As the end of the year approaches, we urge pet owners to remember the family pet while pondering potential New Year’s resolutions.”Eighty-one percent of dog owners buy gifts for their dogs,” said American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But what you should really be giving them is consistent exercise, training and stimulation. Try to start the year off right by resolving to do more with your dog in 2010.”

So if your Beagle isn’t being walked briskly, your Terrier getting trained, your Rottweiler racking up ribbons in the ring and your Great Dane’s not a canine good citizen, consider these suggestions:

– Young and old dogs can learn new tricks. Why not take your dog to a training class to learn some new tricks?

– Train your dog for competitive events. Every weekend all over the
country there are dog events where you can earn ribbons, titles and
trophies. Plus there’s the reward of meeting new people with a
similar love for dogs and ensuring that your dog is well-behaved, even
tempered, physically fit and a joy to live with. Try your hand at agility or flyball.

– Get Fit with Fido. The National Academy of Sciences reports that one
out of every four dogs and cats in the western world is now
overweight. Daily walks are a great way for both dogs and owners to
avoid gaining extra holiday pounds. According to a recent study, dog
owners get more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym
membership

– Dogs love helping others. Dogs are invaluable in providing service to
humans — visiting the sick, helping the disabled, locating missing
persons, and much more. If a dog has the correct temperament, there
are many ways dog owners can put their special skills to use in
service to their community. Contact the volunteer director at your
local hospital to find out how you and your dog can qualify to
volunteer or visit a home-bound neighbor.

– Help kids learn to read. There is no better listener than a dog. Many
libraries have programs for children to practice their reading skills
and gain confidence by reading with dogs. Contact your local library
to learn about available reading programs or volunteer to start one
with your dog.

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Related posts:

1. Include Your Pets in New Year’s Resolutions
2. K9 Magazine’s Quiz of the Year 2008 – What Can YOU Remember?
3. Get The Feel Good Factor With the PDSA
4. Dog Given Year to Live Wins Battle with Obesity
5. What’s Wrong With Giving Pets a Birthday to Remember?