Top 10 Resolutions for you and your dog

1. Take more walks together.
2. Set up a regular schedule for your dog's nails to be cut, and stick with it.
3. Before vaccination time is upon you, make a point to learn all you can about dog vaccinations and decide for yourself how you are most comfortable dealing with this often-controversial subject.
4. Always use a kennel cage, carrier or dog seat belt for my buddy when we're out in the car.
5. Open your mind to holistic veterinarian care.
6. Have fun with your dog at a local fun-meet or all-breed dog show. Nothing heavy - just fun!
7. See just how easy it can be to teach your dog a good trick.
8. Cut down on doggy treats and biscuits, and make the ones you do give, tasty and healthy.
9. Bone up on discipline training and practice some of the basics.
10. Stop and smell the roses... and the trees.. and the bushes...

Dogs LOVE routine, so make a daily or twice daily walk part of YOUR routine. You'll both benefit from the exercise, and the peace and quiet as you take a little time to explore the outdoors. Whether your in the city or the country, or somewhere in between, a good walk is a wonderful way to raise a well-behaved dog.

Renowned dog trainer Cesar Millan says that a well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog. My own dogs prove this to me every day: with a walk, they're calm and easier to manage. Whenever they're 'acting up' now the first thing I ask myself is, have they had enough exercise?

How many walks and how long? Start with two 20 minute walks a day, morning and evening, or a longer 45 minute walk once a day. On weekends you might want to try a hike together.

"A TIRED DOG IS A HAPPY DOG"

Time can slip by and before you know it, your dog's nails are far too long. That means that you or the groomer, can cut them quite as short, because the live 'quick' inside the nail has grown out too. Once this happens it can take many months to get the nails back to a more comfortable length.

Unless your dogs are doing plenty of walking on concrete, their nails should be cut every cut every 6 weeks or so.

I decided long ago that I can't face cutting my dogs' nails (that bleeding quick!) so rather than just avoid it, I book appointments at a local groomers or even PetSmart, well in advance, Less stress for me, and the dogs love the outing.

Above right: Tinker Bell HATES getting her nails cut, so I head for PetSmart.

When it comes to topics about dogs and cats, there's nothing more controversial than vaccinations. There are just so many questions, such as is the annual booster shot really necessary?

A vaccine - whether it's for animals or people - is usually a diluted or 'dead' version of the disease it's fighting. The idea is that a small dose will help your dog build up antibodies against the disease. So if it ever does strike, these antibodies are ready to do battle. Good idea, great theory but it is a huge strain on your dog's immune system to have an annual vaccinations. Small dogs are of course, much more vulnerable.

You can check out some of these websites, which offer an alternative point-of-view on vaccinations:

Organic Pet Digest
Happy Healthy Dogs
MSNBC
A viewpoint from Great Britain

Vaccinations, promoted by huge pharmaceutical companies, can cause more problems than they're supposed to prevent. As you learn more about them, you can decide which ones are right for your dog, and which ones are unnecessary.

Some are not necessary at all and others are given too often according to critics of the system. For example, the scientific reality is that a single rabies vaccine, like other viral vaccines, is good for many years and probably for life. Lots to learn - so dig in!

Think about all the terrible repercussions of a car accident if your dog is in the car and not restrained.

1. The door might fly open and your frightened dog will run into traffic - surviving the accident but not another car!
2. A sudden stop or collision causes anything not tied down in your car to fly forward. Your dog could hit your, a passenger or the windshield, with deadly results. (In an auto accident a 60 pound dog in a car traveling 30 mph will hit an object ten inches in front of him at 1,200 pounds per square inch.)

Think holding your little dog on your lap is safe? Think about what happens when the airbag deploys - most likely your dog will be killed. Sorry to be graphic but it's something to think about.

Here are four effective ways to secure your dog in the car:

1. A safety harness
2. Pet barrier for sport utes / station wagons
3. A safety-booster seat
4. A carrier or crate that's attached to your vehicle's seat belt system

1. Safety Harness

The Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness is made from a special strength-rated material that provides a bit of shock-absorbing stretch in case of a sudden stop. Heavy-duty straps with full metal connectors at all load-bearing points attach to a fully padded, fleece-lined, machine-washable safety vest. No plastic buckles are used. The unique leash design integrates with the vehicle's seat belt to provide range of motion in transit, but locks securely at a sudden stop. Installs easily in all vehicles. 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Solvit 62295 Pet Vehicle Safety Harness, Medium

2. Dog Barrier

Universal pet barrier safely keeps your pet in the cargo area of your vehicle away from the driver and the passengers. Installs in minutes with no drilling required. Non marred brace pads won't harm vehicle interior. Height adjusts to 45" and width adjusts to 65" making it perfect for most vehicles. Large vehicles might require Extension Kit.

