A New Year - a time to reflect and change.

Many people make resolutions for improvement.  Tucker has decided to give it a try this year. He wants to succeed, so he learned some "tips" about keeping his "intentions". (Starting with not using the word "resolution" which too many people connect to "failure".)
  
1- An "intention" needs to be specific.

 Instead of "get more exercise", list "walk 30 minutes at least 5 days a week."

Experts agree that both dogs and people benefit from daily exercise. A walk outdoors can strength you both physically and  strengthen the bond between you.  Walking also can reduce anxiety, tension, and stress - for both of you.  Yes, your dog can be stressed too. (Read about  our dvd - The Workout Walk with The Sensible Dog for suggestions about making the most of your walk.)


Other studies  suggest that 15 minutes of play 3 times a day can add years to your dog's life.  (Perfect use for the RuffWear TurnUp.)
(The amount of exercise of course depends on your dog's breed, age, and health. You both should consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.)

Tucker says - "I'm ready!!!"  (He’s always ready).

2-State your “intention”  in positive terms and state why.

   Try “maintain a healthy weight” instead of “lose weight”.  For a dog at ideal weight, you should be able to feel their ribs without too much padding.  They should have a tucked-in waist when viewed from the top and a tucked-up waist when viewed from the side.  For long haired breeds, right after a bath or a swim is a good time to identify their waist line.  (If you have any questions, you can always ask your vet.)

    “Why?” - a recent study indicated that having your dog  maintain a healthy weight for its entire life may extend his life up to 1.8 years.  And isn’t that what we would all wish for - more time with them?!

 
3-Break your “intention”  into small parts. 

   Any change can be difficult.  I had  read in the past that it takes 21 days to establish a new habit.  That can seem like forever.  I recently read that it takes 4 days to break an old pattern.  Now, 4 days I can do!

    Break “learn something new” into small but measurable steps.  There’s just no end to the tricks that you can teach a dog - yes, even an old dog. (Remember, PATIENCE is a must!)  Tucker wants to learn “ to do arithmetic”.   This is based on a great trick I saw a parrot perform on TV.  First, I have to teach Tucker to bark on command and then not bark on command.  Next, I have to teach him to bark twice to a specific cue, like “the answer is?”.  Then the arithmetic trick goes like this.  “1 + 1. The answer is?  bark, bark.”  “8 divided by 4.  The answer is?  bark, bark.”  The questions get harder and harder - but “the answer is” always 2 (bark, bark).  Sure, the audience will catch on, but that just adds to the fun.


4-Tell others about your “intention” for support and accountability.  (Caution - there can be a fine line between “support” and “nagging”.)             

    Tucker has the “intention” to do volunteer work this year. He has done some visitation at a local assisted living facility that did not require that he be a Certified Therapy Dog. He seemed to enjoy it. (Tucker says “Well, sure.  Lots of people petting me and telling me how wonderful I am.  What’s not to like?)  I want  to work toward his certification.  (Different Therapy Dogs groups have different requirements.)  Getting  his Canine Good Citizen will be our first step.  I’ve told our trainer.  And now I guess I’ve told our entire membership. (We did try the test when he was about one year old, but ...well... the dog is not supposed to jump up and kiss the examiner.  Oh well.)



We wish you success on whatever you may try this year.