The start of a new year has become synonymous with the idea of a clean slate. Flipping from one calendar to the next feels like an opportunity to work on yourself, reevaluate your goals, and commit to a new plan for meeting those goals. If you’re a dog owner, this milestone of fresh beginnings is the perfect time to reassess the needs of your pup and create goals that will improve their quality of life too.
As you’re deciding on your New Year’s resolutions this year, here are a few suggestions to consider that will benefit both you and your pooch!
Exercise my dog more often.
Regular physical activity is extremely important for your dog’s health, both physically and mentally. When your dog exercises, they burn calories, control their weight, strengthen their heart and bones, improve immune system function, decrease anxiety and depression, and practice better behaviors. Try to make it a goal to go beyond fetch this year and work up a sweat with your dog, like with hiking, running, swimming, or even hunting!
Advance my dog’s training.
Learning new tricks will keep your dog mentally stimulated and improve obedience, which will ultimately improve your relationship with them too. Well-trained dogs are easier to manage and bring into new situations, like to the vet, groomer, or on a road trip. You could sign up for a training class or work on new tricks at home together (with a handy treat reward system). Training with your dog will also give you a chance to spend more time together and strengthen your bond.
Work on my dog’s social life.
Socializing your dog (and puppies especially) teaches them not to be afraid of the world around them. Introducing them to other animals and new environments encourages their curiosity and makes them happier, more confident, and better behaved. A great way to start socializing your pup is by taking them to a local dog park to interact safely with other dogs. Or, set up puppy playdates with other dog parents in your friend group or family. You could even give them a permanent play pal and bring home a new dog!
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to expand your family by four more paws, Lankas Labs can help. As one of the most intelligent and loving dog breeds out there, our Labrador retriever puppies make ideal family companions and have the potential to be incredible assets on the hunting field or in other working situations.
For more information about our breeding program or to reserve a pup from our next litter, get in touch with Lankas Labs today!
