Pet-Centric New Years Resolutions for Dog Owners

While many of us will make New Year's Resolutions this year to "be healthier," "get organized," or "save more money," we tend to focus our resolutions on what makes us a better person, rarely considering how we can be a better friend to our four-legged besties! So, dog owners, here are a few ideas of New Year's Resolutions you can make that will make both you and your dog, better in 2015!

New Year's Resolutions for Dog Owners

1. Get outside with your dog more. They say..."fat dog, fat owner." Well, that may be a bit of a generalization, but the point is, getting out and exercising with your dog is good for both of you! Not only will it make you and your dog healthier, but exercise and the great outdoors helps with mood improvement, decreased anxiety, and overall happiness!

2. Feed your dog better. Not only should you consider feeding your dog healthier food (or for the truly ambitious--making your own dog food), but vow to not feed your dog table scraps. Table food is the No. 1 contributing factor to dog obesity, and can cause health issues such as diarrhea, diabetes, and pancreatitis.

3. Play with your dog more. Playing with your dog can help improve your dog's behavior and contribute to your mood as well. Reserving ten minutes a day to toss the ball, tug on a rope, or take your dog for a run around the park shows your dog gratitude for all the contributions they make to your well-being.

4. Train your dog. A well-trained dog makes for better outings. Do yourself and your dog a favor this year and invest in training your dog so that you can do more things together.  A dog on voice-command means more off-leash outings, more hikes, and perhaps even new adventures like dog-jouring, mountain biking, or backpacking!

5. Consider fostering a dog or adopting a shelter dog. If you don't currently have a dog, or if your dog has recently passed and you are considering a new dog, consider the benefits of fostering a dog or adopting a shelter dog. Not only will these dogs make for loving and grateful companions, but you are helping your community out and supporting your local humane societies with these good deeds as well.