For many of us, January 1st marks a new beginning. A chance to wipe the slate clean and start over. Set new goals and work on bettering oneself.

More often than not, things like lose weight, eat better, quit drinking and travel more top the list of common New Year’s resolutions. But I’d like to challenge the dog owners out there to make spending more time with their dog a priority for 2016.

By this I do not mean sitting at home with your dog and watching TV. I mean getting out there and exploring the world. Maybe it’s taking your dog to a new park once a week or doing a second walk a day. If you’re doing 30 minutes already why not bump it to an hour. Take them along with you on car rides and while you run errands (surprisingly many places are dog friendly). Play with your dog – games like hide and go seek, tug, or fetch make for a great time. Set up play dates for your dog. Start a dog walking group in your neighbourhood. Enrol in a training class – agility, obedience, Dog Haus Training Essentials or come to our Social Circles each week. Even if you have an obedient dog there are still new things you both can learn and training is a fantastic way to improve your bond and enhance your skills as Pack Leader.

Spending time with your dog is fun and rewarding to you both. The benefits are endless, a happier you and a happier dog! Being with our dogs helps us relieve stress and live in the moment. They ignite a childlike playfulness in us, reminding us not to take life so seriously. They lift our spirits by just being themselves unapologetically and that is simply beautiful. They offer us unconditional love and the best friendships we could ask for, don’t you want to be around to enjoy it? Dogs are here for a fun time no not a long time, so if I can offer you any advice it’s to spend as much time as possible with your beloved dog while you can. There are so many things you can do together to live a more fulfilled and balanced life. Get out there and enjoy life together!!!

Happy New Year from me and Carmen 🙂