If you’re entering the new year with a dog that is exhibiting behaviors that you’ve exhausted every effort to solve but can’t seem to affect lasting change, it could be because the fix doesn’t come from more commands. It comes from setting clear expectations.
Here are 3 ways to build back clarity, understanding, and follow-through in your dog’s “New Year, New Me” routine.
Start With The Little Moments
It’s much easier for your dog to focus on you when there’s not much to compete for their attention. The problems may only occur during the more distracting and exciting moments. However, to set your dog up for success, you’re going to want to practice first when they’re calm.
Exercises like waiting patiently at the doorway, for example, teach your dog that your guidance always comes first.
You can practice similar moments of impulse control throughout other moments of the day, such as during feeding times, walking into the other room to grab a glass of water, or even as you move around the home.
Through these exercises, your dog learns that calm behavior is expected throughout daily life.
Keep a Leash On Indoors
Leashes are often only viewed as walking tools, but they can be the difference between a dog that learns loopholes in the system and a dog that understands accountability is a set standard.
If your dog jumps, counter surfs, or begins practicing destructive behavior, simply mark with “No,” and redirect them away using the leash.
By practicing and repeating these steps, your dog will learn that “No” has meaning behind it and is not just a sound they hear when you’re frustrated.
Keep Boundaries Clear and Constant
Most unhealthy patterns in our dogs develop when we’re not around. While freedom is something we enjoy providing to our dogs (they’re dogs, after all!), oftentimes, too much freedom can backfire and leave us with a mix of emotions.
Ideally, when you’re not able to monitor your dog, they’re resting in a crate so that when you are able to focus more on them, you’re present and able to hold them accountable to the expectations that you’re working so hard to set for them.
And remember, boundaries aren’t cruel. If anything, they allow you to do more with your dog because their improved behavior can be carried forward wherever you may take them, allowing them and you to live a more fulfilling life together.
In Closing
2026 doesn’t have to bring the same frustration with your dog that 2025 did.
If you break it down, you can start seeing results as soon as today. As with any real and lasting change, consistency and follow-through are what will get you (and your dog) there the quickest.
If this resonated and you want help applying it with your dog, reach out anytime: info@hopegablescanine.com 🐕✨
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
