The new year doesn't have to mean a whole new you, and honestly, your dog wouldn't want that anyway! They love you just as you are.
But, when a new year starts, it's often a time when we think about making some positive changes and trying out some new things. Why not do the same for your dog?
Read on for 8 fun ideas for New Year's resolutions you and your pooch can enjoy together.
The “Why” Before the “How”
The very first thing to think about is why you want to make a particular change with your dog. There should be a purpose behind it all.
For example, we train “Leave it” so that they don't grab something they shouldn't, like that half-eaten sandwich on the path. Recall so that we can call them back if they're in a potentially dangerous situation. And “drop it” helps us get back our things without a game of chase.
There's always a reason for what we teach our pets, even if it's simply “because it's enjoyable”. Anyone who's taught the play dead trick knows that sometimes, the most fun is the best reason.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
You've probably tried all sorts of things to make sure you drink enough water each day. But what about your dog? It's just as important for them to stay properly hydrated.
Make sure your dog always has access to a bowl of clean water. It's a good habit to change the water regularly, especially if it's looking slimy or just not quite fresh.
If they're still not drinking enough, you can add small amounts of water-rich foods to their diet. A small piece of seedless watermelon, for example, is a tasty way to add some extra water, and if they're not that keen, some dogs love a bit of cucumber instead. It's nice and crunchy for them.
When the weather warms up, try making them some homemade frozen dog treats, like a simple fruit ice lolly, to help boost their water intake. Just be sure to give only small amounts of fruit or veg at a time, and don't introduce too many new things at once to prevent digestive issues. If you're not sure if something is safe for them, best to contact your vet before you offer it.
Speaking of hydration, if you see your dog not drinking at all or they’ve stopped urinating, you need to get them to a vet ASAP – that's important.
Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight
If you want your dog to be in tip-top condition, then maintaining a healthy weight is essential. It’s not always easy though, as many dog owners will tell you.
Actually, a 2024 report from UK Pet Food (previously known as the PFMA) shows that about half of all dogs in the UK are either overweight or obese. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) also estimates that almost half of our dogs are carrying too much weight.
While it might be lovely to see our dogs enjoying a bit of food from the table, it's not always the best thing for them. So, it's worth being mindful about what your dog eats, both at meal times and for snacks.
Choose healthy treats and long-lasting chews that are made with natural ingredients and don't have any artificial preservatives, salt, or added sugar. Once you've found a natural dog treat they love, remember to give them in moderation because it's easy for all those treats throughout the day to add up.
Plan to Get Some Good Walks in With Your Dog
We can all agree that our dogs will never turn down a walk, even if it's the same old route around the block. Dog walking is brilliant for both you and your dog to get a bit fitter. Ideally, most dogs need about four walks of around 30 minutes each day. Some breeds and ages might need more or less than that, though.
If four walks a day seem a bit much to fit into your schedule, start with two and make the most of that time. We spend a lot of time on our phones these days, and it’s easy to use a walk to scroll through Instagram or make calls. But, to really make the most of it for you and your dog, try to focus on them during these walks. Every walk is a good chance to work on recall – make them sit and look at you at every corner or road crossing. This helps with their recall which is important when they’re excited.
While letting your dog have a good sniff around is part of a dog’s walk, if they’re always sniffing and marking they aren’t going to get the exercise they need. So, let them explore the environment, but keep up a good pace to benefit you both. To discourage endless sniffing, try not to let them have the full lead length.
Shorten it enough so that you can keep control without holding them back too much. Getting your dog used to walking on a shorter lead is also important for safe walking, especially in busy areas. You might know your dog is friendly, but you never know about the other dogs!
Now, for the gear, you'll LOVE our fantastic range of walking dog essentials designed to make walkies extra fun. Made with recycled plastic bottles to lovely handmade leather options, you'll be sure your dog is comfortable, safe, and looks smart on every walk.
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Help Your Dog Make New Friends
Socialising is an essential part of any dog’s life and of course, despite all their love for us, they also need canine pals.
Try arranging regular playdates with dogs from your family or friends, or visit a local dog park where your pet can meet new companions. If your dog is shy or missed out on socialising as a puppy, try walking them near the park before letting them join the other dogs. It’s worth remembering that it's never too late to help your dog make friends.
Mix Up Your Dog's Eco-Friendly Toys
Bear in mind that your dog's eco-friendly toys don't need to be shiny and new from the store. What's important is that they're new to your dog – something they haven't encountered recently or perhaps for quite a while.
Make it your goal this year to regularly change the toys your pet can access. This way, they will have different things to chase, engage with, or enjoy chewing on.
Time to Start Brushing Those Teeth
Regular dental check-ups are important, but great at-home care takes it to the next level. For this New Year's resolution for your dog, you can focus on building good toothbrushing habits in your daily life.
To keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy, they need a thorough brushing at least once a day. You can help make your brushing more effective by using a high-quality eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush with a dual head and organic toothpaste.
As important as the brushing is, so is the way you do it, the scrubbing action helps to remove plaque and tartar from their teeth. When brushing your dog’s teeth, use gentle pressure and move the brush in small, circular motions to help reduce plaque at and below the gum line.
Plan Adventures Together
If you want to make things exciting for your pooch, why not plan your dog's New Year's resolutions around fun and adventure?
Every couple of months, try a new activity together – maybe driving to a new town to check out a different dog park, going for a swim in a lake, exploring some dog-friendly trails in your area, staying in a hotel or holiday let that welcomes dogs, or even just picking a new area of the neighbourhood for your walks.
Changing things like this can give you and your dog a fresh outlook, a good laugh, and loads of interesting sights and smells.
Here's to a Brilliant Year Ahead
Do any of these ideas sound like something you’d like to try? What else might you add to the list? What are your dog's resolutions? Give us a follow @sparkly_tails and pop us a DM – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Happy New Year from all of us at Sparkly Tails!
