Resolved: A Happy, Harmonious Life With Your Dog In 2025

This lucky pup has hit the innate behavior trifecta: A long leash exploration walk, digging, and sniffing. I guarantee she will be one happy, relaxed pup when she gets home. Photo by Stephen Kidd on Unsplash.

When I meet with clients to get started addressing their dog’s behavior, one of the things I discuss is where that behavior comes from in the first place. Researchers consider dogs to be the first domesticated (bred for certain traits that serve human needs) animal and that these “domestication events” occurred anywhere from 15,000 - 40,000 years ago.

During domestication, dogs' behaviors that helped them survive in the wild (scavenging, digging, hunting) were bred and adapted for our use (chasing prey, herding, killing vermin, barking to warn of intruders).

Many of these behaviors, especially barking, are considered nuisances in everyday life because they no longer serve a purpose—for us, that is.

The reason I discuss these behavior origins is so people understand that dogs aren't engaging in annoying behaviors to deliberately drive them bananas. Behavior serves a function, and I find that when people understand that function — and start channeling it into other outlets — they can change their relationship with their dog.

Resolve to see the world through your dog’s eyes (and nose)

In the new year, I encourage you to think about ways you can enhance your life with your dog by seeing the world from their perspective. One way to channel those behaviors elsewhere is to give your dog more opportunities to, well, be a dog. Letting them engage in species- and breed-specific behaviors fulfills needs are embedded in dogs from Chihuahuas to Mastiffs. 

Modern equivalents of ancient behaviors include: giving your dog long leash walks (I use a 15’ leash, not a retractable one) where your dog can follow his nose to tantalizing scents; kibble hunts, where you scatter your dog’s daily ration of kibble on a walk or in the yard for her to find (scavenging); a flirt pole, which mimics chasing prey (you can find flirt poles online and in pet supply stores), and creating an area in your yard where your dog can dig to her heart’s content (search online for “digging pit”).

We can't change nuisance behaviors unless we give dogs an outlet for them.

Are you resolved to bring home a new pup in 2025?

For a smooth transition to a new home, plan ahead for your dog’s homecoming. Have a vet lined up and all the gear you’ll need. Be ready with a house-training schedule, and understand that “accidents” do happen, even in an adult dog. Check out my free download, “Welcome Home,” to get started.

Resolve to address behavioral issues in the new year

A fresh year is a new opportunity to get started on any behavior issues that concern you. I also understand that training everyday manners or modifying a behavior problem can seem overwhelming when most people have very full to-do lists already!

However, the longer your dog jumps on people, growls when you approach her food, or lunges at other dogs, the longer it can take to change those behaviors with training. When I started working with dogs 20 years ago we had to drill their homework for at least 30 minutes a day. And who had time for that?

Science has marched on and recent research shows that dogs learn their lessons very well when they train in short sessions several times a week. 

Often, managing your home environment to prevent your dog from engaging in nuisance behaviors can be a “one-and-done” way to nip problems in the bud. A pro trainer can help with that, too.

So if dealing with your dog’s behavior issues seems overwhelming, resolve to reach out to a credentialed, professional trainer soon to get started. That way you and your canine companion can have a happy, harmonious life in 2025 and beyond.