As we approach the New Year, it’s the time when we start to think about setting resolutions and goals for the year ahead. Not only can you make personal goals, but as a dog owner, you can think about what you want to achieve with your dog too. From strengthening your bond to new obedience skills to creating better habits, setting resolutions will help you keep on track. 

Our guide will give you some inspiration on which New Year’s Resolutions for your dog to create!

Advancing Dog Training 

One of the main goals of a dog owner is often to have a fully trained dog. In the New Year, you can set some goals on what commands or ‘tricks’ you would like to teach your dog. For dogs that have some training, you start by adding more obedience commands, as this will help you in day-to-day life or when out on a walk. Try out our handy guides below: 

Training To Address Behaviour 

Dog training doesn’t just have to be your dog knowing commands, but you could also address behavioural issues. This could be separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing, constant digging or reactive behaviour. 

These might not happen all the time, it could be one or two instances on a walk, however, it is good to get ahead and reverse these behaviours. If you start in January, consistent training will make a significant difference by the end of the year.   

Exercise With Dogs 

Dogs need exercise to maintain their health, but owners can often get stuck in a rut with their routine. Depending on the breed, some breeds need more exercise and some need less but trying to be consistent around a busy schedule means sometimes there may be time restrictions and going on the same walking routes. In the New Year, you can plan new walking routes and see how your dog reacts! 

Try New Activities 

Mental stimulation is also important for dogs. Besides walking, there are lots of ways you can blend these two through new games or activities with your dog. For example, you can play more fetch, set up a mini agility course, play tug of war or hide and seek with treats.  

Improve Socialisation 

Dog socialisation is important to do from an early age if possible, as it reduces bad behaviours when seeing other dogs or people around. It also helps improve behaviours when others come into your home too. 

Focus On Your Bond 

Busy schedules can often mean we go through the motions with dog tasks and lose sight of developing our bond. Making New Year’s resolutions for your dog will improve your overall bond, as you will be spending more time together and understanding each other’s body language and behaviour patterns more. 

Setting Boundaries 

Boundary setting is important for improving your bond with your dog. You may be overlooking little or frequent irritating behaviours that you would prefer to undo. Setting yourself a roadmap for next year to address these will be key to reinforcing boundaries in your home.  

Focus On Nutrition 

To pair with your new exercise routine, it is also a good time to look into dog nutrition. Looking into new brands or ingredients could help your dog:

  • Improve their coat/ fur to be shiny and healthy
  • Stronger immune system 
  • Help digestion 
  • Reduce the risk of deficiencies 
  • Help weight management 
  • Improve dental health 
  • Increase energy levels  

Schedule Regular Check-Ups 

Keeping on top of your dog’s health will help them thrive and improve their quality of life. Scheduling a health check-up if you haven’t for a while will give you peace of mind or catch any health problems early. This can form the basis of your new routine if there are any recommendations to improve your dog’s health. 

Grooming Appointments 

Dog grooming is also an essential part of taking care of your dog but can be often done on an ‘as and when’ basis. Putting in regular appointments can help maintain a healthy coat and appearance, including: 

  • Prevents matting and tangles 
  • Reduces shedding
  • Removes dirt and debris that is missed
  • Help or spot any skin conditions 
  • Protecting paw pads 
  • Prevents infection and irritation  

Contact A&T Trained Dogs 

If you’re making New Year’s resolutions for you and your dog this year, see how A&T Trained Dogs can help you. From specialist dog training to dog grooming to general behavioural advice, our expert team can help you along the way. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587315 for more information.