So the time has come! Christmas decorations are coming down, we are saying goodbye to 2021 and thinking about what 2022 has in store.
With the number of households now owning pets skyrocketing to over 50% in the last two years, our love for our four legged friends is obvious, but they are often overlooked when we create our goals for the year ahead.
Here are just a few ideas from the Barc London team on how to include your pup in your New Year’s resolutions:
Spend more time outdoors with your dog
An accumulation of too many Christmas titbits and treats can leave your dog with a few extra unwanted pounds, not made better by a lack of exercise over the busy festive period due to plans and the unpredictable weather.
Getting outside with your pup as much as possible can leave you both feeling happier and healthier. Try and fit in two walks a day to get your heart rate up and shed those extra pounds for both you and your dog, as well strengthening your bond with some quality time out and about.
Plan some adventures with your pup in tow, there’s so much to do in 2022! Find some dog friendly restaurants, take them to the seaside, arrange a doggy play date, maybe even a staycation at a doggy hotel, I guarantee they wouldn't say no to breakfast in bed with you!
If you’re struggling for ideas, why not check out our previous blog on 9 beautiful winter dog walks you and your pup can enjoy.
Treat your dog to more toys and playtime
When dogs are bored, they can start to exhibit destructive behaviours. For this reason, keeping a dog’s mind ticking and challenging them mentally is just as important as walks and physical exercise.
Whether it's an interactive toy to give your dog some mental stimulation, a new chew toy to keep them quiet and content, or a toy that can get you involved as well, playtime is one of the easiest ways to enrich your pup’s life.
Dog board games, puzzles and interactive games that engage your dog into completing a task before you award them are amazing tools to challenge your dog.
A good old game of tug or fetch is a brilliant way to exercise your dog and strengthen your bond; they will then associate you with being the bringer of all things fun and look forward to spending quality time with you.
If you’re looking for a new toy for your pup, be sure to check out our Play range! We’ve got squeaky Barc balls, soft squeaky fabric bones and much more.
Learn more about dog health and wellness
If your pup cut their paw, or started choking on something while you were home alone, would you know what to do? We haven’t all got access to a resident vet, so it may be time to brush up on some pet first aid. Just the basics are all you need, and you never know when you may need them…
Are you up to date on your dog’s boosters and microchip info? A yearly health check for your dog is the best way to keep on top of their health and wellbeing.
You clean your teeth twice a day, so why do we often overlook cleaning our dogs teeth? As well as giving your pup a proper teeth brush 2 - 3 times a week, you can also try dog dental sticks to reduce plaque buildup.
Make more time for dog grooming and pampering
A good grooming routine can help remove excess fur (and reduce the amount you find all over your furniture!), as well as distributing oils to maintain a healthy shiny coat.
While most dogs aren’t the biggest fans of bath-time, the vast majority of them live for a good brush. It's the perfect bonding activity that shows your companion how much you care.
Try and fit in a weekly grooming session (dependent on breed), to keep your pup happy, and your furniture fur free!
Focus on dog training and improving behaviour
Have you got a brand new puppy that needs some basic training?
Or an older dog with some bad habits?
Local training courses are not only great for socialising a young pup, but also for teaching some tips on how to train at home.
If they're already as good as gold, you could try and teach them a new party trick, maybe a play-dead or a spin? Get those treats out and have some fun!
Here's to a happy and healthy New Year with you and all your four legged friends from us here at Barc HQ!
