New Year’s is the time of year that people decide to better themselves. Yet, if you’re a dog lover like me, it’s hard to better yourself without thinking about your furry friend too. So, I decided to come up with a list of dog New Year’s resolutions that apply specifically to dog parents.
If you’re still looking for some great resolutions this year, consider some of the following so you can improve your dog’s life along with your own.
New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Parents
New Year’s resolutions can involve just about anything. So, it can be overwhelming to choose what types of habits to focus on. If you’re a dog parent, it just makes sense to include some resolutions that benefit your dog. After all, there are always ways to make your dog’s life better, even if they’re already extremely loved and pampered.
Below are some dog New Year’s resolutions that will keep both you and your dog happy in the new year.
Stick to a Training Routine
All dogs benefit from training, even the best-behaved dogs in the world. Of course, training is a great way to teach your dog new skills and maintain the commands they already know. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog and provide mental stimulation. Sticking to a consistent training schedule can keep your dog happy, content, and well-behaved.
My dog loves when we have little training sessions, but I definitely don’t conduct them as regularly as I should. I have a feeling a lot of dog parents are the same way, so working on training more often in the new year is a great resolution to benefit you and your dog.
Learn New Tricks/Commands
If you already train your dog frequently, consider teaching them new, more advanced tricks and commands. Many dog parents like to teach the basic commands and then stop there. After all, many advanced tricks are just for fun, not for everyday practicality.
But training should be fun for your dog. And every time they learn something new, it helps keep their mind busy and makes them feel closer to you. So, it’s always beneficial to teach them new things. Come up with a list of complex tricks that you’d like them to learn and make it a goal to teach them to your dog in the new year.
With a whole year to learn these tricks, you can take your time and have your dog learn them at their own pace. If your dog isn’t getting it, try breaking it down in smaller steps first. Sometimes, using a clicker can help make the process easier.
Spend More Quality Time with Your Dog
This is an easy resolution that every dog parent should put on their list. Dogs have much shorter lives than humans, so it’s important for us to cherish every moment with them. Life can get busy, so don’t forget to set aside some time to just snuggle with your dog or play tug-of-war without anything else distracting you.
In a time where screens are so prevalent in society, it’s easy to sit in front of a TV or scroll through our phone while petting our dogs. But sometimes, it feels really great to give your dog your undivided attention so they can feel extra loved. Whenever I take time to do that, I know it makes both me and my dog happier.
Keep up with Dog Dental Care
Let’s be honest - dog dental care is something most of us can do better with. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, it’s best to brush your dog’s teeth twice daily just like humans do. At the very least, you should brush your dog’s teeth three times per week. Even then, many dog parents don’t do that.
I try to brush my dog’s teeth as much as possible, but she really hates it. I’m sure many other dog parents avoid it because of their dog’s reluctance. Yet, my dog had to have teeth pulled recently, and that maybe could’ve been avoided if I’d gotten into a teeth brushing routine earlier in her life.
Dental disease is extremely common in adult dogs. The bacteria from dental disease can spread to other areas of your dog’s body and cause other health complications. So, brushing their teeth regularly (and using other items like dental chews) can help them live longer, healthier lives. And what better time to start a dental care routine than the new year?
Work on Weight Management
If your dog is overweight, coming up with a plan to help them reach a healthy weight is a great dog New Year’s resolution. Doing so can help your dog live longer and avoid other health problems. Plus, if your plan involves walking your dog more often, it can help you stay active too.
To find out if your dog is an ideal weight, check out a weight chart for dogs or talk to your vet. Ideally, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without them being easily visible. Your vet can give you personalized advice for how much your dog should weigh and how you can get them to their weight goals.
This resolution can also apply to a dog that needs to gain weight. Many of the dogs I’ve fostered are underweight because of unfortunate pasts, so anyone who adopts an underweight dog should commit to helping them gain healthy weight.
Splurge When it Comes to Your Dog’s Health
Life can get expensive. So, we tend to avoid spending money on things that don’t seem necessary. But if there’s one area to spend extra money on, it’s your dog’s health.
At the bare minimum, make sure your dog gets their routine health exam and vaccines. However, if there’s some type of health expense you’ve been putting off, consider doing it this year. Maybe you want to buy your dog better food or maybe they’re due for a professional dental cleaning. Maybe you need to hire a behavioral trainer to help your dog’s well-being.
I understand how expensive dog health care can be, but sometimes, it can greatly improve their life if you do it. So, if you can afford it, consider improving your dog’s health in ways that you’ve been avoiding. Even something as small as adding a supplement your vet suggests could make them happier and healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Calm Your Dog on New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s fireworks and parties can be overwhelming for dogs. Keep your dog in a quiet, safe space if possible and exercise them before the festivities so they’ll sleep better. If your dog is overly anxious, talk to your vet about medications and supplements that might help them.
Can I Wash My Dog on New Year’s Day?
It’s up to you. Many people believe washing your dog on New Year’s Day will cause bad luck and/or bad spirits. It’s up to you to decide if you want to follow that or not.
Is There a Dog Show on New Year’s Day?
The AKC National Championship Dog Show occurs on January 1st. It usually airs on ABC.
Stick with Your Dog New Year’s Resolutions
Committing to a New Year’s resolution for yourself can be tricky, but if your resolution involves doing something for someone else, it’s often easier to achieve it. And your dog definitely deserves to benefit from some resolutions this year.
By following some of the dog New Year’s resolutions mentioned above, you can help your dog stay happier and healthier. I love finding new ways to improve my dog’s life so she can stay healthy and live longer. And even though resolutions are popular at the start of the year, these are great things to follow year-round.