During the busy holiday season the regular routines of our canine companions are often disrupted with parties, shopping long hours, and travel to family member's homes. Many times, we forget the little things we can do to make our pet's lives jus
During the busy holiday season the regular routines of our canine companions are often disrupted with parties, shopping long hours, and travel to family memberâs homes. Many times, we forget the little things we can do to make our petâs lives just a little bit more exciting, healthy and long-lived while making our lives just a little bit more rewarding and nurturing. Start the New Year off with a few resolutions for yourself and your dog. Below are just a few suggestions, but before you know it, a new habit is born that will enrich both your lives for years to come.
 Happy New Year!   Â
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 â 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 dogâs temperament as it relates to his breed.
38. Teach him a new activity, such as Frisbee, catch, or fetch a ball.
37. Schedule his yearly checkup at the vet.
36. Take him to the vet when problems first arise â donât 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.
28. Put an obedience title on your dog or take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
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 your 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 petâs personality. Learn to recognize unusual behavior.
19. Prepare for your petâs 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 â 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 â include him in family vacations.
10. If you canât keep your dog, find him a good home instead of going to the shelter.
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 â 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 â youâll both feel better!
 (Lisa Peterson, a longtime breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the director of club communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, PO Box 307, Newtown CT 06470 )