New Year, New You: 5 Tips To Reset You + Beest

Start the year off on the right paw by implementing healthy habits for you & your dog! Most of us humans like to reset and welcome the New Year with new goals, healthy habits, and striving to achieve something new or different. We think that the same should go for our pup’s, so we put together some tips to help get your Beest excited and ready for the New Year too!

1. Set A Training Plan + Goals

One of the most rewarding experiences as a dog parent is watching your Beest learn, grow, and improve. Research fun and effective techniques or tricks to teach your dog that you have been pushing off or think might be too challenging for your dog. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our blog posts 5 Training Goals or Training Tips to get you going.

Training not only provides mental stimulation for your pup, but it also strengthens the bond between you both. Start with incorporating 10-15 minute training sessions into your daily routine, and focus on basics first – sit, stay, down, come command, etc. and reward with positive reinforcement. After you feel confident in the basics, move on to something a bit more challenging and repeat until they are ready for the next challenge. Consistency is key, so make it a plan to train regularly and to train in different environments, along with making sure you block out time in your day / week to work on these skills to get your pup to where you want them to be.

It’s also important to determine your end goal and set mini goals to get you there. Whether it’s to build your dog’s confidence, work on reactivity, or learn how to open the fridge, if you don’t set a goal it will be hard to stay motivated and consistent.

2. Refresh Your Pup’s Closet

What can be more motivating than putting that new gear to use?! A refresh in dog gear will make you and your beest feel good and will want to get you out of the house just to put it to good use. Go through your dog’s wardrobe or gear bins and keep it up to date, checking for any items that are worn out, no longer fit properly, or are no longer suitable for your dog's needs. Hand them down to a friend or make a donation to your local shelter, and then make a list of what needs to be replaced or added. Treating your pup to high-quality dog gear will make them excited to head out anywhere that’s not home and it will also keep you accountable and keep your pup safe & secure.

3. Implement Healthy Eating

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for your dog's happiness and physical and mental well-being, and can contribute to their longevity. A well-rounded food plan can include plenty of protein with high-quality meat sources such as muscle tissue, fruits & vegetables, healthy fats, and supplements. Some easy steps you can take are feeding healthy treats with single ingredients, no preservatives, or fresh foods instead of processed. Try adding meal toppers and healthy supplements like fish oil or coconut oil for pup's coat, joints and immunity. Your local pet store can be a great resource for recommendations on a range of nutritious foods and treats.

If your pup has any sensitive dietary needs, consult with your veterinarian to find the foods that work best. They can provide personalized advice and create a diet plan that takes into consideration your dog's age, breed, and specific health conditions such as allergies.

4. Take On A New Exercise Routine

Creating a new exercise routine for your dog is great for their physical health and mental well-being. Dogs thrive on routine and live for structured activities, whether it’s a walk around the block or trying to find treats hidden around the house, having a physical activity planned regularly can keep your dog happy and healthy.

Take your dog’s age and breed into consideration when brainstorming activities. For example, if you want to get your senior dog who's slowed down to get moving a little, perhaps you can try swimming which is relatively low impact and helps mobilize their joints. Or if you have a working breed who needs lots of exercise but your ability to be active with them is limited, try engaging in physical + mental activities such as interactive puzzle toys, indoor fetch sessions and training exercises with them. Here are some more exercise ideas to help you get started, and get your pup in shape this year. 

5. Explore New Places & Socialize

Make the most out of the year by exploring new places with your dog and making some fur-friends too. Dogs are social animals and love the companionship of both humans and fellow dogs. Take them to new places and allow them to interact with others if possible, it can also be a great way to work on their reactivity / socialization if they struggle with socializing or have low confidence when interacting with other dogs. Play dates and pack walks can be some great ways to work on socializing -- just be sure to plan for your dog's needs accordingly and be in a safe and controlled environment.

One way to plan fun adventures for your dog is by finding dog-friendly locations in your area. To name a few typical dog-friendly locations: parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Remember that new adventures are enjoyable experiences and can make the most out of the year and create lasting memories with your beloved canine companion.

Resetting your New Year for your dog doesn't have to be difficult. By simply implementing healthy habits that you would for yourself, like a balanced diet, goals to get to their training needs, and exercising regularly, are small and easy changes that you can start at any time. Something to keep in mind as a pet parent is that your dog relies on you for their physical and mental health, so it's crucial to make the effort in keeping them around for a long time at their healthiest & happiest.

We wish all your pet parents a Happy and Healthy New Year with your Beests!

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!