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Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here. The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals for you and your dog. Whether you’re looking to tackle specific challenges, enhance your bond, or simply try something new, creating New Year’s resolutions for training your pup can set the tone for a fun and productive year ahead.
Let’s dive into some practical and rewarding resolution ideas that will strengthen your relationship and help your dog thrive in 2025.
1. Improve Basic Manners
The foundation of a well-behaved dog is strong basic manners. Make this the year you polish cues like:
Sit: Reinforce this as your go-to cue for calm behavior.
Stay: Work on increasing the duration and introducing distractions.
Come: Build a rock-solid recall for safety and freedom.
Loose Leash Walking: Practice walking calmly without pulling.
Goal Idea: Dedicate five minutes daily to practicing one foundational cue and track progress weekly.
2. Focus on Enrichment
A bored dog is often a mischievous dog. Incorporating mental stimulation into your dog’s routine can reduce unwanted behaviors and keep their mind sharp.
Ideas for Enrichment:
Puzzle toys and treat dispensers.
Scent games like “find it” or hide-and-seek with treats.
Teaching new tricks like “spin” or “high five.”
Goal Idea: Introduce one new enrichment activity each month.
3. Strengthen Your Bond
Training isn’t just about teaching your dog what to do—it’s about building trust and communication. This year, prioritize quality time together through activities like:
Playing interactive games like tug-of-war or fetch.
Exploring new parks, trails, or neighborhoods.
Practicing cooperative care, like brushing or nail trimming, with positive reinforcement.
Goal Idea: Schedule at least one dedicated “bonding activity” with your dog each week.
4. Tackle Specific Challenges
If your dog struggles with a particular behavior, like jumping on guests or barking at the door, make this the year to address it.
Steps to Take:
Identify the behavior you want to modify.
Break the behavior down into manageable training goals.
Work with a force-free trainer if needed for guidance.
Goal Idea: Set a timeline for measurable progress, such as “reduce barking at the door by 50% in three months.”
5. Introduce New Skills
Learning new things keeps your dog engaged and builds their confidence. Some fun skills to consider:
Agility: Set up a mini course in your yard.
Nose Work: Teach your dog to search for hidden scents.
Impulse Control: Practice exercises like “leave it” or “wait.”
Goal Idea: Teach your dog one new skill or trick each month.
6. Prioritize Relaxation
Calmness is a skill that benefits every dog. Create a daily relaxation routine to help your pup learn how to settle independently.
Steps to Start:
Designate a quiet space with a comfy bed or mat.
Teach your dog to relax in their crate or behind a baby gate.
Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior.
Goal Idea: Build up to 20–40 minutes of calm, independent relaxation each day.
7. Invest in Training and Education
Every dog, regardless of age, benefits from ongoing training. Consider enrolling in a training class or working with a behavior consultant to refine your skills and address specific needs.
Options to Explore:
Basic obedience or manners classes.
Canine sports like rally or agility.
Behavior consultations for reactivity, fear, or anxiety.
Goal Idea: Commit to one new training program or workshop this year.
8. Focus on Consistency
Training success comes from consistency. Make it a point to practice cues and routines regularly, even if only for a few minutes a day.
Tips for Consistency:
Set aside time each day for training.
Keep sessions short and fun—5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
Involve all family members in the plan to avoid mixed messages.
Goal Idea: Create a weekly schedule with specific training goals for each day.
Final Thoughts
Pet parents, the new year is a fantastic opportunity to set intentional goals for your dog’s training and overall well-being. Whether you focus on mastering the basics, learning new skills, or simply spending more quality time together, these resolutions can strengthen your bond and bring more joy to both your lives.
Have questions or need help creating a tailored training plan for your dog? Reach out—I’m here to support you and your pup in making 2025 your best year yet!
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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