How to make up for a year of nothing

I can absolutely relate to what you're going through. It's so frustrating when you feel like you're doing everything right but your pet's behavior just won't seem to improve. The good news is, there are some proven strategies that can help turn things around. The root of the issue is often what we call a "Foundation Reset" in our guide. When a pet's basic needs for mental and physical stimulation aren't being met, it can lead to destructive, anxious, or attention-seeking behaviors. Things like puzzle feeders, sniff walks, and fetch are great, but they may not be enough to truly satisfy a high-energy pup or a nervous dog. The first step is to ramp up that mental and physical exercise even more. Try incorporating our Seasonal Adaptation Strategy - this involves mixing up the type, duration, and intensity of activities to keep your pet engaged. You may need to experiment to find the right combination, but aim for at least 60-90 minutes per day of truly tiring them out. The Traffic Light System can help you identify their threshold and gradually increase the difficulty. Secondly, you'll want to focus on rewarding calm, relaxed behaviors. Use the Interrupt-Redirect-Reward framework - interrupt the unwanted behavior, redirect their attention to a toy or command, and immediately reward the new, desirable behavior. Be patient and consistent, and you should start seeing progress. Finally, evaluate the environment and remove any triggers that may be spiking their anxiety or boredom. Manage their access to areas like the couch and create a safe, calming space they can retreat to. When you get all these pieces in place, you'll start to see a dramatic shift. Your pet will be more relaxed, attentive, and responsive to training. The destructive, anxious habits will start to fade, and you'll be able to enjoy a deeper bond with your furry friend. Stick with it, and you'll be amazed at the transformation.