Yes that’s right we said it takes 66 days!
Thanks to a study at University College London we now know it takes more than 21 days. Out with the old “21 day theory” and in with 66. We were going to talk all about New Year Resolutions and such since it’s that time of year. But we decided what we really want you to do is form new habits. Here are 7 ways to spend the next 66 days doing better by your dog and to form a new dog habit.
1. Form a new habit not to correct or get mad at your dog for your management errors. 
Your dog eats socks? Keep them off the floor or close the closet door. Maybe they love paper. The New York Times makes for a fun shredding event if left on the floor. Smile, clean it up and next time take it to recycle or put it in a drawer if you aren’t done.
2. Appreciate the dog you have. Focus on the things you love about your dog every day and enjoy those moments. If you have behavior challenges, contact us to help you out. If you aren’t saying ‘yes’ more then ‘no’ to your dog you should reach out for help! Training is about seeing desirable behaviors and reinforcing them – ear scratch, butt rub, or tug. Ignore the things you don’t like. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell your dog they are doing something awesome!
3. Taking time to play with your dog is a self-rewarding habit. Not all dogs like toys. 
Some dogs like to play with their humans or other random things. If you have an adopted dog it may take awhile to figure out what they love. Find what engages your dog with you and do it! Often! (we can help if you haven’t found that ‘sweet spot’ yet.)
4. Keep learning more about your dog. They don’t come with a manual. Not that anyone would read it but there are ways to learn. Can you read their body language; can you say when they are stressed, happy, in pain, or relaxed? The more accurately you read your dog the better guardian you will be forever. The more you know the better you can be!
Body language seminars coming in 2017
5. Give your dog age appropriate exercise and outdoor enrichment daily. That doesn’t mean throwing a tennis ball 100 times in the backyard. Take your dog for a hike wearing a safe long line. Maybe a walk around a nature area like Coot Lake or a different local park you don’t frequent. Pick one new place a month outside the normal routine. And let your dog sniff and walk wherever they want to go. The walk is for them. You have a treadmill. (We don’t expect you to go somewhere new for 66 days in a row, but you see where we are going with this right?)
Watch our schedule for upcoming social pack walks – they might just fit the bill for your outing!
6. Our most passionate habit we would like you to form is to feed your dog in any way possible outside of a normal dog bowl. Throw away the dog food bowl. Yes we said it. If you do nothing else from this list, this is the one we want to stick. This small change can reap wonderful benefits of mental stimulation for your dog. There are tons of puzzle toys on the market or visit us and ask for homemade options. You don’t have to spend an arm or leg to engage your dogs seeking brain during meal times. He will thank you and you will enjoy the quiet time while he is eating. (Enroll in our seminar in January on how to make puzzle toys on the cheap.)
7. Try a new sport with your dog. All ages of dogs can learn something new and you might be surprised by what they love and what you love doing with them. Dog training can be very social for the guardians as well and many fast friendships have been made in our classes. We promise, dog training can be habit forming.
Pick just one of these 7 ideas to do for 66 days and form the new habit. Ok I agree that seems overwhelming. No pressure and you don’t need to tell anyone but your dog. Start and see how it goes. Heck, I can’t even keep going to the gym for 66 days in a year! Be realistic and know every little step matters toward a happier dog which in turn will make you, the guardian, happier too.
Keep us posted by commenting below which you plan to start and updates on how the habit forming is going. We will check in around 33 days and let you know how we are doing too! Hmmm, now which one to pick…