7 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog!

By Sarah Hinds Friedl on January 23rd, 2023

It’s 2023 and many of us have actively decided not to write New Year’s Resolutions. But don’t worry, these 7 resolutions aren’t for you, they’re for your dog! So you know they’re going to be fun and easy-to-accomplish. And hey, they might just make this year a little bit better for you, too.

Here are some great New Year’s Resolutions that your dog will love to keep:

#1: Spend more time with friends
Your doggo might already have what seems like one million friends, of both the two-legged and four-legged variety. But the truth is, they could always use more quality friend time! Take the opportunity to call up a furbuddy or have a few dog-loving friends over for dinner. It will do you both some good!

#2: Keep learning new tricks
We say it all the time, but old dogs really can learn new tricks. And, setting aside a few extra minutes a day or throughout the week to work on new training goals is a great way to kick off 2023. Not only will it strengthen the bond between you and your pup, but it will also keep them mentally active. Take a look at our back catalog for some ideas for simple tricks you can teach your dog this year.

#3: Get back to basics
To be sure, learning new tricks is exciting. But, it’s also a good idea to review some of your dog’s fundamental training this year, too. Mastery of commands like stay, stop, drop it, and come, are important for your dog’s safety. And, reviewing them periodically can boost your doggo’s confidence, too!

Reinforcing these tricks doesn’t have to be a bore. You can pepper them throughout the day instead of scheduling a long block of training. Maybe, for instance, you can have your dog sit and stay before giving them their meals. Or, you can work on drop it while playing a game of tug. These little reminders will make sure that your dog instantly follows instructions when you really need them to!

#4: Take the stairs
Stairs are the perfect opportunity to give your dog (and yourself!) a little bit more exercise. So, if you live in an apartment building, make a commitment in 2023 to use the elevator less.

Of course, we should note that some doggos struggle more with stairs than others. If you have a senior dog or a little guy like a Dachshund, you certainly don’t want to force them up the stairs. Instead, you might seek out more gradual inclines, such as a hilly area of the dog park. They’ll still benefit from the physical challenge of walking uphill but without the high impact of stairs.

#5: Brush those teeth
Maybe one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to spend more time cuddling with your pooch. We’re absolutely on board for that one! And, if you’re going to be snuggled up snoot to snoot on the couch, you’re going to want to make sure your dog is practicing good dental hygiene.

By brushing your dog’s teeth for just a few minutes per day or every few days, you can help lower plaque buildup and freshen their breath. 

But hey, we get it. Whether you’re short on time during the day or your dog has determined that the tooth brush is their arch nemesis, daily brushing isn’t always feasible. The good news is, recent studies have found that high quality dental chews can also help to lower the risk of periodontal disease. The bad news is, you’ll have to consider whether the extra calories are an appropriate trade-off. Overall, brushing is the way to go, if you can convince your dog to get onboard with this New Year’s Resolution.

#6: Say yes to adventures
No matter if you’ve got a young pup or a relaxed older dog, we can bet their ears will perk up at the idea of having more adventures this year. Maybe this means packing up the car and taking your pup on a camping trip. Or perhaps it means enrolling your senior dog in some gentle water aerobics classes. Whatever kind of fun, new experience you can provide your doggo, they’ll be sure to thank you.

One way to make this New Year’s Resolution come true is to sit down and plan one new adventure every month. And, you don’t have to organize some extravagant dog-friendly vacation (unless you want to!) Instead, consider some small ways to introduce your dog to something new every month. Maybe you can introduce them to a game of frisbee if they’ve only ever played fetch with a tennis ball. Or you might consider taking them to a dog-friendly hiking trail that they’ve never been to.

And, remember that whenever you’re planning an outing with your furry co-pilot, you can keep them safely in the car with BreezeGuard Screens. This safety measure is great for every car ride, but it can be especially useful when taking your dog to new places where they might be more excited and tempted to stick their head out the window than normal.

#7: Remember to live in the present
Mindfulness is one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions for us humans. But, the fact is, your pupper can teach you a thing or two about staying in the present moment in 2023. If you can commit to spending more quality time with your dog this year, you both will reap the benefits of mindfulness. 

So, put your phone down and pick up a toy! It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy every moment you have with your pup as part of your New Year’s Resolution!

Want more on doggy resolutions? 
Take a look at our post from last year for some clever resolutions your dog has for you!

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