New Year, New Dog: Obedience Training Goals for Nashville Pups

Posted by Sit Happens Dog Training on Dec 22 2025

🎉 A New Year... and the Same Wild Dog?

Ah, the new year in Nashville.
You’ve bought a new planner, joined a gym you won’t visit after February, and told yourself you’re finally going to cook more meals at home. Respect.

But let’s talk about the real resolution that matters:
Training your dog.

Because while you’re over here setting goals to drink more water and delete social media at 11 p.m., your dog is still:

• Jumping on guests like they just won a lifetime supply of hugs

• Barking at the wind

• Dragging you through Shelby Bottoms like they’ve got urgent business in another zip code

• Ignoring your commands like they pay the rent

New Year, New Dog?
Yeah, that starts with real obedience training. And honestly? It’s way easier than counting calories.

🐾 Why January Is the Perfect Time to Train Your Dog in Nashville

Let’s be honest:
January is weird.
Half the people you know are doing Dry January, the other half are still eating leftover pie for breakfast. The vibe is... transitional.

And your dog?
They’ve been cooped up all winter. Energy through the roof. You try to take them out for a walk, and suddenly you’re skiing across an icy sidewalk behind a golden retriever who just saw a pigeon.

That’s why now is the time.
Training in the new year sets the tone. You build structure when it’s quiet. So by the time spring and summer roll around with BBQs and distractions, your dog’s not out here trying to start a mosh pit at the park.

🧠 Obedience Training Isn’t About Control—It’s About Communication

Let’s shift the mindset a bit.
We’re not saying your dog is “bad.” They’re just... doing the best they can with the information they’ve been given.
If they think jumping = affection and barking = results, they’re gonna keep doing that.

Training is about teaching them a better way to get what they want—through calm behavior, not chaos.

At Sit Happens Nashville, we teach both dogs and humans how to communicate clearly, confidently, and without yelling across the living room like you’re in a telenovela.

Because let’s face it:
Most dogs don’t have “obedience problems.” They have confused human problems.

📝 5 Realistic Dog Training Goals for the New Year

You don’t have to teach your dog to skateboard or make eye contact while holding a plank (but if you do, please send video).

Here are five actually achievable training goals that will change your everyday life:

✅ 1. No More Jumping on People

You should be able to invite someone over without apologizing 14 times before they sit down. Let’s make that happen.

✅ 2. Reliable Recall (aka: “Come Here” That Actually Works)

Your dog should come when you call. Not when they feel like it. Not when the wind is blowing just right. Every time.

✅ 3. Leash Manners

No more being pulled down the street like a human kite. Your walks can be calm, connected, and surprisingly peaceful. Who knew?

✅ 4. Stay and Place Commands

Because you shouldn’t need to hold your dog’s collar to get through a conversation at the door. A dog that can “stay” is a dog that gives you breathing room.

✅ 5. Impulse Control Around Food

You can have snacks on the coffee table again. Yes, even during the Super Bowl.

🐶 What Sit Happens Nashville Offers for the Resolution-Ready Dog Owner

Our training isn’t about quick fixes or YouTube hacks. It’s about changing the relationship you have with your dog so they understand what you want—and why they should care.

Here’s how we help you get there:

🦴 Obedience Training (Core Commands That Stick)

We teach commands like “sit,” “stay,” “place,” “down,” and “come” that your dog can actually execute in the real world. Not just in your quiet living room—but at the park, around distractions, and when it actually counts.

🦴 Behavioral Training (Address the Root Issues)

Jumping, nipping, barking, chewing, counter-surfing, you name it. We help you correct the behavior while helping your dog stay emotionally balanced.

🦴 Leash Training (So You Can Enjoy Walks Again)

Leash pulling isn’t just annoying. It’s dangerous. Our leash training helps both of you enjoy those long city strolls without needing a shoulder massage after.

🦴 Advanced and Off-Leash Training

Once your pup has the basics down, we can level up to off-leash control—ideal for hikes, parks, and just straight-up flexing at the dog park.

🦴 Puppy Training (Start Early, Stress Less)

Have a new puppy for the new year? Let’s start with good habits instead of waiting until they’ve chewed through your tax documents.

📍 Why Nashville Dogs Need Real Training

This city is full of distractions. Music, food, people, squirrels that look like they pay taxes. Your dog needs more than good intentions—they need a plan.

Whether you’re strolling through 12 South, hitting the Greenway, or chilling on your patio in East Nashville, you want a dog that listens no matter what’s going on around them.

Because one day it’s a picnic… the next day it’s someone’s toddler handing your dog a chicken wing.
You need to be ready.

📞 Ready to Start? Here’s What to Do.

Let’s make your “New Year, New Dog” plan actually happen this year.

📞 Call us today at (615) 580-4624
📍 Serving the greater Nashville, TN area with private, one-on-one training that works
🕒 Flexible scheduling—so you can fit it between your other resolutions

And no group classes, by the way. This is personalized, real-world training—in your space, at your pace, with your dog’s unique personality and your actual life in mind.

✨ Final Thought: You Deserve a Dog You Can Brag About

You know that one friend with the perfectly behaved dog? The one that chills at brunch and doesn’t eat half the bread basket? You don’t need to be jealous.

You just need a plan—and a trainer who gets it.

At Sit Happens Nashville, we believe that every dog can be better—and every dog owner can lead with confidence. So this year, let’s ditch the chaos and build that calm, respectful relationship you’ve always wanted.

New Year. New routines. New dog.
Same lovable face—now with better manners