- David Reynolds
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
With the new year getting into its stride, dog owners are being encouraged to make resolutions that last and will enhance their pets’ lives in 2026.
To truly improve dogs’ lives this year, the responsibility lies with their owners to set the right resolutions – so the ACME Kennels training specialists have shared what they should involve.
From walks and training to playtime and diet, dogs rely on their owners for almost everything, so setting resolutions around their care can make 2026 healthier and happier for pets.
Owners can enhance their dogs’ lives by making simple commitments to do a little extra each day, whether that’s taking longer walks, adding more play time for mental stimulation, or giving extra attention. Also deciding to avoid certain things, like overfeeding or skipping training sessions, can prevent health and behaviour problems.
Ben McFarlane, an expert from ACME Kennels , said: “Making New Year’s resolutions for your dog is a great way to enhance their wellbeing in 2026 because just like us, dogs thrive on consistency and attention. Simple changes like extending daily walks, introducing new training routines, and offering more mental stimulation though play can transform their lives for the better.
“Equally important is avoiding spoiling your pet or skipping essential training, both of which can prevent future health or behavioural issues. By setting achievable goals for your dog’s care, you’re not only improving their quality of life, but strengthening your bond with them for the year ahead.”
Top new year’s resolutions for dog owners, according to ACME Kennels:
Make time for play every day Making daily playtime a New Year’s resolution boosts a dog’s health and happiness. Simple games like tug, chase, or hide-and-seek provide exercise and mental stimulation, while regular play also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners.
Be consistent all year round One of the most valuable New Year’s resolutions for dog owners is committing to consistency. Sticking to regular walks, feeding times, and training throughout 2026- avoiding overfeeding or skipping sessions- helps prevent health and behavioural problems, giving dogs the structure they need to feel secure and happy long term.
Commit to ongoing training
The New Year is a great time for dog owners to make training a priority. Try to set aside 10-15 minutes a day for short, consistent sessions to keep your dog engaged, mentally stimulated, and well-behaved. Focus on mastering a new command, reinforcing essentials like recall, sit, or stay, or exploring techniques such as whistle training to improve communication and safety
Cut out human snacks A common New Year’s resolution is eating healthier, and this should also extend to your dog. Feeding human food from the plate can harm their health and encourage bad habits. Foods like chocolate, ice cream and fatty leftovers are unsafe, so sticking to dog-safe, balanced food supports better behaviour and wellbeing year-round.
Prioritise walks In the New Year, aim for regular walks to support your dog’s physical health, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing. Different dogs have different exercise needs, so adjust the duration and intensity to suit your dog’s age, breed and fitness. Varying routes and pace keep walks engaging and helps maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle for both dog and owner.
Spend more time together
With busy work and daily routines, it’s easy to overlook simple moments with your dog. It may sound simple but spending time together; through walks, play, training or cuddles, keeps your dog happy, mentally stimulated, and relaxed. These shared moments also reduce stress and improve wellbeing for both you and your pet.
For more information and training tips visit ACME Kennels