Monday, May 30, 2011

Ginny's Top 10 Resolutions 2011: #7 & #6

Resolution #7: Spend more quality time with my owner.
Resolution #6: Go on long walks.

OK. So maybe you think Dr. Shrum is combining these two so he can get further down the list. Maybe. These two can actually be very complementary for dogs. One of the best ways to spend more quality time with your dog is going on long walks together. Now first be sure your dog understands how to walk appropriately on a leash so the walk doesn't turn into a battle. Good quality basic training classes will help with that. If he still won't listen to you, see us about fitting him for a Gentle Leader head harness. That's another blog, though. Other ways to spend quality time with your dog are to play ball or frisbee with her or maybe spend a day at the lake together. And there's always the cat's favorite method: curl up on the couch with a good book.

In any case spending quality time with you pet not only strengthens the bond you have together. The time together helps you understand your pet's normal behavior better so you'll recognize abnormal behaviors that may indicate a health problem. And your pet will much happier to boot!