Happy New Year! With a New Year comes new and existing personal goals. It also comes with many opportunities for building your relationship with your dog even stronger. We have created a list of resolutions designed to benefit you and your dog!
Resolution: Get outside more
Luckily, in Texas, it doesn’t stay cold long! With the weather warming up soon, there will be plenty of opportunities to get moving. Although Houston isn’t known for its “hill country,” there are many places to hike with your dog!
Along with many trails, there is also an abundance of dog parks in Houston and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for more outdoor events, we recommend following our Instagram @beyondthedogtexas and reading our blogs. We post dog-friendly activities in the area monthly, from Astro’s games in the summer to photos with Santa during the holidays. The opportunities are endless!
Resolution: Plan a trip
I think most of us can add this to our list every year. The logistics of taking your dog with you on a trip can be nerve-racking; however, we’ve got you covered. You can find a comprehensive list of our recommended puppy supplies here. You will need a leash, collar, kennel, food, treats, bowls, and your dog’s favorite toys for your trip. You may also need dog seatbelts for the car and any trip-specific gear, such as dog water bottles and life jackets. We recommend reviewing these water safety tips if you plan to take a trip near a body of water, such as a lake or beach.
Resolution: Meet more people
Houston is a vast city, so you’d think it would be easy to meet new people. The city can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. The great thing about a dog is that they tend to make excellent icebreakers! Houston is known for its dog-friendly city scene. To make it easy for you, last year, we put together a list of our favorite dog-friendly places, including coffee shops, restaurants, bars and pubs, and stores. This is a super short list, and it grows every day! You would be surprised how many places allow dogs, so if you are headed out and want to know if your dog can join, we recommend giving the site a call beforehand.
Resolution: Be more active
Any of our above recommendations will already send you on the path of being more active!
Additionally, walking with your dog is an easy way to see new places and get your steps in. Start easy and take a walk in your neighborhood. If you’re feeling more adventurous, drive around town and visit Houston’s most Instagrammable graffiti walls or head over to the Houston Arboretum, Memorial Park’s Everglade area, or walk along the Houston skyline near Buffalo Bayou for an incredible view.
Resolution: Bond more with my dog
Spending time with your dog, whether hanging out at home for a movie night or taking them on a day trip down to Galveston beach, will develop a deeper relationship with your dog. Alongside quality time, training is an incredible way to build your bond. Training will help establish healthy boundaries and expectations for you both and mentally stimulate your dog. Obedience such as auto-sit and place is a great place to start as an introduction to training.
If you are looking for more personalized training sessions, contact your local Houston behavior consultant.
