Today I got an email from a friend asking me if I’ve stuck to, or quit on my new year’s resolutions. Already!! It’s only been 16-days. It’s tough that while I’m writing out my hopes and desires for 2011 there are a contingent of people out there who seem like they’re waiting for us “well-wishers” to fail. This is why I’d like to give a bit of encouragement to you all this post holiday season.
As humans, we likely have the all too familiar “get healthy/lose weight” goal listed on our to-dos. As dog owners, we also have a list of resolutions that are Fido focused – with anything from mastering that inconsistent come command to giving your dog the happiest life possible. And if no one else has said this to you yet, I’d like to be the first to say – “you can do it!” Whatever has made it to your list of wants and desires for 2011 it’s yours for the taking.
To get you started, I recommend picking one thing off your list and making a plan for how you can make that resolution/goal a reality. It may take you a day to accomplish or it may take you three months. Don’t worry, it’s not a race J you’ve got all year.
For those of you with fitness goals (you and/or your dogs), you can “get two dogs with one bone” here. The tried and true method, of course, is getting out and walking your dog at least once a day. A recent issue of AKC Family Dog has highlighted some additional recommendations that sound like fun for both you and your pup.
- Running agility
- Practice “doga”
- Participate in the YMCA Power of Pets program (offered locally at the Silver Spring YMCA)
There are also an endless number of outdoor activities, a myriad of which we feature here at Outbound Hound. Are you going for a fitter you and more balanced pup in 2011? If so, please share what activities you will be doing to obtain that goal. Have a different goal? We’d love to read about it so please share!
