Dogs have a good life, so good that sometimes I wish I were a dog. Here are ten reasons why it's great to be a dog.

1. I get to be lazy. You're running around the house doing who-knows-what while I just lay around in my comfy bed.

2. Everyone loves me. No matter who I go to visit, they always squat down and pat my head and tell me I'm such a good dog.

3. I have a trusty sidekick (you) to pick up my poop.

4. I get to eat all the yummy stuff that you drop on the floor.

5. I can pee wherever I want.

6. I have lots of awesome toys.

7. If I'm in trouble, I can easily get out of it by showing my cute, sad puppy eyes.

8. Laying in warm spots on the floor where the sun comes through the window.

9. I can lick and scratch and behave inappropriately and don't care what anyone thinks.

10. One word: squirrel!

Can you think of more reasons? Share them with us by leaving a comment!

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Ever wonder what furry feline life is like? Being a cat is great and here are the top ten reasons why.

1. I come and go as I please.

2. Small wiggly things - attack!

3. I will lay on whatever piece of furniture I want.

4. When I want petting, all I have to do is rub up against your legs.

5. I can be entertained for hours just by a little ball with a bell in it.

6. I'm self-sustained. I can exercise and bathe myself whenever I need to.

7. I can fit myself into just about any position.

8. I can see in the dark.

9. I don't have to come when you call my name.

10. I'm not afraid to jump or fall because I always land on my feet.

Can you think of more reasons? Share them with us by leaving a comment!

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Even if you're not planning to have your pets enter a talent show, it's a good idea to have some basic training commands down pat. Pets with basic training are more obedient and respectful of their owner. Training also helps to mentally stimulate your pet which alleviates boredom for your furry friend. And don't forget, cats can be trained too!

Here are the basics that all pets and pet owners should have for successful training.

1. Rewards. To successfully train, your pet needs to be motivated. Find out what entices them the most. Is it a special toy? Treats? Your verbal praise?

2. Patience. Some pets learn more quickly than others and it's important to remember this. Patience pays off. If your pet becomes bored, switch tasks or allow him to do something else and come back to training a few hours later.

3. Consistency. When you choose a command, stick to it. Reward your pet every time it obeys. While your pet may learn quickly, it can just as easily forget if you confuse it with inconsistent commands and rewards.

4. Practice. Practice, in this case, is a combination of patience and consistency. Practice regularly and repeatedly. If your pet learns a trick one week, but you never practice, then his skills may become rusty or forgotten.

5. Sit. Hold a treat in front of your pet's nose. Slowly move it back over his head so that he is inclined to follow the treat and naturally fall into the sit position. Release the treat when he is sitting.

6. Stay. Tell your pet to stay, then take a few steps away. Return and give a treat if he didn't move. Gradually increase practice time.

7. Off/Down. Some pets love to jump on people to greet, or may jump on furniture when they aren't supposed to. Teach them off or down (be consistent!) and reward whenever all four paws are on the floor.

8. Lay. From the sitting position, hold a treat to your pet's nose and slowly move it toward the floor so your pet is inclined to follow and fall into the lay position.

9. Leave it. Temptations can be hard to resist! Teach your pet that obeying your request will offer a greater reward: your praise and treats. Practice by placing a treat or toy on the ground and telling your pet to "leave it" and reward if he obeys. Start with the treat far away and gradually move it closer to your pet.

10. Come. Rewards are key for this command. Call your pet's name. When he comes to you, praise and reward enthusiastically. Start at close distances and gradually move farther away.

As with all training, consistency and rewards are key. Be sure your pet knows he did a good job and he will be well behaved in no time!

For more in-depth training lessons, please consult your local certified pet trainer.

Check out these indoor activity ideas and find out how to make winter more fun for you and your pet.

1. Play indoor fetch. If your pet likes to chase toys, gently toss them around the house. This is a good way to get a little exercise. Plus, any movement is better than sleeping all day!

2. Visit the pet store. If your pet is animal-friendly, then pet stores are a great way to get your pet out of the house and into a stimulating environment without sacrificing the warmth of the indoors. Even if you don't buy the whole store, your pet will be happy just to get out of the house.

3. Invite a pet friend over. Your pet might enjoy playing with a new friend. Even if they don't play, meeting new animals is stimulating and exciting.

4. Play find the treat. Purchase puzzle toys or just hide treats around the house and under toys so your pet has to work to find them.

5. Wrestle. Some pets enjoy a good romp, so roll around on the floor with Fido!

6. Chase. Trot around the house and have your pet chase you. If they are not into chasing, grab a treat or one of their favorite toys and they might be more inclined to get up and get moving.

7. Hide and seek. Have your pet stay, or have someone else hold them while you go and hide. Your pet will love the praise he recieves when he finds you.

8. Groom your pet. Primp up your pets by bathing them, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth.

9. Bake pet treats. This is a fun way for you to try new recipes and your lucky pet gets to be the taste tester! Plus you can brush up on your pet's tricks with these tasty incentives.

10. Snuggle up and watch a pet movie. Some pets are stimulated and interested when are other animals on the TV, and of course they will enjoy being close to their favorite person.

Every year, we go through the same motions of planning New Years resolutions for ourselves: lose weight, eat healthy, travel, spend more time with friends and family. However, what many people don't realize is that their pets may need some goals set for them as well!

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to ensure a happier and healthier life for your pet. Try to work some of these resolutions into your plans:

1. Train your pet. This year, teach your pet a new trick or two. Many pets enjoy mental challenges to give their brain some exercise, plus it's good bonding time for you and your pet.

2. Slim down that fat dog or cat. Pet obesity is a growing problem that leads to many health issues down the road. These health issues can be potentially expensive and life threatening.

3. Get your pet into a routine. If you have a new puppy or kitten, practice getting them used to regular feeding times and potty times. This will reduce the frequency of "accidents" if they know when they can expect their next visit to the "bathroom".

4. Kick bad habits. If your pet has separation anxiety, check out some of these tips on how to alleviate the problem. If your pet is a beggar at the dinner table, train him to wait in his bed or space until your meal is finished, and stop feeding table scraps altogether.

5. Make a new pet friend. If your pet is friendly with other pets, introduce him to a new playmate and let them romp around together.

6. Resolve to get out more. Take your pet on more regular walks, to the park, or just let them roam in the backyard more frequently. The new sites and smells keep them busy and are a real treat.

7. Play more. Set aside some extra time each day to play with your pet, whether it be throwing a ball, tug-of-war, or dangling a string throughout the house. This is a great way to give them two things they love: toys and your attention.

8. Give back to the community. Take in a foster pet for a week or volunteer at your local pet shelter to give back to homeless pets.

9. Clean up clutter. Go through that pile of pet toys and get rid of those that your pet no longer plays with.

10. Get your pet checked and vaccinated. Be sure your pet is up to date on the latest vaccinations, and flea and heartworm medications. Also schedule your pet's regular checkups to ensure they are in tip-top shape!

Good luck and Happy New Year!