As the New Year rolls in, now's the ideal time to set some fresh goals—for ourselves AND for our four-legged friends too! Keeping our dogs active is key to their physical health, mental stimulation, and overall happiness. Here are some fun, creative New Year’s resolutions to help you and your dog have an active and fulfilling year together.
1. Try New Walking Routes
It’s normal for us to fall into the routine of taking the same path every day, but an occasional change of scenery makes a nice change too. One of the Fox Red Labs we housesit every year is a real farm dog with access to most parts of the beautiful estate he lives on. Every once in a while though, I walk him off the property and through the houses of the nearby village. On these walks, his nose goes into overdrive as he takes in the scents of the resident dogs, cats, and litter bins. On the days we go on these excursions, I've noticed that he also takes himself off to bed a lot earlier, so I presume all the new smells and stimuli tire him out more than his breakneck hurtling through pastures and forests. So, let's get out in 2025 and discover new parks, nature reserves (on leash), and even urban trails.
2. Commit to Regular Playtime
From fetch to tug-of-war, regular play sessions are a fantastic way to burn off energy. If you’ve got a busy schedule, even a 15-minute game in the garden can make a huge difference to your dog’s day. For added variety, try introducing new toys or games like hide-and-seek with treats. A year ago, we looked after a labradoodle for six weeks while his owners enjoyed an long planned for holiday to Australia. In that month and a half, the dog and I fell into a habit of 15 minutes of tug-of-war with his rope toy just before his evening meal. By the time his owners returned, we'd worn out two of his original 'indestructible' toys.
3. Explore Dog Sports
If your dog has boundless energy, why not try a sport? Agility training, flyball, or dock diving are all excellent options that combine exercise with mental stimulation. Many clubs welcome beginners, so you can learn alongside your dog, while you both make new friends.
4. Set Up Playdates
Socialisation is just as important as physical activity. Arrange regular meetups with other dog owners so your pup can romp and wrestle with canine friends. Just be sure to choose playmates that match your dog’s size and energy level. If your dog's initial reaction isn't to immediately launch into play mode, that's okay too. Just like some people, many dogs need to engage at their own pace. Once they're comfortable with their new playmate, the zoomies will begin, have no fear.
5. Learn a New Command Every Month
Training isn’t just for puppies—it’s a lifelong activity that keeps dogs sharp and responsive. Commit to teaching your dog a new command each month, from “high five” to “spin.” Not only will this build their skills, but it’s also a great bonding experience. If not a new 'trick', try rehearsing old commands that you've not practised for awhile.
6. Incorporate Foraging Games
Use your dog’s natural instincts with games that encourage them to sniff and forage. Scatter treats in the grass or use a puzzle feeder for mealtime. These activities are excellent for keeping dogs mentally and physically stimulated, especially on rainy days. We regularly look after three very food-motivated pugs and they love the foraging 'game'. I initially began it with them because one, rescued from a breeding cage, still dislikes damp lawn grass and it takes a lot of enticing to get him out for his toilet. When I first scattered a handful of kibbles on the grass, all three of the Pugs were almost dumbstruck, but after the first one bit into a kibble and the others heard the drool-inspiring crunch, they quickly put their noses to work. Over the course of 6 or more sits with them, they've learned that when I shout 'Seek, seek, seek!' it's time for a cheeky treat and then toilet.
7. Go on Pet-Friendly Adventures
Plan an outdoor adventure tailored to your dog’s abilities. Whether it’s a hike through the countryside or a stroll along a dog-friendly beach, spending quality time in nature is a wonderful way to bond and keep your pup active. Don't forget to pack a bottle of water for the doggos, especially if it's at all warm. Perhaps a couple of boneos too while you're at it.
8. Use Wearable Fitness Trackers
If you’re tech-savvy, you might want to invest in a pet fitness tracker to monitor your dog’s activity levels. There are some genuinely nifty devices on the market that allow you to set daily goals and track your dogs' progress, ensuring they stay on track with their New Year’s resolutions. Last summer we looked after a GP's rescue Pointer cross and they used the Tractive GPS dog collar. The housesit included me using the tech on my phone to continue his performance training and I was impressed at how it measured not just his waking physical activity, but he sleep patterns as well, to give a total daily summary. So, if you're into numbers, stats and performance gauging, consider including a wearable dog tracker in your resolutions.
Keep the Momentum Going
Making resolutions with your dog is a wonderful way to prioritise their health and wellbeing. Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, have fun! Your dog will love the extra time and attention, and you’ll both enjoy the rewards of an active, healthy lifestyle.
For more inspiration on keeping your pup happy and engaged, check out:
Unlock the Joy of Walks: How to Keep Your Dog Excited at Every Step by Glenn Bauer
Homing Rescue Dogs by Glenn Bauer
Author Bio
Glenn Bauer is a trusted professional specializing in pet and house sitting for rural homes and estates across the Cotswolds and South West and South England. With years of hands-on experience in managing properties and animals, he offers tailored care and solutions. His expertise is reflected in consistent 5-star client reviews. Read Glenn's journey to professional pet and house sitter Glenn and Mandy: The Journey behind A-Breed-Apart
If you'd like to send Glenn a message, then visit his Contact Page.
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