Every year, between holiday festivities and Jan. 1, about 100 million Americans make resolutions for the new year. To help you make resolutions you can keep, here is a list of things you can do to build your relationship with your pet.

1. Walk your dog every day for at least 20 minutes (about one mile).  It'll get you in shape; leave your dog a bit tired after structured, focused exercise; and build your pooch/person bond.
2. Take a nature hike once a month with your pup.  Not only are there fantastic trails all over Los Angeles, in Encino you can enjoy routes around Balboa Park or try out the fire trail at Mulholland Drive near Calneva Drive (Westridge-Canyonback trail—watch out for snakes, and bring water).
3. Clip your dog's claws every few months.  
4. Brush your dog's teeth to avoid deep plaque build-up and costly vet bills.
5. Consider training your dog as a therapy dog. Local therapy-dog training is available through New Leash on Life.
6. Bake dog treats.  Try one of these 30 recipes.  Or if you aren't confident in the kitchen, treat your pooch to treats at nearby Three Dog Bakery!
7. Make sure your dog's license is current.  Not sure? Check with Los Angeles Animal Services.
8. Keep your pet's vaccinations current. (Get them from your veterinarian, or attend any one of many low-cost vaccination clinics in Encino offered at pet stores or the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park.)
9. Buy your dog a sweater—or knit one! You can pick up patterns and tools at the newly opened Michael's in the Encino Town Center.
10. Spend a lazy Sunday watching a movie and cuddling with your pup in bed.

Happy New Year from all of us at Encino Patch.