The New Year is underway and I have to ask, does your dog need any New Year resolutions?

Answer these questions:

• Has the household been overindulgent and failed to resist the lure of sharing the holiday fare with Rover?
• Is your pooch a bit more pudgy after partying for a month or more?
• Do you have a canine couch potato instead of a frisky Fido?

Admit it–something has to change!

The truth of the matter is that it isn’t likely the dog that needs the resolutions but, by including your dog in the action plan of meeting your goals, you can both enhance and strengthen your relationship.

You just might find additional motivation knowing that you are more likely to succeed if your pet becomes an accountability partner and motivator.

Let’s take a look at how you can partner with your pup to tackle those New Year resolutions!

Top New Year’s Resolution Tips

Lose Weight | Eat Healthy Food | Get Fit

Take off the extra pounds you and your pet gained during the holidays:

• Try using a food journal for you and your furry friend.
• Back off on the treats and chop those dog biscuits into small bites instead.
• Consider lower calorie options you both can share–some dogs really love veggies!
• Get out for exercise with your pet one additional time each day.

Resources:
Fitness Unleashed 
Stretch Your Dog Healthy

Get Training | Get Education
Expand your horizons and learn new skills with your pet:

• Enroll in a basic dog obedience training program.
• Exercise your brains and learn new skills in advanced classes.
• Ramp up the challenge by participating in agility, dance, or trick classes.

Resources:
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) 
International Positive Dog Trainers Association 
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants 

Volunteer | Donate Time
Team up with your pup and help others:

• Get certified to help others doing pet therapy.
• Commit time to local animal rescue organizations.
• Volunteer to help socialize animals under the supervision of a local pet professional.

Resource:
Pet Partners Therapy Directory

Go Green | Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Analyze your purchasing habits:

• Buy in bulk instead of individually packaged items.
• Opt for organic foods & treats when you can.
• Seek natural fiber pet products & toys.
• Investigate a dog poop disposal system.
• Learn more about green cleaning aids.
• Recycle all the things you can.

Resources:
Green Pets at Tree Hugger
 Doggie Dooley Waste System

So, go ahead–power up your relationship with your pet, create health benefits and get double rewards for the effort.

Plus, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and have a lot of fun during the process!

Photo Credits:
New Years Microsoft Clip Art
Yoga Dog by Linux Librarian
Dog Training by Esotril
Therapy Dog by Marvinkuo
Recycle Microsoft Clip Art