Williams: New Year's goals for pet parents

It's that time of year when we look back on the previous 12 months and resolve to do better in the coming year. As pet parents, instead of making a list of resolutions, we should make a list of goals with keeping our pets healthy, happy and well adjusted as the objective. Here is my list of 10 goals for the new year.

1. Help an animal in need. There are so many ways to accomplish this that don’t involve writing a check. Most local rescues are always in need of foster homes while the animals await adoption. If that’s not possible, volunteering at the local shelter or SPCA is also welcome. On a more personal level, if your neighbor regularly gets stuck in traffic, volunteer to feed and water his dog for him. Not only will you be helping him but it’s likely he’ll return the favor for you one day.

2. Play with your dog daily. Who needs a gym? Playing with your dog is a built-in exercise program! When you play with your dog, not only will it help keep both of you lean, you’ll be spending quality time with each other as well.

3. Groom your own pet. It’s fine to leave the clipping and styling to the professional groomers, but if you have a dog or cat you should be doing the basics like bathing, nail clipping, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. If you don’t know how, ask your veterinarian, groomer or trainer to show you. Not only will it save you money, but it will also be a great training and bonding time as well.

4. Teach your dog something new. Have you ever wondered why dogs seem to learn tricks quicker than they learn obedience and manners? The reason is simple. We make teaching tricks fun! Pick any new behavior you’d like to teach your dog and do it in the same way you’d like to learn and your dog will master it in no time.

5. Read a dog- or cat-related behavior book. My personal favorite right now is “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. Other good titles to consider are “Merle’s Door,” by Ted Karasote, “Oh Behave,” by Jean Donaldson, and anything by Patricia McConnell and Ian Dunbar.

6. Organize your pet’s things. Where are all of Frisky’s collars and leashes? Do you know where Buffy’s rabies certificate and shot records are? You never know when you might need access to your pet’s things on a whim. If you organize and label Sparky’s things, that might motivate you to do the same for your own!

7. Take your pet with you. Unfortunately some dogs never get out of the house except for trips to the veterinarian’s office. Some of the best-behaved dogs I see are the ones that go a lot of places with their humans. Take your dog on short trips to the bank, the post office, or even to a restaurant with outdoor seating. Not only will it help him get used to riding in a car, it will also help him grow accustomed to the sights and sounds around him.

8. Give your dog a box. One of the best learning tools you will ever give your dog is a box. That’s right, just an ordinary cardboard box of any size. Cut the sides down to about three inches, and put the box on the floor and let your dog explore it. Every time he goes near it, praise and treat him. Hide the treats in the box and under the box so your dog is encouraged to push and move the box around with his nose or his paw. Put the box at a distance and praise and treat your dog for running over to the box. Within minutes you will have taught your dog to touch, move and run to an object without any frustration. An ordinary box will have been forever transformed into a treasure chest and your dog will never forget it.

9. Convince a friend or family member to spay or neuter their dog or cat. The pet overpopulation continues to be a serious problem. Help dispel the myths that still exist such as a female dog should experience motherhood before getting spayed, or neutering a male dog will stunt his growth or make him sad, etc. The fact is there are more dogs and cats being born than there are homes for them. Millions are euthanized yearly.

10. Put together a disaster preparedness plan. No one likes to think about it, but no matter where we live, we can all be affected by disasters. Be prepared by putting together a disaster plan that includes provisions for pets. This can include immunization records, medications, food, and emergency telephone numbers. Post notices near all entrances and exits in your home to alert emergency personnel of where your pets might be located.

According to the Chinese New Year calendar, technically 2009 is the "Year of the Ox.” I don’t know many people who have an Ox as a pet, so we shouldn’t let technicalities get in our way. If you share your life with a dog, cat, or any pet, every year should be their year when it comes to providing the best care that you can.

Happy New Year to All, both human, furry, finned and feathered.

Stafford resident Laurie C. Williams is a certified pet dog trainer and local business owner. She appeared on the television reality show “Greatest American Dog” with her Maltese, Andrew. Reach her at onesmartpooch@aol.com.