Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

50. Microchip your dog so you can find him if he gets lost, especially when traveling.

49. Buy a dog book and learn something new.

48. Start taking your dog for a daily walk – or go on a new route.

47. Give your dog a wholesome treat you made yourself.

46. Teach your dog a new trick or command.

45. Go for a car ride to a new park for a supervised run.

44. Brush him more often.

43. Learn to grind his nails.

42. Give him a bath!

41. Wash his collar or bandana.

40. Learn to see the subtle signs that he wants to outside to go to the bathroom.

39. Understand your dog’s temperament as it relates to his breed. 

38. Teach him a new activity. Frisbee, catch or fetch a ball.

37. Schedule his yearly check-up at the vet.

36. Take him to the vet when problems first arise – don’t wait.

35. Put him on a heartworm preventative.

34. Put him on a flea and tick control program.

33. Brush his teeth with chicken flavored toothpaste.

32. Buy a new bed filled with cedar shavings.

31. Get him a new leash and collar.

30. Make a play date with another dog.

29. Add another dog to your pack (after the holidays).

28. Put an obedience title on your dog.

27. Enroll him in an agility class.

26. Take your puppy to Puppy Kindergarten.

25. Rub his belly and watch him smile.

24. Spend some quality time with you dog each day.

23. Write thank you notes to your vet for excellent service.

22. Tip you animal care providers, next time your pet will get pampered.

21. Keep accurate medical records.

20. Pay attention to your pet’s personality. Learn to recognize unusual behavior.

19. Prepare for your pet’s care in your will.

18. Make sure you can afford to keep the appropriate number of dogs.

17. Learn what genetic diseases may affect your purebred.

16. Be firm yet gentle with your training.

15. If you are away from your pets for a long time, find someone to care for them.

14. Educate yourself about weather hazards for your dog.  

13. Take pet ownership seriously – license your dog with the town clerk.

12. Encourage your children to become involved with the family dog care chores.

11. Treat your dog as a member of your family – buy it a Christmas stocking.

10. If you are unable to keep your dog, find a good home for him.

  9. Remember the neighbors if you own dogs that bark loudly.

  8. Travel with your dog if they are able and enjoy it.

  7. Socialize with your dog.

  6. Have parties for your dog. Invite his favorite friends!

  5. Let your dog teach you things – learn from him.

  4. Laugh first at his antics. Clean up later.

  3. Keep your dog healthy. People who own dogs live longer!

  2. Respect his space. Give him a bed or crate of his own.

  1. Give your dog a great big hug and a kiss – you’ll both feel better!

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Club Communications Manager at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com  or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470