Before the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, humans everywhere in the US were already thinking about what their New Year resolutions may look like. But why should humans get to have all the resolution fun?
To help kick off the new year with some positive changes, Pawfit is sharing five top resolutions for dogs and their owners to consider as they roll into 2024.
Walking
While it may sound like a simple goal, walking is extremely important for pups and their families. Walk length and styles may vary from person to person, and that is ok. Whether you like to take it slow or to walk fast, the overall health benefits are undeniable. This important exercise can help reduce stress levels, improve physical and mental health, and provide ample socialization time resulting in happier and healthier pets.
Training
While your pup may have mastered “sit” and other simple commands, teaching them new ones or brushing up on older ones can have a great impact on both of your lives. Focus on one trick or command at a time until your pet has mastered it. This not only engages your pet but provides quality time together too. Well-trained dogs put visitors to your home at ease and can help keep your pet safer as they are better able to respond to your commands during urgent situations. Click here for our top tips on how to get the most out of your next training session with your dog.
Dare to be different
While routines can be important to pets, so is keeping your dog engaged and interested. It may be easier to take the same route and go the same distance with your pup every day, but mixing it up can be refreshing for the walker as well as the pup. Hopping in the car and driving five minutes away for a change of scenery on occasion is a great variation to the daily walk. Taking your time on a stroll and letting your dog sniff around can give them some exciting exploring time and all important mental stimulation. You could also change your routine to two really quick walks instead of one long one or vice versa, which will keep it interesting for both of you.
Take Health Goal Setting Seriously
While some resolutions are more short-lived than others, resolving to set goals that will last well into the year is a great way to keep on track. Start by analyzing your pup. Consider their age, current weight, and any other health issues they may have, and then set some realistic goals, and how you will reach them. If you have a pet location and activity tracker like the Pawfit 3s, you can easily keep on track by monitoring steps taken and goal progress, and adjust as necessary right at your fingertips.
Organize and keep it clean
Playtime and walks seem to take up the most amount of time for pet care, but take some time to look at all the areas of your home where your pet spends the most time. Do you have a toy bin for your pet to keep them organized? Sort through the ones that are no longer safe for your pet (or all played out) and give the area a good cleaning. Is there a better way to store their food or organize their feeding area? Setting a schedule or simply picking a day of the week to deep clean feeding bowls and the surrounding area can be important for the health of your pet and the entire household.
According to the American Kennel Club, walking and exercise have a strong link to the mental health and happiness of pets. With New Year’s Resolution time upon us and January being the official Walk Your Dog Month, the timing is perfect to get started. Team up with other pet parents and set goals to make 2024 the best year for you and your pup.
