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.

Outdoor-Inspired Gifts for Dogs and Dog Owners

Traditionally, the holiday season is a time to mingle indoors. Holiday brunches, fireplaces, and Christmas dinners are just a few activities that beckon us inside. But that's the perfect reason to remember that your pup needs ample time outdoors! Rather than grazing around the holiday dinner table, your dog should be walking, snowshoeing, or skiing right alongside you during these brisk winter months.

That is why we decided to create a list of our favorite outdoor-inspired gifts for dogs and dog owners. They will have anticipating day break and getting you and your dog outside where you belong!

Best Outdoor-Inspired Gifts for Dog Owners

1. Donation to Trail or Park Programs in the Dog's Name. 

For an incredibly unique and thoughtful gift, why not donate to charity in your or your loved one's dog's name? You can donate to canine programs, The Humane Society, or better yet...off-leash parks in the area or trail organizations. If you frequent the local swim holes, trails, or dog parks, why not give a little back to those places that have brought so much joy to you and your dog?

2. Clip-On Dog Light.

Any active outdoor dog owner doesn't let low light get in the way of their jog, hike, or walk. With a huge variety of low-priced dog lights on the market, this makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the outdoorsman's dog! Just turn on and head out, no matter what time of morning or night!

3. Instant-Leash and Collar In One.

Outdoor dogs know: adventure could be lurking around any corner. Dogs and active humans don't want to be restricted to an adventure because they forgot to bring a leash with them. With the Rad Dog Release 'N Run, the leash is ready whenever your dog is! That's because the leash winds neatly inside the dogs collar, accessible instantly with a pull of the handle!

4. A Good Pair of Gloves.

There's no such things as pockets for active dog owners! Even if you are able to find an off-leash trail to run, ski, hike, or snowshoe, there's no chance you'll be able to tuck those hands away while making a mad dash through the wilderness! That's why a good set of gloves can never be overrated--for active dog owners and just plain active outdoorsmen alike!

5. Dog Waste Bags.

Because no one ever saw a dog use a port-a-potty! Waste bags are a necessary evil. We must keep our trails and outdoor spaces clean by picking up after our dogs, and as any good dog owner will tell you: you can never have too many doggie waste bags! Splurge this Christmas and buy your dog or fellow dog owner some Rad Dog Waste Bags. They are made from recycled plant starch, so you can reduce environmental pollutants caused by dog waste while also reducing your carbon paw print!

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