A NEW YEAR RISING

As we bid adios to 2011 and prepare for 2012 it's an obvious time to reflective on achievements and challenges and give thought to those things which we would like accomplish in the new year. The best advice I heard some time ago was to cherish your memories but don't dwell on the past. It's just that. It is the past and cannot be changed. Move ahead with positive enthusiasm.
Since this is a dog blog let's be a little more specific and consider 'life with our favorite dog(s)." This is an obvious time to consider those things which may be an aggravation and in what way we can make the desired changes.
The process is the same for all goals and changes, whether they be personal or professional or as in this case, for our relationship with our dog.

First we have to CLEARLY identify that which we wish to accomplish. We can't just say the dog needs better manners. We have to pinpoint the actions which we want changed and the result we wish to achieve.

Next we have to specify WHY we want the change. This seems to be the place where many plans fail because without a why it is much to easy to procrastinate and not initiate the change. If your goal is to lose 15 lbs. it needs a reason which will enable you to attach time frames. Let's say there is a  pending school reunion during the Easter break then we attach this to our reason to lose the weight and we can now allocate specifics such as 15 weeks time equals a minimum of 1 lb. per week net loss etc. etc. This gives us achievable short term objectives plus regular reminders to keep us on track.

And in order to make this all happen we need an ACTION plan that gives specific steps to be followed on a regular basis to enable us  to achieve our goal. Take time in preparing this plan. If you can't find adequate information in books or on line, contact people in the business. I often sit down with people and help them with a plan to get and keep their new dog on track. I don't charge  for these sessions as I look upon them as a method of paying the dog community back for them making it possible for me to pursue my passion.

The most important thing is to take POSITIVE STEPS and follow through. Sure you'll slip and fall back occasionally, we all do. But, the important thing is don't beat yourself up for a small mis-step, just pick up the pieces and start where you left off. Remember your dog is going to love you for the extra time you are spending with him and he's not going to remind you that you missed a time or two. This is fun and it won't be  long before you'll see positive results from your efforts and Buddy's few little aggravating activities will begin to melt away.

Most of all stay HAPPY, ENTHUSIASTIC, and maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. If you can keep this foremost in your thoughts you can be assured of a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.