I encourage owners to make a commitment to their dogs a priority next year! Here are a few New Year's Resolutions I recommend.

• Walk your dog every day for at 45 minutes to an hour. Walking with your dog twice a day for 30 minutes is the first step toward improving your relationship with your dog. The walk is the foundation of your relationship. It is a powerful tool that will help you connect with all aspects of your dog's mind.
• Set rules, boundaries and limitations every day. As a pack leader, you need to set the rules both inside and outside the house. What you allow and don't allow is up to you, but be consistent, use calm-assertive energy, and never, ever correct out of anger.
• Live in the moment. Start the New Year with a clean slate for you and your dog. Let go of the past. Don't worry about the future. With your dog and in your day-to-day life, you will find many benefits.
• Schedule playtime with your dog once a week. Play fetch. Go for a swim. Play Frisbee. Run an obstacle course. Just make sure your dog has had a long walk beforehand, and only play for the time you have decided in advance to allot.
• Share affection...at the right times only. After your dog has exercised or eaten. After your dog has changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior that you asked for. After your dog has responded to a rule or command. Share affection only when the dog is in a calm-submissive state!

Read New Year's Resolutions other dog owners set for themselves.