New Year’s Resolutions That Include Your Dog

The New Year is here and along with a new number being assigned to the calendar, we’ve also got the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions. Now don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve never been too good at sticking to New Year’s resolutions either. We have a tendency to start a new habit for a couple of weeks before quickly forgetting about it and fixating on something else too.

So this year, we thought we’d try something a little different. We thought we’d try and take up a New Year’s resolution that involves our dogs – that way, we might be a little more dedicated to keeping it up for a whole twelve months.

Whether it’s getting more active, learning new skills, or simply enjoying life together, we’ve come up with some playful New Year’s resolutions that will not only benefit you, but also your adorable pup. These are all fun ways to strengthen your bond and keep you both happy and healthy all year long.

I’m sure we’ve all had "exercise more" on our New Year’s resolution list at least once in our lives. But it’s not easy taking up a new sport or paying for a gym subscription. So, this year, turn it into a shared adventure with your pup. Hitting 10,000 steps each day is a fantastic goal for both you and your furry friend, and it’s way more fun when you’re doing it together.

Long walks, scenic hikes, and even quick strolls around the neighbourhood help keep you both happy and healthy. Dogs thrive on regular exercise, and they’ll love the chance to explore, sniff, and burn off some energy with you.

• Comfortable Leads & Harnesses: To hit your 10,000 steps safely, be sure your pup is fully kitted out with a well-fitted harness and a sturdy dog lead. Here at WOOOF, we have a huge range of durable harnesses and leads to suit dogs of all sizes including hands-free leads for added convenience.
• Weather-Proof Accessories: Rain or shine, your pup will be ready to roll with water-resistant collars, reflective leashes for nighttime strolls, and cosy jackets for chilly mornings. This way, you’ll have no excuse for breaking your New Year’s resolutions simply because the weather isn’t agreeable.

Is this the year your dog finally masters roll over, play dead, or even fetch the post? Teaching your pup a new trick is a fun and rewarding goal for the New Year. It strengthens your bond, gives your dog some mental stimulation, and earns them (and you) some well-deserved bragging rights.

Start small and keep training sessions short and fun. Dogs learn best in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes, so don’t overdo it but keep it a regular part of your routine until they’ve nailed it. And of course, positive reinforcement is key so make sure to use treats, praise, or playtime as rewards.

• Tasty Treats: High-value treats are a must for any training session. Soft treats are great for quick rewards, while treat pastes can be an easy (and less messy) way to keep your dog’s attention.
• Treat Pouches: Keep your hands free and treats within reach with a handy treat pouch. These are perfect for on-the-go training or when you’re out walking (and hitting those 10,000 steps) and you need to reward recall and heel.
• Clickers or Training Tools: Clicker training can be a game-changer for teaching tricks. By pressing the clicker and making a distinctive sound, then giving your dog a treat straight after, your dog will soon associate the sound of the click with a treat. Your pup is incredibly smart, so they’ll catch on in no time!

One New Year’s resolution that involves your dog is to make a promise you’ll improve your enrichment game. Did you know dogs need more than just physical exercise to be happy? They also need mental stimulation and problem-solving activities.

That’s where enrichment comes in! Enrichment toys for dogs keep your pup engaged, entertained, and out of trouble. They’re especially useful if your dog tends to get bored quickly or has some bad habits – like eating shoes or barking at the neighbours!

• Lick Mats: Spread some peanut butter, yoghurt, or dog-safe paste on a lick mat to keep your dog busy and calm. It’s a great way to soothe anxious pups, especially during stressful moments like grooming, fireworks or social gatherings.
• Treat Dispensers & Puzzle Toys: Treat-dispensing toys challenge your pup to think and work for their food. Plus, they’re perfect for days when you’re busy or stuck inside because of bad weather.
• Snuffle Mats: These mats mimic the natural foraging behaviour of dogs, encouraging them to sniff out treats hidden in the fabric. It’s basically a nose-powered game of hide and seek!

If one of your New Year’s resolutions involves travelling more than why not bring your furry co-pilot along for the ride. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip, a weekend camping adventure, or exploring nearby hiking trails, there are plenty of ways to include your pup in your travel plans.

Dogs love new sights, sounds, and smells, so any adventure becomes a treat for them. Exploring a new trail, visiting a dog-friendly park, or strolling through a bustling city can provide endless enrichment for their senses. Just be sure to pack the right gear to keep them comfortable and happy on the go.

• Portable Water Bottles & Bowls: It’s super important your dog stays hydrated while adventuring, so be sure to stock up on collapsible dog water bowls and portable water bottles so there’s always water on hand when they need it.
• Travel Blankets: Your dog appreciates creature comforts just like us, so be sure to pack a cosy blanket or a travel bed so every overnight stay feels like home. This is especially important if your dog gets anxious staying anywhere new. The familiar smell of their bed will help them feel at home.
• Seat Covers & Safety Gear: Another important thing to keep in mind when travelling with your dog is to make sure they’re strapped safely in your car. We recommend having a crate or a pet seat belt and a car seat cover for dogs. Did you know Rule 57 of the Highway Code currently states that dogs must be suitably restrained while inside the vehicle? This is to ensure they won’t distract you and most importantly, are less likely to get injured should a collision take place.

