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Golden puppy with New Year's eve hat.

Happy New Year! Happy New Year 2012!

It's a terrific time of year! It's fun to share the holidays with your dog. There will be lots of food, family, and conversation. Your dog can have fun, too, if you remember that he needs love and attention during all of the holiday activity.

During celebrations, try to get your dog out for some exercise and fun. A walk in the neighborhood, a ride in the car (don't leave him in there alone), or just playtime in the yard (yes, dogs like snow!) will help your dog to relax and stay out of trouble.

Girl running with Boxer dog.

 

Chihuahua standing on hind legs.

If your dog is in the house and is part of the celebrations, share him with friends and relatives. Show them a trick he can do or just pet him for a short time while you visit with your guests before or after dinner.

Some of the easiest tricks are shake, turn around, sit, which one, and come (to a whistle). Start now and practice for five to ten minutes, three or four times a day. Make it fun by praising your dog and giving treats for rewards. If you get tired or frustrated, stop and go back to it later. Always play with your dog for a few minutes after training. Have fun and good luck!

Here are some tricks that kids are doing with their dogs: Kids Teaching Tricks

 

If these things are still in your house, be sure to keep your pets away from them!

Chocolate can make your dog very sick.

Mistletoe, Poinsettias, and Holly are poisonous when eaten. Keep them away from your pets.

White dog with red hat on.

Ribbons, yarn, string, and tinsel can cause severe stomach problems and may require surgery if eaten by your dog or cat.

 

Collie eating from dog dish.  During all of the holiday celebrations everyone will probably be very busy cooking and visiting with friends and family. You might help out by preparing your dog's regular meal and feeding him before the company arrives.

 Turkey is great. It smells good and tastes even better. You might be tempted to give your dog some turkey when he looks at you with his big puppy-dog eyes. But remember that your dog's own food still provides him with the best vitamins. Meats that your dog doesn't usually eat may cause stomach upsets and your dog will not feel well.

 

Check your house to make sure that it is safe for your dog or puppy. Christmas tree ornaments and candles are very interesting to pets, but can be dangerous. Always stay with your dog or cat when there are things that could hurt them.

If your dog likes to chew, be sure to keep him away from electrical cords like the ones that help to light up your tree. Dogs and cats can be hurt from the shock of an electrical cord when it is plugged in.

Dog tangled in holiday lights.

 Not only must we be careful with the ornaments on Christmas trees, but trees have been known to fall on pets if they are not stable. Ask your parents to make sure your tree has a good stand or is tied so that it won't fall if your pet bumps into it.

 

 

Fireworks
Loud noises can happen at any time of the year, but on New Year's Eve, some sounds are more likely to be heard by everyone. Sirens, thunder, firecrackers, and fireworks are all sounds that may scare a dog that is usually calm and secure.
Even a dog that has his own doghouse and bed may get frightened when there are loud noises. Your dog may need you to help him calm down.

Find a quiet place for your dog to feel safe and secure whenever there are loud, scary noises. A bedroom or any room that has a door you can close is good. You might even play some soft music. It may relax your dog and also drown out some of the noise.

Husky on top of doghouse.

 

Older Dachshund with Yellow hat.

When dogs are fearful of loud noises, some may pace back and forth or panic and try to run away. Some dogs will dig holes or even throw up. It is up to you to help your dog feel safe and secure during times of loud noises.

Many loud noises during the New Year holiday happen at night. The best thing you can do to assure the safe return of your dog if he does get scared and run away, is always, always, always be sure your dog is wearing an ID tag with your name, address and phone number and your dog's name.

Click on this Click here for help with Lost Dogs.

 

Will you make a New Year's Resolution?

A resolution is a decision to do something. It's like a promise you make to yourself. Many people make New Year's resolutions to start the year off right. Have you ever made a resolution? Now is a good time to decide to do something for your dog. Here are some ideas. Choose one or all of them:

red check Help your parents take care of your dog. more about this
red check Pet your dog more often. more about this

red check Take your dog for extra walks.
red check Play more games with your dog.
more about this

red check Practice more obedience with your dog. more about this
red check Help your parents bathe your dog. more about this
red check Teach your dog new tricks. more about this
red check Read more stories to your dog. Dogs are good listeners!
red check Brush your dog more. more about this
red check Sign the I Love My Dog Contract.
more about this

 

Happy New Year!
Shih Tsu or Lhasa with silver New Year  hat.

 

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