01/05/2026
Have you made it a goal to be more present, more mindful in 2026? Why not try it while walking, training or playing with your dog? It’s such an easy time to practice this and your dog will thank you for it. Get rid of the distractions, no phones, no tv’s, no music, no interruptions. If you’re playing, just enjoy who your dog is and the joy that they hold for the game. If you’re training, focus on the small wins, the feelings of accomplishment, the way your dog absorbs what you are teaching, the way you use your body, luring techniques and the way you two move in sync. If you’re walking, focus on your breathing, the pace with your dog, enjoy the sounds of nature or the quietness of the snow, and bring your attention to the birds or the stupid squirrels and observe their movements. Dogs are present, dogs live in the moment, dogs maybe aren’t mindful, but they agree the squirrels are stupid. Use your dog as a way to open your mind to being present and enjoying the small things. Your dogs (and your kids) are much happier if you are fully there, fully engaged, fully present and not preoccupied with the many ridiculous distractions that this world so temptingly offers.