As January comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on our hopes for our dogs and cats in 2026. While many of us set goals for ourselves at the start of the year, it can also be helpful to think about what our pets might need to feel more confident, calm and successful in their daily lives. Small changes in how we interact, train and spend time with our pets can make a meaningful difference in their behavior and overall well-being.
For dogs, common goals often include greeting people politely, managing excitement or improving recall for safer outdoor adventures. These skills are best taught through positive reinforcement training, a fear-free approach that focuses on rewarding the behaviors you want to see more of.
Positive reinforcement means pairing good choices with things your dog loves, such as treats, praise, toys or affection. For example, jumping on guests is usually a sign of excitement, not disobedience. When guests arrive at your home, you can keep your dog on leash, step on the leash to prevent the jump and reward calm behavior to set them up for success. Another effective option is to turn away and ignore jumping until all four paws are on the floor, then immediately reward calm behavior in a way that does not elevate them again.
Recall is another valuable goal. Practice in low-distraction environments, use the highest value treats you can find and make coming to you the best possible option. Never call a dog to you and then scold or punish them, as this quickly breaks trust and undermines training.
Cats benefit from goals too, even if they insist they are already perfect. Many cats thrive with increased activity, more intentional time with their people and clearer boundaries in the home.
Short daily play sessions with a wand toy or interactive game help burn energy and reduce unwanted behaviors. If counter surfing is an issue, management and redirection work better than punishment. Providing appealing alternatives like cat trees, shelves or window perches and rewarding your cat for choosing those spaces can shift habits over time.
Cats also benefit from predictable routines and calm, positive interactions that help them feel secure and engaged.
Positive, fear-free approaches build trust and strengthen the bond between pets and their people. There is never a need to yell, scare or punish an animal into compliance.
As the year unfolds, consider setting one small, achievable goal for your pet and committing to support them with patience and consistency. When learning feels safe and rewarding, confidence grows, behavior improves and life is better for everyone involved.
Colleen Dunning is development manager at La Plata County Humane Society.