Highland 20045 Black Universal Pet Barrier

3. Booster Seat

The polyester Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat installs quickly and easily right next to you in the front seat. It keeps your furry friend safe and secure, while still allowing him to look outside and see what's going on. He can snuggle down for a rest in the padded seat and is still within arm's reach for petting or belly-scratching. Metal supports keep the seat strong and secure. Remove the padded liner for easy washing. Attach the adjustable tether to your dog's harness for extra security. Collapses for easy storage in the trunk when not in use. The black-and-orange Skybox measures 16 x 9 x 13 inches when open. Holds up to 30 pounds.

Kurgo 00044 Skybox Pet Booster Seat

Holistic or alternative health care is becoming popular for ourselves and our animals.

Basically there are two kinds of veterinary practices:

• allopathic - or traditional veterinarians. This practice is based on drugs, medications, surgery and chemicals and


• holistic - which focuses on the whole dog and which emphasizes building a strong, natural immune system to fight illness..

Think of holistic as literally wellness from within. That health is achieved with medicinal herbs, supplements, common sense supportive care and more. Holistic vets will prescribe medications but only when no other route will work.

Holistic veterinarians are also allopathic or 'regular' vets - all practicing veterinarians must graduate from a traditional university. So if you have a doctor who practices holistic medicine, that just adds a whole other layer of expertise on the traditional veterinarian training. That means more choice in when it comes to your animal's care. You can read more at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website

You can find local clubs and shows for your dog (often called fun-meets) through:

* rescue groups, humane society and animal shelters - who often stage these as fundraisers
* breed clubs if you have a purebred dog
* check the national kennel clubs - The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or The American Kennel Club (AKC)
* watch for local
* your local newspaper

These informal get-togethers are lots of fun, PLUS it's a great way to socialize your dog even more. And you'll get to talk to other dog lovers just like you.

Dogs need exercise, PLUS mental stimulation too.
It's very important to keep your dog occupied and busy, otherwise boredom - and bad behaviour - sets in. One good way to stimulate your dog's brain is by teaching fun tricks. Pick up a book at the library or look online (don't forget YouTube). Good for your dog and sure to make you the life of the next party :-)

You've probably read about the dramatic rise in dog and cat obesity. Just like us, our pets are suffering from a sedentary life and too much food.

An overweight dog lives a much shorter life, and will often develop painful joint problems including arthritis. Snacks are just one way we can add on the pounds for our pooches without realizing it. For example, one popular treat ("Bonz") for small and medium dogs has 70 calories! Small Milk Bone biscuits are 40 calories each. As a general rule of thumb, a very small dog (5 lbs.) requires only 400 calories a day, so these treats can really add up.

Substitute lots of praise, a good ear scratching and a healthier treat like 'baby carrots.

If you still think a whack on the head with a rolled up newspaper is good doggie discipline, you need to read up on some up-to-date theories and techniques.

The days of punishing your dog by hitting, spanking or intimidating are over, thank goodness. Dog training today is based on positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement... in this case, "positive" means that something is added to the dog's routine to change his behavior; and "negative" reinforcement means that something he likes is taken away from the dog to change his behaviour.

An example of positive reinforcement: your dog does something you tell him, like "sit." You praise him right away and give him a little food treat. (Right away and consistently) You're adding something - the treat - to change his behaviour - getting him to sit, so this is positive reinforcement.

An example of negative reinforcement: your dog is barking too much. You say "no bark" in a firm voice, but the barking continues. So give your dog a time out by taking him to another room, or go to another room yourself. All that barking is just to get your attention anyway, so show your dog by "negative reinforcement" - take away your presence that your dog craves, in order to change the behaviour. Negative reinforcement is never about striking your dog, or shaming him or making him afraid of you. Those old fashioned tactics simply turn your dog against you and make him sneaky and afraid. Not to mention that's an inhumane and callous way to act.

Click Here To Read Up on Dog Training That Really Works!

Isn't it great how dogs live in the moment?

No matter what your dog's up to, he gives it 100% of his attention and focus. He's right here, right now, whether it's going for a walk, digging up the garden ("no dig!") or having his kibble.

Dogs also approach everything unbounded enthusiasm and joy. Aren't those qualities we could all use?

right, our Golden Retriever Barkley