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A Dog’s Eye View: New Year’s resolutions

Laura Tyler/For the Steamboat Today
Laura Tyler
LauraTyler

— It’s time for a bit of fun thinking about New Year’s resolutions from the dog’s point of view. So, here goes: resolutions from the dog.

I will chase the cat only if he runs.

If you put your new Ugg boots in the closet, I won’t chew them; otherwise, all bets are off.



I promise not to complain for too long if you step on my toes.

If you give me a yummy bone, I might not beg for chips during the football game.



I will not ask you to get up and open the door to let me out during the Super Bowl.

I will not chase cars or bicycles if you don’t leave the gate open.

I will not hide my raw bones under your pillow.

I will not barf in front of the bathroom door in the middle of the night.

I won’t eat various types of poop in front of my owner.

I will not bark incessantly if you will please open the door and let me in.

I will house train easier if you will listen to me when I start sniffing and turning in circles. I speak dog!

I will not jump on you if you will ask me to sit for all petting, not just when you have nice clothes on.

I will not eat the ham on the counter if you will not leave it there.

I will not scoot my bottom across the rug when we have guests.

I will not eat the Sunday paper, but all other days still are free game.

I will not sniff our guests’ crotches … even if it kills me not to know what they’ve been up to.

I will share all stinky things I find in the woods.

I will not charge the skunk or porcupine again.

I won’t snarl at the nice church people coming to the front door.

What do you think will be on your dog’s resolution list?

The new year often is the starting point to making changes in our habits and setting new goals for the coming year. Since my dog is such an important part of my life, I’ve added a few new goals for us this next year. Fun trips and new training goals are among them.

Since Skippy’s new love is canine nose work, we will be entering a few nose trials to test our skills. In order to do this, I will set aside time for training with her and time to develop my own proficiency.

I will trust her to find the hidden scent.

We also are using some of the skills I’ve already taught her to begin working on canine freestyle — moving (dancing) together to music. Don’t worry; we’re not ready for “America’s Got Talent.” This is something we can play with at home.

I will continue to stay up to date on the latest canine behavioral research and training developments.

I will continue to offer the most professional honest behavioral assessments and force-free training methods for the dogs and people in my care.

Best wishes to all of you in the coming new year!

Laura Tyler is a certified professional dog trainer with 25-plus years of experience and has earned associate certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She owns Total Teamwork Training LLC in Northwest Colorado.


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