We all make resolutions at the start of the year. Eat better. Sleep more. Get stronger.
But your dog deserves a fresh start too.
Imagine a calmer, happier, more confident dog this year. One who isn’t as anxious, destructive, and a little more confident. Just mentally and physically fulfilled.
Dogs experience boredom, anxiety, and stress just like we do (even if they can’t tell us in words). And just like humans, small daily habits can make a huge difference in how happy, calm, and confident they feel.
So if you’re ready for a New Year, New Dog, here’s how to help your dog thrive in 2026.
1. Give Their Brain a Job
Dogs are naturally smart and curious. You can't just get a dog and expect them to always be on their best behavior without any effort on your part.
An unfufilled dog often finds their own “jobs,” which can look like chewing, digging, or barking.
Mental enrichment activities are like workouts for the brain. Short, focused sessions can calm anxiety, reduce unwanted behaviors, and build confidence.
But it's not just a one-and-done thing. This is something that needs to become a daily habit.
💡 Pro tip: Pull a card from our deck of mental enrichment games. Just 10 minutes a day using items you already have at home can give your dog a safe outlet for their energy and curiosity.
2. Daily Sniff Walks
Walking isn’t just about physical exercise.
Letting your dog explore smells provides a natural mental workout. Allowing your dog to sniff on walks helps to tire out their brain while they process all of the information found in the scent.
It’s their favorite way to learn about the world.
3. Learn a New Trick
Training doesn’t have to be formal or stressful. Even small tricks like “touch,” “spin,” or “find it” give your dog a sense of accomplishment and strengthen your bond.
Just because your dog "mastered" a new trick or command doesn't mean it ends there. Continually sprinkling in "old" tricks and commands in your daily routine helps to keep it fresh in their mind.
4. Structured Downtime
Many dogs struggle to settle because they don’t know when it’s time to relax. For some dogs, being calm is easy and natural for them. But other dogs need to be taught how.
Adding a predictable quiet period each day can help anxious or high-energy dogs recharge.
I like to play what I call the "calm dog game" with my Siberian Husky, Koa, because sometimes he struggles to settle. This game is included in our mental enrichment dog games deck.
5. Safe Socialization
If your dog is timid or reactive, gentle exposure to new people, animals, or environments in controlled ways helps them grow confident over time.
Start small by introducing them to new situations gradually. Instead of directly meeting a new dog, work on simple training cues with your dog at a distance from another dog. If your dog starts reacting, that means you're too close and need more distance.
If your dog needs exposure to new environments, it's helpful to take them to a quiet park.
Always reward positive behavior with praise or treats, and never force interactions.
The key is to take micro steps consistently, have patience, and create positive experiences so your dog feels safe while learning to navigate the world.
*If your dog is reactive, it's best to get help from a professional trainer.
6. Rotate Toys and Games
Dogs get bored with the same toys or games. Rotate toys, introduce short mental enrichment activities, and keep it interesting.
Variety keeps their brain engaged and prevents destructive behavior.
You don't like being stuck doing the same thing over and over for the rest of your life, well, your dog doesn't either.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Confidence builds gradually. Every successful game, calm moment, or learned trick counts. Celebrate it, and your dog will feel it too.
How to Make These Resolutions Stick
Starting small is key. Pick one or two simple daily habits and do them consistently.
For example:
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10 minutes of mental enrichment using items around the house
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A sniff walk during the day
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One training session or trick per week
Over time, these small habits add up, and your dog becomes calmer, more confident, and more fulfilled.
💡 My favorite tool for this: The Mental Enrichment Dog Games deck. With 52 short games, it makes mental enrichment easy, fun, and something you can actually do every day without constantly buying expensive, new toys.
Your Dog’s 2026 Resolution
This year, don’t just focus on yourself. Give your dog the gift of mental stimulation, confidence, and calm energy. Pull a card, play a game, and watch the transformation.
Here’s to a New Year, New Dog!
