core obedience training is more than just good manners and tricks. Maintaining control is an essential part of being able to safely navigate the world together and avoid incidents or complaints. Training can also help to reinforce the bond and trust between you and your dog.
8. Exercise. Regular exercise is important for weight control and general health. Just like in humans, it also releases good endorphins and lowers stress hormones. Adventures are a great opportunity for socialisation and important mental stimulation, so stop to sniff the world along the way. Activities may need to be moderated for young pups who are still developing their bones and joints, seniors who need a slower pace, or other factors. Make sure that your exercise program is well suited to your pet and seek advice from your vet.
9. Mental Stimulation. Dogs need to exercise their brains as well as their bodies, and different dogs prefer different types and degrees of brainwork. Continuing training with reinforcement of learned commands and fun new tricks is great for mental stimulation. So is problem-solving oriented enrichment such as scent games, treasure hunts, puzzles, etc. Discover what brain activities your dog enjoys.
10. Patience and Consistency.  Try to be the model of cool, calm, controlled leader you dog needs. Be consistent with routine, behaviours, commands, consequence, and praise.  If you are a multi-owner household, try to ensure that everyone applies the same rules.
11. Be Present. It’s easy to get busy, rush, be distracted, and only give partial attention. Spend some time each day completely focused on your dog and what you are doing together. Engage, have fun, build and strengthen the bond, and make your dog feel valued. Slowing down to take time when you are adventuring together to allow your dog to stop for plenty of sniffing along the way is also an easy way to add more mental stimulation to your dog’s daily outings. It can be great for your own well-being, too. 
12. Play. Have fun together! Whether it’s playing with toys or other playful activities, having fun together helps to strengthen your relationship. Playtime is great for engaging the brain, too. Remember to play safe, ensure toys are suited to your dog, in good condition, and keep them clean. If your dog has a toy box, mixing thing up also keeps it more interesting – old toys are suddenly new again!
13. Socialisation. If your dog is a social animal, make plans with furfriends on a regular basis. If your dog isn’t good in social settings, don’t put them in situations of social stress or risk. Always put the safety of others first, and in doings so protect your dog.  Be responsible and don’t take a fearful or aggressive dog to dog parks or off-leash public areas. Consider working with a behaviourist if your dog’s temperament is detracting from quality of life or poses a potential safety risk. It could make a world of difference to you both.
14. Communication.  Learn to speak dog. Become familiar with how to translate your dog’s individual verbal and non-verbal cues, as well as better read other dogs in interactive situations. Dogs signal with noises, yawning, head movement, eye movements, and body language.
15. Enduring Care. Accidents can happen at any time. If you don’t yet have an enduring care plan, consider making one. Make an emergency care plan for short term issues and absences. Make arrangements with a trusted friend or family member who could become a long-term nominated guardian, with provisions in your will for funding and maintaining ongoing care for the life of your pet.
16. Cleanliness and Grooming. Looking a little scruffy? Different dog breeds and activity types have different grooming needs. A clean coat, regular brushing for skin stimulation (and feel-good bonding), healthy teeth, clean ears, suitable nails, and/or the occasional haircut can help to prevent health issues. Don’t forget to clean dog beds, blankets, and toys on a regular basis, too.
17. Preventative Medicine. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Survey your dog regularly for physical changes (dog massage is a great way to check for lumps, bumps, and sore spots), be alert for changes in behaviour, keep an eye on what goes in/out (eating, drinking, peeing, pooping), have regular vet health checks, and keep your vaccinations (or recheck titre testing if you prefer) updated.
18. Love.  Enough said!