Happy New Year!
A New Approach To “Resolutions”
There’s a reason why New Year’s Resolutions fizzle out, often within days. There’s an irresistible euphoria that comes with the prospect of starting the year with a fresh slate. However, this also causes people to set their sights way too high, which adds up to unrealistic expectations.
That’s why we take a different approach.
This year, instead of committing to grandiose resolutions, like hitting the gym every day, we would like to invite you to create bite-sized goals instead. What? You read that right: bite-sized goals. This helps set a clear and manageable intention, which adds up to new habits that last the whole year – and longer!
But that’s not the only thing we do differently. We also partner with our dogs. Like most things, dogs make everything better, even when you’re working on self-improvement.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Get More Exercise
How often have you resolved to exercise more? Or worse yet, every day? While it’s true that regular physical activity is essential for your health, start with baby steps that include your dog instead.
For example, set a goal to get 10 minutes of exercise with your dog every day. This could be a brisk walk around the block, chasing each other back and forth indoors, or playing a rousing game of hide-and-seek.
No matter which heart-pumping activity you choose, your dog (and your health!) will thank you for it.
Eat Better
Do you pledge year after year to eat better, only to fail miserably a few weeks in? Completely revamping your diet takes time, especially if you want to learn new habits that last.
Instead, try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your plate each week. While you explore, try options you can share with your dog!
Not sure where to start? Here’s a pet-friendly list to kick things off:
- Apples without the core or seeds
- Bananas
- Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cucumbers
- Mango
- Pears without the seeds
- Peeled pineapple
- Watermelon without the seeds or rind
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green beans
- Peas
Remember, fresh fruits and veggies contain fiber, so share these nutritious morsels in small amounts first to avoid gas or tummy upset. You can also add these items to frozen Kongs or other enrichment activities.
Learn a New Skill
Learning something new is beneficial at any age, whether you’re a human or a dog. So, why not double down on the benefits and learn something new together?
The idea of dog training can feel overwhelming, but spending as little as 5-10 minutes a day can provide results. And don’t worry – it can be fun!
Quick and simple training activities we love include Find It, Hide-and-Seek, and Fetch. It’s also fun working on tricks together, like Touch and Shake.
You can even form a bridge with your legs and teach dogs to jump over or go under them, depending on their size. Simply sit on the floor with your legs bent or elevated on a sturdy chair or couch. Then, lead them over or under the “bridge” with kibble, a treat, or their favorite toy.
An added bonus? You can use this new game at mealtime to burn off excess energy, one piece of kibble at a time – and it often takes less than 10 minutes!
Are you ready to create goals for the new year that last? Start small, make them manageable, and include your dog!
