January 2022
New years resolutions
We all make new years resolutions, but how many of us actually stick to them? I know I don’t as every time I think “just one take away a month”, it’s always broken during the first few weeks of January. Blowing away the cobwebs after the festive period is something many of us aspire to. As animal lovers, let's not forget our beloved dogs in our New Year's resolutions. We have done our research and found some ways you can use your resolutions to benefit you and your dog.
Get more exercise
Most of us think about exercising more in the new year. Instead of joining the gym which always has a monthly payment plan and can be difficult to stick with coupled with work and family commitments, we can enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs. Dog owners enjoy numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles and bones, not to mention the social benefits. Our furry companions will enjoy all the fresh air and exercise while also enjoying your company. The weather is not always great but after a wet and windy walk on the beach we can always warm ourselves back up with a nice hot drink at a nearby dog friendly cafe, or when we get home.
Spending more time with loved ones
We all love seeing our family and friends and this may be a resolution you feel is a priority. I know it’s something I have often thought of. How can we make this an achievable goal? Well you could meet your family or friends at the beach or local park with your dog and enjoy fresh air and outdoor spaces together. We have all been at home more, with Covid-19 around for nearly two years now. However with things trying to return to normal, our pets may feel a little left out, so taking them out to meet friends will help them feel included. Research also shows that dogs who are walked regularly are less likely to have behavioural issues.
Learn something new
We would all like to learn new things at some point, I always wanted to write. It’s never to late to learn and it’s never too late for your dog no matter what age. Our dogs will do anything to please us and that includes learning a new trick. Have a look on the search engines and see what tricks your dog may enjoy learning with you. You may be surprised to have so much fun, and creating memories and bonding along the way.
Eat healthy
As much as we love our dogs there are certain human foods they should not eat including Christmas pudding due to the nuts & raisins, as well as the more popularly known chocolate. We love our pets and that’s why we share our food with them. I’m guilty of this every tea time but it is such a hard habit to break. As well as exercising, eating healthily is one of the top 5 resolutions made by us. Include your dog in this major resolution and do it together. Cook a little extra veg instead of passing your dog left over meat or bones, or better still give them bite size pieces of raw carrot to avoid choking. Other dog safe human foods can be found on the websites such as the PDSA.
Learn a new activity
Having a pet doesn’t stop you from trying new activities. Dogs enjoy all sport including mountain biking and kayaking. These are two new activities you could try together. Get some bonding time in and don’t wait until the weather gets better, just go and enjoy the muddy puddles and let your hair down as we only live once!
Taking better care of ourselves
Self love! We all need to try this once in a while. The world is not a very nice place at times, but working on loving yourself and not caring about others' opinions can help you to become the person you are and who your dog knows you are, and loves you for. Self-love means having a high regard for your own happiness so this will help in the process.
Relax
Finally the thing we never seem to do enough of as adults is relaxing! Who knew dogs sleep for 12-14 hours a day? Ensure you get your time to relax with your dog as making forever memories includes the time to relax as well. All our dogs enjoy a snooze so take it from them and do as they do. You work hard and deserve it too so don't feel guilty!
We all want to make changes for the new year ahead. Making them and sticking to them is the real difference, so set yourself some achievable goals no matter how small. Making your resolutions and including your dog could help you to achieve a year of a new activity, or even a year of exercise. Doing it with someone who you love and loves you back can make all the difference than doing alone.
Our pets love us unconditionally. Some may not show it, but if they can they certainly would. Enjoy 2022 whatever happens. This is the year of change and for happier memories. Wishing you all the very best. Cheers!