We’re now into 2025, and the start of a new year can often be a time when we make plans, goals, and resolutions. You might think you’ve missed the boat, but there’s no time like the present.
Many of us will have made resolutions like learning a new language or exercising more regularly, but what about making some pet-owner-specific New Year’s resolutions with your dog, too? It might not be something you’ve thought about in the past, but doing so can help strengthen your bond with your pup and share plenty of fun together, too.
Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has offered five examples of resolutions to give us some inspiration – what do you think?
1. Take them on an adventure: Is there anything better than spending some quality time with your dog and giving them a nice change of scenery – particularly if the winter weather has meant they’ve been spending more time closer to home recently? Here’s some advice on how to road trip with your dog.
2. Teach your dog some tricks: If you want to exercise your pup’s brain and have some fun at the same time, be sure to teach them some cool tricks. Here are some quick and easy tricks to teach your dog.
3. Upgrade their diet: “Whether it’s a topper or a full meal, raw is as good as it gets!” says Goodman.
The benefits of raw dog food are often debated by vets, however, and there are other ways to upgrade your pup’s diet, depending on what’s best for them.
4. Try a new activity: Opt for something that might be fun for both you and your dog. There are so many different activities out there, so why not try these hobbies you can do with your dog and see how you get on?
5. Work toward better dental care: "It’s something that gets overlooked and forgotten about a lot, but is really important,” explains Goodman in her caption. “This is something I have slipped on a little bit and something I am definitely going to try to improve on this year to keep my dog’s teeth clean and healthy, and her breath smelling fresh.”
Do you have any other ideas? These ways to build more fun into your dog’s routine could be worth trying, as might these ways to workout with your pet. You might also find this article useful: I gave my working dog a job and it transformed our relationship.
