Seven New Year's Resolutions for Your Dog 1. More Walks - Statistics show that dogs that get regular exercise benefit both mentally and physically. These dogs are happier and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. You know how you feel during the long cold winter months when cabin fever sets in; our dogs feel it too. Make a plan this year for regular exercise. If you can't get out because of foul weather, plan some indoor fun like rolling a ball down the hall or make a maze for your dog with the dining room chairs and teach them to find their way out. Hide and Seek can provide great mental stimulation too. Your dog doesn't have to have a gym membership to maintain fitness; they just need a little more time up and about with you.
2. Improved Diet - Make the commitment this year to feed your dog better. Poor quality kibbles will just cost you more in health problems down the road. You are what you eat, and your dogs are too. Reduce table scraps and opt for a quality diet that is the best your budget will allow. 3. I Will Brush My Dogs Teeth There are a variety of toothbrushes on the market, some that look like human brushes and others that slip on the end of your finger. They are very inexpensive, so you might pick up one of each and see which your dog prefers. Be sure to use a doggie toothpaste and start slowly, so your dog learns to understand both the sensation of the brushing and having something in his mouth you are manipulating. Patience is key. If you just don't want to pick up that brush, consider chews that can reduce tartar build up. Don't be lured in my those "dental chews" that are full of junk. Read the labels carefully and make an informed choice for your dog. Cod Skins are an excellent way to keep tartar down and are an all natural source of vitamins for an added bonus. 4. Breaking Bad Habits - This year should be the year you pick up the phone and call the trainer. That annoying habit your dog still has is
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Delmarva Unleashed
Winter 2017
