10 New Year's Resolutions for Dogs and Their Parents

1. Put Safety First

By taking the right safety measures for your dog, you can start the new year off on the right foot. If necessary, the first step is to update your dog's ID tags. You should also think about microchipping your dog.

2. Try a New Activity

Your routine can be broken up with a range of fresh activities. To practice better behavior, learn new tricks, or connect with other dog enthusiasts like you, think about enrolling in a dog training school.

3. Teach Your Dog a New Trick

With some patience and a few treats, you can help teach your best friend a whole new skill. Not only will this give them a new skill, but your dog will also appreciate you for all the attention and love you give him during the process.

4. Don't Forget to Visit Your Vet

An annual check for heartworms is standard, while precautions like vaccines and booster shots can help protect your dog from common illnesses.

5. Exercise More

Take 15 minutes to get outside and go for a walk, throw a frisbee around, or play at the dog park. Daily walks come with a variety of health benefits for your dog.

6. Eat Right

Your dog’s breed, size, and activity level should all be taken into consideration when choosing the right food. This new year, consider using a measuring cup for each meal so your dog doesn’t eat too much or too little.

7. Don’t Forget to Groom Your Dog

The start of a new year is the ideal moment to commit to a regular grooming schedule. Regular grooming improves the general health and happiness of your dog.

8. Make More Time for Play

Training and exercise are great, but sometimes a dog just needs some simple playtime. Buy a few new toys and have them on-hand for those indoor days.

9. Remember Doggy Dental Care

Neglecting your dog’s grin doesn’t just result in bad dog breath, it can also negatively impact a dog’s overall health.

10. Make New Friends

Think of fostering or adopting a shelter dog — if you are a one-dog family, not only will your dog enjoy the company, but you can both help socialize the shelter dog.