New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Owners

Many of the most perennially popular New Year’s resolutions involve the establishment of a  healthier lifestyle. One way to accomplish that is by slotting out a time every day to enjoy a walk with your dog.  Walking is an ideal exercise for both humans and their furry companions.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get exercise.  It's convenient, just step outside your front door. It's flexible, no need to make an appointment.  It's cost efficient, no gym fees.  Walking with your dog adds companionship, a degree of safety, and a lot of enthusiasm for the idea of working out.  Walking is the answer to an array of New Years resolutions ranging from improving physical fitness to renewing mental health to simply enjoying life.

1. Weight loss.  Probably the most common resolution.  Those additional pounds packed on by pets and pet owners after holiday gluttony need to go.  Go walk.
2. Exercise more.  For some of us, “more” means shifting from total couch potato to any form of movement.  Go walk.
3. Health and Wellness.  As we get older, we develop all kinds of conditions including diabetes, aching joints, and  high blood pressure.  All of these conditions can all be alleviated by low impact exercise.
4. Boost Longevity.  People and pets have a tendency to live longer if they stay active.

1. De-stress.  Our lives are filled with stress… be it family, health, work or the world we live in.  Walk away from the triggers for a bit.  It will be good for you and your pet.
2. Live in the Moment.  We all worry about what’s next in our lives.  We also regret decisions we’ve made, wondering if we could have chosen a better path.  Taking a walk can clear the mind for a while.
3. Meet new people. Dogs and their owners can be a friendly lot as many dogs find great joy in making new friends while they are out and about.  Use these doggie introductions as a way to make new connections.
4. Thinking time. Working on a creative project can be mind-numbing making it difficult to think clearly.  Taking a break to get some exercise with your pet is a great way to let your brain relax and re-charge.

1. Enjoy the outdoors.  Many of us haven’t been able to separate ourselves from the Covid lifestyle where we hid ourselves inside our homes.  Getting outside to enjoy nature is soothing to the soul.  Spring flowers, summer sunshine, fall foliage, and brisque winter air are all reasons to step outside and admire the beauty around us.
2. Neighborhood discovery. Rural, suburban or urban…. It doesn't matter.  When you explore your neighborhood, you will be surprised about what you didn’t know.  A hidden gem bistro, a greenway trail behind the condo complex, a den of baby bunnies could all just be around the next corner.
3. It's an adventure. You can’t have an adventure without leaving the house.  Afterall, walking is the first step of an expedition..
4. Quality time with your dog.  Dogs not only love to go for a walk, they ADORE spending time with you.  Make your dog happy.

Many of us who make New Year’s resolutions don’t stick with them for more than a month or two.  We find the “resolution” too tiresome or cumbersome to fit into our busy lifestyles.  Walking your dog should be an exception as walks can be long or short, cardio or stroll, purposeful or meander.  This resolution is as simple or as evolved as you want it to be.  Walking is good for both you and your dog, so grab the leash and get started on your resolution.   And have fun.