It’s that time of year! Looking back on the past 12 months we know there are things we should have done differently. Now is the time to look to the future and make that promise that we will do better in 2010! Our pets are no different. When we asked the Online Dog Coach dogs for their new year resolutions, this is what they came up with:

1. Stop eating  shoes
2. Eat more slowly
3. Kiss the baby more often
4. Stop pulling on the leash
5. Watch more Online Dog Coach video lessons
6. Exercise at least 30 minutes or more each day to keep my puppy figure
7. Bark at the neighbors less; bark at the solicitors more
8. Learn to carry my own poop bags
9. Stop leaving muddy paw prints when counter surfing
10. Shed less cuddle more

All of us here at Online Dog Coach think this is a great place to start. Please share with us any resolutions your own dog has made!

Best wishes to you for a happy, safe, and successful year for you and your dog. Happy New Year!

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Company, meals, decorations – with all of the extra activity surrounding the holidays, take a little time to ensure your dogs stay healthy and safe during the joyful events. Here are a few tips from the Online Dog Coach trainers to keep your dog safe:

1. FOOD – Make sure guests know what is appropriate and inappropriate to feed your dog so that Fido doesn’t get a nice helping of turkey that makes him sick later.  The best policy would be to make sure that guests do not feed your dogs.

• Everyone knows that turkey contains tryptophan, a chemical that makes you sleepy.
• Before you give your pet his own plate, remember that turkey contains many small bones that may be harmful.

2. DECORATIONS – Christmas tree ornaments can be a temptation – one year we came home to find the tree tipped over and ornaments broken.

• Remove the temptation by keeping the dog away from the Christmas tree when not supervised or consider putting a decorative white picket fence around your tree. You can also place an X-pen around the tree.
• Tie your tree to the wall with heavy fishing line and anchors secured to studs.
• Dogs and cats may play with ornaments they can reach.  Keep treasured ornaments out of reach by hanging them higher on the tree.
• Tinsel is a NO-NO in pet households. Dogs and cats play with and  ingest it resulting in a thousand dollar vet bill.

3. TRAVEL – If traveling for the holidays and haven’t secured a place for your dog, it’s probably too late. Space fills up rapidly in reputable kennels and vet businesses.

• If you can’t find a place, ask at your vet office or doggie daycare if any vet techs or staff house sit. Many do. Not only do you have someone you know, but someone that is trained in pet care.
• Introduce your pet to the situation before you leave town. Visit the kennel or boarding section of the vet’s office. Have the pet sitter come meet pets and get familiar with their routine.

4. CELEBRATIONS – Having company and parties introduces some uncontrollable circumstances. Keep your pet confined in a familiar location to avoid the stress, table scraps, opening doors, and other things that come with having parties and company.

• On New Years Eve, many communities have fire works displays.  Very few dogs enjoy this loud noise, so remember to keep your pets inside. Follow the same tips as for the Fourth of July.
• If using a crate, make sure you start crate training early so it becomes comfortable and familiar to your dog.

5. NEW PETS – Please reconsider if thinking about giving a pet as a gift. Adding a living family member is a family decision, and the holidays are a very hectic time to introduce new routines to family members as well as the new pet.

For more safety ideas, visit ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

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