We hear the question asked at the beginning of every new year: “What are your New Year’s resolutions going to be?” Whether your goal is focused on physical, mental, or spiritual growth, partnering with a puppy can give you the motivation you need to reach them all! Puppy training in the new year creates accountability and a partnership that will only strengthen the bond you want to create between you and your fluffy new friend!
Puppies are the perfect partners for starting slow, keeping you accountable, and encouraging you along the way. They are still young and don’t need loads of exercise yet; they thrive on routine, love a good adventure, and know how to slow down and snuggle. With these amazing skills built into their canine nature, it won’t be hard to commit to your resolutions and find success this year!
Start Small for Big Rewards
Your little pup may have bursts of energy and a need for an outlet to express themselves, but even a 10-minute walk can be a lot at first! However, this is the perfect place to start your fitness journey. Little daily walks with your dog may not seem like much, but they will be the building blocks for creating a successful routine. As your little partner grows, so can the walk time. Aim for 30 minutes a day.
Incorporating daily walks into your schedule will improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and provide healthy mental stimulation. The bond you will create with your furry friend on these walks will grow into a beautiful partnership. And on the days you don’t feel so motivated, they will encourage you (or guilt you) with their big puppy-dog eyes!
Building Up for Bigger Goals
Some resolutions are bigger than others; maybe it’s not about creating a new daily habit. Whether you are looking to try something new once a month, find a place you’ve never been, or challenge yourself in a new way, a puppy can make the journey all the more fun!
There are plenty of dog-friendly outings to try, and if you’re unsure of where to start, check out BringFido. They list fun places to hike, dog parks to visit, and dog-friendly restaurants to try in and around your city. Make a list of what you’d like to try, and assign one to each month.
If hiking or taking drives to new places is in your plans, puppy training will encourage you not to skip out on the reward of all your work together. It’s going to take some skill-building to get your pup ready for these adventures!
Mastering a New Skill
Investing in yourself by learning a new skill may be your resolution this year, and if so, puppy training is quite the skill to master! By bringing a dog into your life, you’ll already be accomplishing this amazing goal! It takes patience, time, and consistency. However, we think it’s one of the most rewarding! Applying these basics to anything you want to learn this year is key to your success, not just in learning to train your pup into the dog you want them to be.
Whatever else you choose to learn this year, be it playing a new instrument, learning to knit, or rock climbing. Your pup will be your biggest fan! Some breeds are even known to pick up some skills of their own. Want to learn how to skateboard or surf? Your pup might just want to, too!
Breaking From the Busy
If your goal this year is to slow down and enjoy a slower pace, a puppy is the perfect partner! They do need daily mental and physical outlets, but they know how to take a moment to sniff out a scent and enjoy a view. A puppy is also the perfect cuddle companion. Is your goal to read more books this year? They will love snuggling in with you as you take time to indulge in a good book!
If your goal is to make intentional time to unplug, put away your phone during walks. Find a favorite spot to sit and just observe the world together with no distractions. Bring a brush to incorporate relaxed grooming habits while you enjoy each other’s company. Take out that book and read!
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to just go through the motions, but taking steps to slow down and be mindful and present can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and deepen emotional connection with you and your loved ones.
Partnering with Your Pup
By partnering with your puppy in this new year (or anytime of the year), you can build new habits, explore new places, and enjoy quality time together! Including your dog, no matter how old, in your resolutions transforms them from a solitary challenge into a shared adventure to physical, mental, and spiritual growth! Just remember to start small, stay positive, and reward your efforts!
Still looking for that perfect partner to help you accomplish your resolutions this year? Check out our upcoming litters and chat with Gladys. Each of our puppies has been temperament tested to make sure they are the right fit for your family!