7 Things to Let Go of as a Dog Owner in 2024

Let’s face it. January can be a hard month. Many of us have thrown our resolutions out with the Christmas tree. And, even though longer days are on the horizon, it’s still hard to get up when it’s dark and cold to take the dogs for a walk. 

But, don’t worry! Your friends here at BreezeGuard have just the thing. We’ve put together a list of things to stop doing right now so that you can move through the rest of the year with motivation, purpose, and maybe even a few laughs. Let’s take a look!

Let go of the fantasy of the perfectly trained dog
Many dog owners do their best to train their dog by watching Youtube videos, following trainers on Instagram, and attending puppy classes. But the fact is, no matter how much time and energy (and money) you may put into training your dog, there’s no such thing as a perfectly-trained dog. Okay, except maybe service animals but we can bet that even they have an off day from time to time.

As long as you’re doing your best with your pup and keeping them as safe as possible, give yourself the grace to accept your doggo as they are. There’s no reason to stress yourself out or get mad at your dog for pulling on the leash when they see a squirrel or sneaking a lick of the plate you left on the counter unattended for 2.4 seconds. You’ll miss those moments of mischief someday.

Let go of saying sorry that your car/house is a mess
Do you feel embarrassed when an unexpected guest comes over to find dog toys strewn around your living room, doggy blankets on the floor, and snoot smudges on all of your windows? This year, try something new. Don’t apologize! 

A messy house to us humans is a comfortable, safe doggy den for your furry friend. Of course, if it makes you feel better, organize the chaos. But don’t say sorry for the days when you don’t have time.

Let go of the endless battle with dog hair
According to Forbes, an astounding 66% of US homes have a pet. Which means that more than half of the population is probably spending a lot of time stressing about dog hair!

And we’re not saying that you should let the dog hair take over your life. After all, letting it go unchecked can exacerbate your allergies and increase the risk for parasites. But, if you look down at your work shirt and notice that there are a few dog hairs on it, remember that over half of the people you interact with today probably also have a pet!

Let go of limiting the number of pictures you post of your dog
Listen, your followers love when you post pictures and videos of your dog. Because, either they have a dog of their own and want the validation to also post as many pictures as possible, or, they don’t have a dog and they get joy from seeing others. And the people who don’t like dogs? Well, to be frank, they probably aren’t following you. That’s their business.

So, don’t limit yourself in 2024. Bring on the doggy pictures! You’ll be so glad of every adorable mid-sneeze, playtime-at-the-park, and cuddle-fest picture that you have to look back on when you’re feeling sentimental.

Let go of the guilt of sharing (a little bit) of human food
Unless your dog has a medical condition that makes human food dangerous for them, the truth is, they can have a little bit every once in a while. So, if you find yourself getting angry at that one uncle who always sneaks your dog food when you’re not looking, try to keep things in perspective. 

Let go of kicking your dog off the bed (just because you think you should)
Now, if you enjoy a dog-free bed, there’s nothing wrong with training your pup to sleep in their own bed, a separate room, or their kennel.

But, if Fido is banished from the bed simply because someone told you you shouldn’t let your dog sleep with you, well, this is your chance to reconsider. There’s nothing inherently wrong with sharing your bed with your dog in most cases. And in fact, there are some compelling benefits to sleeping with a dog at your side.

That said, there are some exceptions. If your dog suffers from resource guarding, that should be resolved so that your dog doesn’t feel compelled to protect their sleeping area. Additionally, if you are a very light sleeper or have mild allergies that might be worsened by sleeping with your dog, well, then maintaining some nighttime separation might be a good idea.

Ultimately, 2024 can be your year to decide whether sleeping with your pup is beneficial to you, regardless of what others may think!

Let go of the stress of driving with the windows down
While you probably know that the experts say not to let your dog stick their head out the window, you just can’t resist that look of utter joy when your furry friend has the wind in their face. It makes you feel guilty, but you think, “It’s just a few minutes.”

The good news is, we’ve actually got a practical solution that will end your guilt of driving with the windows down for your dog. BreezeGuard Screens are protective coverings for your window that allow your dog to experience all the joy of fresh air without the risks.

What will you let go of in 2024?
If you’ve been feeling pressured to set lofty goals and engage in self-improvement in the new year, we hope that this list has empowered you to take a different approach to 2024. The fact is, life as a dog owner is a lot more enjoyable when you’re able to let go of certain expectations and focus on what really matters: the wellbeing of you and your pup!