New Year's Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Tackle the New Year with your furry friend!

Happy New Year everyone! 

New Year’s Resolutions can be hard to keep–we’ve all had the experience of promising to stick with it all year, but running out of steam in mid-February. Let’s make it super easy with some fun, simple pet-related resolutions that you’ll love to keep!

Teach Your Dog A New Trick

Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month? That’s right, you’re not the only one who can learn a little personal discipline for the New Year. Training your dog can be super rewarding, as well as potentially life-saving in an emergency situation. Everyone knows the basics: Sit, Down, Come, and Stay. There are lots of other basic commands you can use to improve your relationship with your dog, though. If you use a kennel or carrier, consider teaching your dog “Kennel” or “Go to Bed”, this can make travel, vet visits, or your bedtime routine much simpler. If your dog is all over the place during walks, pulling on the leash and running towards other people, dogs, and animals, you can use commands like “heel” or “with me” to help them refocus and stay by your side. 

If your dog is already a master of these obedience skills, they can still benefit from learning new commands. Some dogs will be able to learn tricks, like spinning in a circle, putting their front paws up for a hug, or running through agility courses. You can also teach your dog individual names for different toys, and train them to bring a specific toy on command! While these skills might not be necessary for keeping your dog safe, learning new tricks can be super rewarding for your pup. When they get the trick right, make sure to act super excited and praise them (as well as giving them a tasty treat), that way they will learn that following commands will make you happy. Dogs are super social animals, and they love the feeling of a job well done! 

Go On More Walks (With Your Best Friend)

One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is to get more exercise. If you have a busy life and work a job at a desk, this can be one of the toughest resolutions to keep, too. It’s always easier to keep promises if you have someone to share it with, though! Consider making a resolution to take your dog on more, longer walks. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of walking each day can have great health benefits for both you and your pup! For your dog, long walks might be their only opportunity to exercise not just their body, but their brain too. When you’re out on a walk, your dog is taking in tons of sounds, smells, and sights that they don’t get anywhere else, which can keep their brains sharp, prevent boredom and depression, and reduce their anxiety when they encounter new things in the future. 

You could also try getting out for even longer walks, on occasion. Healthy, fit dogs can usually go out on hikes for as long as two hours when the weather is good! You could make it a habit to bring your dog to a nature trail or state park to enjoy a few hours out in nature. Remember that older dogs, brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, and those with certain health conditions may not be able to exercise for quite as long, and adjust the length of your walks accordingly. Take extra precautions if the weather is hotter, colder, or wetter than usual, and always bring lots of water for both you and your pup to drink!

Spend Time Playing With Your Cat

Most dogs will make sure you know when they want to play–they’re not afraid to make a fuss or start running around the house like they’re training for the Olympics! Lots of cats, however, are content to be a couch potato pretty much 24/7. That doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t need any exercise though! Cats should get a total of 30-40 minutes of daily play spread out in increments of about 10 minutes each. Try starting out a session with a laser pointer or cat wand to encourage active play, and encourage them to run up and down stairs or climb their cat tower. Make sure to end play by giving them a tangible prize, such as a treat, a meal, or a kicker toy full of catnip. This simulates the experience of hunting, and will make playtime more rewarding and fulfilling for your cat.

Get a Little More Quality Time

Even if you’re just hanging out on the couch, spending some dedicated time socializing with your pet can improve your mental health, and theirs too! Petting or cuddling your furry friend can help you feel happier, more connected, and less lonely. Humans (and dogs, and yes, even cats) are social animals that crave positive, affectionate interactions with other living things. When grooming or brushing your pet’s fur, both your brains will release bonding hormones that help you feel happier and more relaxed. Pets can even benefit from hearing your voice! Both dogs and cats respond positively to the sound of their favorite humans talking to them, and some will even try to chat back with their own little sounds. The best part is that if you’re venting to your pet, you know they’re not going to gossip about you to anyone else.

Do you have a busy year ahead? Worried that your pup isn’t going to make their New Year’s exercise goals? Consider adding daily walks with a Professional Dog Walker into your dog’s routine. If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, spend more time with family, or take a few more weekends out of town, Kaitlyn’s Kuddles Pet Services can keep your pets company while you take on all your new goals. Book Now!