Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog

By Terie Hansen

A dog can learn new things at any age. If you have been living with a dog that has less than desirable behaviors, there is no time like the present to make some change!

Obedience training can change your dog’s behavior dramatically. Start with simple commands like sit or down. Teach your dog one new command every couple of weeks. Make sure to have a leash on your dog so that you have control when needed and can guide your dog into position.

Teach the commands with an implied stay. The sit, for example, does not just mean to sit down for a moment. It means to sit and keep sitting until you release the dog. There should be no need to even say, “Stay.”

At first, just do drills – having your dog sit for a moment and then release him or her by saying, “Let’s go.” Repeat in a fast drill-like fashion. Think of it like times tables. The quick repetitions help your dog learn the command quickly.

Over time you need to start adding duration, which means the length of time you have the dog hold command. You will also need to slowly add in distractions, which teaches your dog that even when there are distractions, he or she must remain in command. If your dog moves out of command, simply repeat the command, and use the leash to guide your pet back into position.

Once your dog is familiar with a command, start incorporating it into your daily routine. Make your dog sit before going out any doors,

Then 2022 came and a new season of fatigue and exhaustion became the new norm. Financially things got tighter and everyone seemed to be on edge as part of their new state in life.

So, now 2023 is here, and I am not even sure what to expect. I am tired just thinking what another hard year will look like, but I am also cautious in trying to imagine what a good year would look like – but then having to deal with disappointment. So, I feel a little numbed.

If you are like me and based on the past 36 months you just don’t know what to think, expect, wish, or even pray for the next 12 months, let me give you a quick word. 2023 has the potential to be a good year. Not because you won’t have hardships, but because in those hardships you have the potential to see God’s goodness. I believe God is good, and that is not based on what God does, but based on who God is. So, if God is good, and God is with us, I believe 2023 could be a good year.

Finally, I want to encourage you, if needed, to talk to someone. Life is hard enough to do it alone, and often we can see and find goodness while talking with others.

Bring it on 2023.

Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch.com

Learning for Life Continued from page 9

Every experience can be a learning opportunity for children. Encourage them to explore, observe, investigate, and ask questions. Allow lots of time for play and provide guidance along the way to take learning to the next level.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

831 Auburn Rd, Ste 300 | Dacula GA 30019 before getting food, and before you give him or her treats, toys, or affection.

Be consistent and never give your dog a command that you are not able to reinforce. Over time, with lots of patterning, your dog will become proficient in each new command. It is a new year, and you can have a new dog. It is good for you and your dog!

Terie Hansen, Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 10

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 teach. It is a mindset of finding a way to make things happen. It is the ability to believe in yourself and push harder, and dig deeper in every aspect of your life.

We all can go deeper and find a way. Do not be afraid to fail. As our little green friend Yoda says in Star Wars, “The greatest teacher... failure is.” Also, do not be afraid to be your authentic and transparent self. Everyone desires to have genuine people around them. And if not, trust me – people will talk about you anyway, so why not give them a reason to talk?

So, here is a challenge in 2023. Plan your work and work your plan so you can grow – in all parts of your life – in a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional manner. This will lead to success in this new year (no matter what you encounter), and you will grow and help everyone around you to grow to even greater heights in the process.

Thanks for being part of our amazing Our Town community. Thanks for your ongoing support. Our team is so proud to have played a role in continuing to bring you positive news (through all our media platforms) each and every month. Here is to a great 2023. And now, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

It’s a new year filled with new opportunities for you and your significant other, so don’t wait any longer to check out Vecoma at the Yellow River to learn why it is the venue you have always been searching for.

More information at https://vecoma1.com/

Vecoma at the Yellow River Continued from page 5