New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog (That Actually Stick)

The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start—not just for humans, but also for their dogs. If you’ve ever thought, “This is the year we finally fix the pulling/jumping/door-dashing,” you’re not alone. The good news? Dog resolutions don’t have to be complicated to be effective. Small, consistent habits make the biggest difference—and that’s exactly what we focus on every day at Beds-N-Biscuits. Here are three realistic New Year’s resolutions for your dog that truly stick:

Resolution #1: Walk Nicely on a Loose Leash

Pulling on leash is one of the most common frustrations we hear from pet parents. Not only is it exhausting, but it can make walks stressful instead of enjoyable. Try this at home:

  • Stop moving when your dog pulls and resume only when the leash is loose

  • Reward your dog for checking in with you

  • Keep walks short and positive

How BNB can help: In Ultimate Daycare and our BNB Dog Training Academy, we practice loose leash skills in structured, real-world settings—helping dogs learn that calm walking gets them where they want to go.

Resolution #2: Practice Polite Gate Control

Door-dashing isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Teaching your dog to pause and wait at gates and doors builds impulse control and keeps them safe. Try this at home:

  • Ask your dog to sit before doors open

  • Open the door slowly and close it if your dog rushes forward

  • Release them only when they’re calm

How BNB can help: Our staff reinforces gate control throughout the day, helping dogs learn patience and self-control in exciting environments.

Resolution #3: Keep All Four Paws on the Floor

Jumping is usually a sign of excitement, not bad behavior—but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Try this at home:

  • Ignore jumping and reward calm greetings

  • Ask for an alternate behavior like “sit”

  • Be consistent (that means everyone in the household!)

How BNB can help: In Beds-N-Biscuit’s daycare, dogs get plenty of practice greeting humans calmly, with staff reinforcing polite behaviors and redirecting over-excitement.

Start the Year Off on the Right Paw

The key to success isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Practicing these skills in short, positive moments each day helps dogs build habits they can rely on in any environment. At BNB, we reinforce these same behaviors through daily structure, repetition, and positive reinforcement—making it easier for dogs to carry their good manners from daycare to home.

If one of your goals this year is a happier, better-behaved pup, January is the perfect time to begin. Small changes now can make a big difference all year long. Here’s to a year of calmer walks, safer doorways, and paws on the floor! Speak with one of our reservation specialists or call us at (303) 940-9188 for more information about how we can help you and your pup achieve your 2026 resolutions.