5 steps to a healthy and active lifestyle in 2024 - for you and your dog!

As we usher in the new year, it's the perfect time to set goals for a healthier and more active lifestyle, not just for ourselves, but for our four-legged companions too. 

Routine exercise can even help your dog overcome any problem behaviours they may have, such as excessive barking and destructive behaviours.

If you're looking to break free from the holiday feasts and make a positive change in 2024, we've got just the thing for you. Read on for five practical tips to encourage physical activity and bonding with your furry friend.

Just like humans, dogs benefit greatly from regular physical activity. Health conditions in dogs can often be linked to a lack of exercise.

To make the experience enjoyable, bring along high-value treats for your pup – whether it's chicken or their favourite training treats. The key is progress, not perfection.

Start with walks or runs, regardless of the weather, and focus on building a routine that suits both you and your dog.

Turn every outdoor adventure into a training session for your dog. Socialising is an ongoing process throughout your dog’s life, and exposing your dog to new and stimulating environments helps build their confidence. 

If your fitness level is still a work in progress, bring a dog bed along and practise scatter-feeding to help your dog learn to settle in different surroundings. It's a win-win – it gives you time to catch your breath and valuable training for your dog.

Consistency is key when establishing a new routine. Consider using fitness apps like Couch to 5K to guide you through your workouts.

Wear a fitness tracker or pedometer to monitor your progress and stay motivated. As you build your routine, you'll find that staying active becomes easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

You could even get your dog an activity tracker, to help you monitor their activity each day. There are plenty of options on the market, but some brands like FitBark can be synced up to your own FitBit, Apple HealthKit or Google Fit device, if you use one. A daily graph shows how close dogs and their owners are to reaching their goals, which can be great motivation when you really don’t feel like getting out on a walk on rainy days.

Don't let unpredictable weather conditions hinder your fitness goals. Invest in durable collars and leads that can withstand wind, rain, and whatever else nature throws your way.

Our top-quality, double leather collars and leads are designed to be hard wearing in wet weather, ensuring a reliable piece of training equipment during your workouts.

As you hit the trails or embark on outdoor adventures, remember to stay hydrated – for both you and your dog. Bring along a collapsible water bowl and offer your furry companion regular water breaks. Dogs, like us, can overheat during exercise, so it's crucial to keep them hydrated, especially as the temperatures rise in the warmer months of the year.

With these five tips, you and your dog can embark on a journey towards a healthier and more active lifestyle in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, incorporating your furry friend into your routine can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding for both of you.

Here's to a year of health, happiness, and countless adventures with your canine companion!