Five New Year's Resolutions to Share with Your Dog!
A Happy Poodle Playing in the Park
As the Holiday Season begins to wind down, there’s still one very important milestone left! Making your resolutions for the New Year!
Resolutions and the Success Rate
According to DiscoverHappyNewHabits.com, only “23% of survey participants planned on making new year’s resolutions” down from 31% last year. But sadly, only 9% (out of the 41% of Americans who made resolutions in 2016) felt they were successful in keeping their resolutions!
Statistics for New Year's Resolutions Over the First 6 Months
Why do People Fail to Keep New Year’s Resolutions?
People make too many unrealistic resolutions.
Some just forget; and
Others fail to track their progress or be accountable.
It’s often difficult to stay motivated and focused once commitments and responsibilities make their way back into our daily life after the holidays.
Also, it’s nearly impossible to stay motivated especially if you really don’t want to do the resolutions like eating healthy, losing weight and exercising more! How can you ensure you’ll stick to them?
10 New Year’s Resolutions for Dogs and Dog Owners.
The Perfect Accountability Partner
Beautiful White Poodle Looking Up at Cameras
An “accountability partner can motivate you to stay on track and keep you from losing sight of your goals.” For over 38% of American households, that accountability partner is laying at your feet and ready to keep you motivated! Yes, your dog!
Our dogs are not only loyal but they are always ready for a new adventure (resolution)! By participating with your dog, you can stay motivated and focused on achieving your new goals!
You don’t want to have to explain yourself to those sad puppy eyes, do you?
5 Dog-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions!
When it comes to health and exercise, it’s easy to include our furry best friends in the goals we want to achieve!
Woman and Poodle Enjoying the Ocean Surf
Cut out the junk food! Start the New Year by reviewing your daily diet and that of your dog! Make simple substitutions that are healthier for you and your dog. Instead of buying empty-calorie dog treats, substitute more fresh vegetables and fruits (in moderation due to the sugar) for your dog. Also, reduce the amount of human food you feed your dog. Remember, unprocessed, natural foods are much more healthy than highly processed foods when it comes to fat and sugar for both you and your pup!
Increase your activity! It’s always more fun to exercise with a buddy and you’d be hard-pressed to find a dog that would say “no” to an extra walk! Even a quick walk around the block helps manage weight, clear your mind and feel more in shape. Find new locations to explore for new sights and sounds both you and your dog will enjoy!
More Quality Time to Relax! Relaxation is critical for optimal health. So after that extra walk, cuddle up with your best friend and enjoy a nap together! Or spend some extra bonding with Fido with an extra brushing/petting session to get the feel-good hormones flowing!
Support a Local Dog Business! Give your dog a treat by enrolling them in a local doggie daycare for mental, physical and social stimulation! You’ll also be actively supporting a local business! Or when you’re too busy for that extra walk, hire a local dog walker to fill in for you. Or, hire a trainer to teach your dog a new sport or new skills.
More fun for Fido! Don’t you enjoy learning new things? Especially when it’s fun? Your dog feels the same way! Look into some enrichment toys, games or puzzles online or at your favorite retailer. Many of these toys can involve you and your dog or just your dog. Not familiar with these popular K9 products? “Check out “The Best Dog Enrichment Toys According to a Veterinarian.” You can also learn how to make enrichment toys like snuffle mats, hide-and-seek games (with red cups or muffin tins), hiding treats in an old stuffed dog toy or a tug-of-war toy with old t-shirts, towels or fabrics and many other toys!
A White Poodle Enjoying an Enrichment Game of Hide-and-Seek
Remember, your New Year’s Resolutions are not meant to be accomplished overnight! With consistent baby steps and your faithful best friend at your side, you can reach your goals (and beyond) with time!
All images are Courtesy of MobilityDog.
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