Your pets in the New Year, getting more grins

» Posted by Rebecca OConnor on Jan 1, 2009 in 0-smile, blog | 0 comments

There’s no doubt about it, the New Year promises potential added stress for all. There is already plenty of swirling doubts and worries in the outside world, so why not make an effort this year to make your home a sanctuary for you and your pets. How do you do that? Easy, pets are fun!

1. Leave your Worries at the Door.
Remember that happy pets live their lives stress free and mirror them. Your dog isn’t worried about the economy. He’s happy if you are happy. His great day just got better because you came home. Isn’t your day better because he is happy to see you?

2. Look for Laughter
Consider that watching pets play has more value than watching the news. Laughter cures everything. It changes moods and perspective. What is more amusing than watching kittens wrestle or your old cat zipping around the living room in a burst of joy? You get all the bad news you need throughout the day. Turn off the television and play with your pets at night.

3. Appreciate the Little Things
Admire the fact that simple fare in your pet’s bowl is the best meal ever. You may be living lean this year, but your dog thought that bowl of food he just ate was amazing even if it wasn’t sirloin. Maybe you would buy your cats tons of expensive toys if cash flow wasn’t so tight, but that paper bag from the grocery store is best toy ever. Let your pets remind you of the things that cost so little and mean so much.

4. Accomplish Things
Yes, training your animals the rules of the house are very important. Animals that have rules have an easy and acceptable way to get attention and praise. (As do teenagers and spouses.) Yet we’ve all gotten so serious about our pets. Work toward good behavior, but train because it’s fun. Take some time out to train your dog to sit and teach your parrot to wave. Your pets will love the treats and attention and you will love feeling like a team with a common goal and have an opportunity to embrace success.

5. Cut loose. Have fun!
Nobody’s looking. Dance with the dog. Sing opera with the parrot. Play hide and seek with the cat. Be goofy and blow off steam. You need it and your pets will think you are wonderful, because well, you are! Happy New Year!

Rebecca O’Connor
Professional Animal Trainer & Avian Consultant
Author of 9 books
Rebecca’s Website
E-mail Rebecca here
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