12 Resolutions For Your Dog’s Best Year Yet

Many of us start January 1st first with a list of goals to better ourselves throughout the year. What if our furry, four-legged companions had resolutions of their own? Wouldn’t we do everything we could to help them live happier, healthier lives? As you step into 2020, consider buddying up with your dog on these goals to make this your best year together yet!

1) Get outside more – Even if it’s just to sniff around and not run circles around the neighborhood, getting fresh air regularly is great for lowering high blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, clearing toxins from lungs, and improving mood. Dogs are ruled by their noses, so it’s important mentally and physically for them to explore the outside world. By doing it together, you’ll both be happier and healthier.

2) Cuddle up – Co-sleeping isn’t for everyone, but healthy physical contact both at play and rest with your dog staves off depression and anxiety, reinforces your bond, provides a sense of safety, and improves sleep for both dog and human. Play a little fetch, then follow up with a cuddle or nap.

3) Share a healthy diet – Kibble is convenient just like prepackaged foods at the grocery store, but there can be lots of hidden and undesirable ingredients. Did you know that many foods healthy for humans are also healthy for your pup! Have some fun in the kitchen and fix the occasional meal both you and your fur buddy can share. Check out this video for inspiration:

4) Train better – Old dog can learn new tricks. Working together to learn new behaviors builds a stronger bond, works mind and body, and creates a safer and less stressful environment for you both.

5) Socialize more widely – It’s easy to get into routines and ruts, but interacting with new friends and exploring new environments is valuable stimulation and training for your dog. Give you dog a chance to learn how to behave with other dogs/animals and people they perhaps haven’t met before. Maybe take them to visit an elderly person or sick child who can’t get out, arrange play dates, or try out a different dog park.

6) Get more mentally stimulating toys – Depending on your dog’s breed and play style, they may benefit from an updated toy selection. There are endless varieties of treat dispensing toys, noisemakers, chasing toys, and puzzles. You can check out our list of recommendations here.

7) Wash toys and bedding more regularly – A good way to make sure your dog’s bedding is clean is to wash theirs whenever you wash yours. This reduces germs and allergens that can lead to respiratory and skin issues. Also add toy cleaning and checking for damage/hazards to our routine. Nobody wants to make an emergency vet call for mouth lacerations or choking.

8) Take them with you more often – More and more businesses and public spaces are becoming dog-friendly. Instead of leaving them at home, let your dog tag along to cafés, stores, the park, friends’ and family’s houses, fairs, the beach, camping, etc. We made a handy list of dog-friendly businesses for your reference here.

9) Get to/maintain a healthy weight – Dogs are just as susceptible to unhealthy weight gain as their human counterparts. Talk to your vet about how to achieve and maintain your dog’s ideal weight and resolve to be the healthiest you can be for each other.

10) Conquer bad habits – Chewing, jumping, humping, and aggression, are some of the most common and persistent behavioral issues people have with their dogs. But often a dog’s bad habits are directly related to their owner’s bad habits. Self-evaluate and figure out how the two of you might be feeding into each other’s negative behaviors.

11) Book checkup exams in advance so you stay up to date. Consider scheduling your own checkups and your dog’s vet visits around the same time for accountability.

12) Take a great picture – Get a great picture of you together. It’s a great keepsake for years to come.