Eating healthier is a classic New Year’s resolution, and there’s no reason your dog can’t join in, too. This year, focus on upgrading mealtime for both of you with nutritious, delicious options that make eating feel like a treat.

For your pup, this could mean adding tasty food toppers, supplements, or switching to a slow feeder for better digestion. For you, it could mean more home-cooked meals with whole, healthy ingredients. Before you know it, both you and your pup will be feeling healthier and happier all because of some simple changes in your diet.

• Food Toppers: Sprinkle on some nutritious toppers to add flavour and vitamins to your dog’s kibble. Freeze-dried meats or dog food toppers can make every meal feel gourmet and also add lots of essential nutrients that may otherwise be missing from their diet.
• Supplements: From joint health to shiny coats, supplements tailored to your dog’s needs can make a huge difference to their health. For example, turmeric for dogs can aid joint and digestive health while toppers like natural antler powder is high in protein, magnesium and iron for healthier kidneys and blood.
• Slow Feeders: If you have a dog that loves their food a little too much, a new year’s resolution to buy them a slow feeder bowl might just be what they need. Slow feeders are designed with deep bases, so mealtime is made a little harder and thus slower. It not only helps prevent bloating and overeating, but it adds some enrichment to mealtime.

We all deserve a little self-care, no matter whether you’re choosing it as one of your New Year’s resolutions or not. So this year, try and make some time to pamper both yourself and your pup. While you enjoy a face mask and a nice mug of hot chocolate, treat your dog to some extra TLC. Grooming your pup not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh, but it’s also a fantastic way to bond with them as you relax together.

• Shampoos & Conditioners: Treat your pup to a soothing bath with gentle, dog-friendly shampoos that leave their coat soft and shiny. If your pup dog isn’t a huge fan of baths, consider getting one of our suction lick mats for dogs. You can stick it to the side of the bath or shower, smother it in peanut butter and keep them distracted while you give them a good rinse down!
• Brushes & Grooming Tools: Regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat tangle-free and reduces shedding. Which hopefully also means less hoovering for you in the new year!
• Finger Toothbrushes: Don’t forget dental care! Finger toothbrushes and dog toothpaste make it easy to keep your dog’s teeth sparkling clean. We’ve written a blog previously all about dental hygiene for dogs, so be sure to give that a read for further tips and advice.
• Relaxing Sprays & Balms: Scented sprays or paw balms can help your dog unwind after a busy day. They also smell amazing, and with scents like lavender and camomile, they’ll help your dog relax if they’re feeling particularly anxious.

Another fun New Year’s resolution involves challenging yourself with a new hobby that you can enjoy with your dog. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure or an indoor game, new activities provide excitement, enrichment, and great bonding time.

Dogs, just like us, can get bored with the same old routine so trying something new keeps their minds sharp, reduces stress, and helps curb unwanted behaviours that often stem from boredom. Plus, shared activities allow you both to build trust and confidence together.

• Agility Training: Set up a simple agility course in your garden with tunnels, hurdles, and weaving poles. Or, if you don’t have anything to hand to create an outdoor agility course, create one inside using blankets, pillows and chairs!
• Canicross (Running Together): If you love running, canicross (running while your dog is harnessed) can be a fun way to keep fit together. Not only will it greatly benefit your dog’s physical health, but it’ll keep you fit too!
• Hide and Seek: One of our favourite activities for dogs to play at home, especially when the weather is particularly rubbish outside, involves playing hide and seek or creating a treasure hunt. You could hide yourself somewhere in your home and call your dog to come find you. Or, hide treats and toys around the house for your dog to find. These are fun ways to keep your dog’s mind active when outdoor play isn’t an option.

Sometimes, the best new year’s resolutions are the simplest, and in the theme of today’s blog, why not just simply plan to spend more time with your dog. Between work, errands, and social commitments, it’s easy to forget that our pups are waiting patiently for us to include them. This year, make it a priority to carve out intentional time just for you and your furry friend.

Quality time doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as cuddling on the couch for a film night or taking a few extra minutes in bed each morning for belly rubs. Dogs thrive on attention and affection, and activities like cuddling can lower stress for both of you while strengthening your bond.

• Film Nights: Snuggle up with blankets and healthy snacks and just be in each other’s presence. We recommend choosing some snacks both you and your pup can share like carrot sticks, apple slices and plain popcorn.
• Cuddle Sessions: There’s nothing better than just sitting, being in the moment and cuddling our dogs. Cuddling releases oxytocin in both humans and dogs which reduces anxiety and strengthens trust.

We believe New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be about cutting out fun or adding stress to your life. They should be fun, easy to stick to and beneficial to both you and the rest of your pack. It’s why including your dog in your New Year’s resolutions can make all the difference, as it makes it less about pressure and more about spending quality time with your best friend.

By incorporating your pup into your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not just making their life better but you’re enhancing your own. Dogs are masters of unconditional love and living life to the fullest, and they inspire us to do the same. This year, set aside time to create memories that you’ll both enjoy, whether that means hiking new trails, learning new tricks, or simply snuggling on the sofa after a long day. And don’t forget, we have all the essentials you need here at WOOOF to make your New Year a great one.

Here’s to a year full of wagging tails and smiling, slobbery faces. Happy New Year to you and your dog from everyone here at WOOOF.

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