Paws-itive Resolutions: Eight New Year's Goals for You and Your Small Pooch.

If you're a proud owner of a small dog, why not make your furry friend a part of your resolutions? Here are eight paws-itive New Year's resolutions that will not only improve your well-being but also strengthen the bond with your furry little companion. 

1. Get Moving Together: Exercise for Health and Happiness This year, commit to a healthier lifestyle for both you and your small dog by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Take your pup for daily walks, explore new trails, or even engage in playful games in the backyard. Not only will this boost your physical well-being, but it's also an excellent way for your dog to burn off energy and maintain a healthy weight.

2. Nourish with Care: Balanced Diets for Both Consider upgrading your small dog's diet with high-quality, nutritious food. Consult with your veterinarian to create a well-balanced diet plan tailored to your dog's specific needs. Additionally, pay attention to portion control to ensure your furry friend maintains a healthy weight. As you make changes to your dog's diet, take the opportunity to evaluate your own eating habits for a double dose of health-conscious resolutions.

3. Train Together: Mental Stimulation for Canine and Human Minds A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and the same goes for their owners! Dedicate time to train your small dog with positive reinforcement techniques. Not only will this enhance your dog's behavior, but it also stimulates their mind. You'll be surprised at how much joy and satisfaction come from achieving training milestones together. Even if you have an older dog, you can still teach him or her new tricks. 

4. Wellness Check: Regular Checkups for Both of You Prioritize your small dog's health by scheduling regular check-ups with the veterinarian. Stay on top of vaccinations, dental care, and any preventive measures recommended by your vet. In parallel, consider scheduling your own health check-ups to ensure that both you and your furry friend are in optimal health for the year ahead.

5. Therapy Dog Training: Transform Your Pup into a Source of Comfort Explore the possibility of training your small dog to be a therapy dog. Therapy dogs bring joy and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Certification programs are available to help you and your dog develop the skills needed to provide emotional support to those in need.

6. AKC Good Citizen Certification: Setting a Standard of Good Behavior Enroll your small dog in the AKC Good Citizen training program. This certification focuses on basic obedience and good manners, ensuring that your dog is well-behaved in various situations. It's a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pup while contributing to a well-mannered canine community.

7. Unplug and Bond: Quality Time Without Screens Make a conscious effort to unplug from digital devices and spend quality time bonding with your small dog. Whether it's a quiet evening on the couch or an outdoor adventure, the simple act of being present with your pup strengthens the emotional connection between you two. Cherish these moments of unplugged companionship.

8. Spread the Love: Volunteer or Foster Together Extend your circle of compassion by volunteering or fostering animals in need. Many shelters and rescue organizations are in constant need of assistance. Not only will you be making a positive impact on the lives of other animals, but the shared experience of helping those in need can deepen the bond between you and your small dog.

As you embark on this new year, consider these resolutions as a holistic approach to enhancing the well-being of both you and your small dog. By incorporating these paws-itive habits into your daily life, you'll create a healthier, happier, and more harmonious environment for both of you to thrive. Here's to a year filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and countless shared adventures!