New year, new dog. How your resolutions can incorporate your canine companion.

The New Year is a great time to intentionally think about how you can improve your dog's life, and in turn, your own.

About 70% of Americans own a pet, with dogs being the most common, according to a 2024 Harris Poll data. Among all pet owners, a staggering 97% reported they consider their animal part of the family, a 2023 Pew Research Center study found.

This January, if you have a dog in your home, consider making some of your New Year's resolutions with their health and wellbeing in mind, said Dominik Feichtner, founder of the Dog Behaviorist training company in Brooklyn, New York.

Taking your dog for more walks is a great resolution because the outing provides exercise and stimulates the animal's sense of smell. Veterinary care is a must, animal welfare advocates say, and a little training can go a long way toward making your dog feel more secure and confident, Feichtner said.

"If you’re having a tough time with your dog, trust me your dog’s experience is 10 times worse," Feichtner said.

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New year, new dog

Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and treats, but many dog owners Feichtner works with don't have a solid grasp on dog commands, he said.

"You might think you're communicating with your dog, but you probably aren't very well," Feichtner said.

Commands and other forms of training are important because dogs need to get feedback from their owners, and they naturally want to know what the rules are in a given social situation, Feichtner said. You and your dog's New Year's resolutions tied to training will pay off the next time your dog is in a new setting and they know to expect commands from you, Feichtner said.

One step you can take now is to drill a "reward marker" word, and a harsh word signaling your dog is doing something you don't like, Feichtner said. Surprisingly, most dogs and their handlers do not incorporate these basic commands into everyday life, Feichtner said.

"When I do that test and the owner says that word, like 'good boy,' maybe half the dogs turn around and expect the food," Feichtner said. "But half the dogs have really no idea what the owner is saying."

Vet visits are a must

Nearly 40% of pet owners say they can't afford to pay for all the things their animal needs, especially vet visits, the Harris Poll found.

This month, consider getting pet insurance for your animal to offset high-cost treatments, said Natara Loose, a veterinarian in New York City. Some insurance providers to consider include Trupanion, Lemonade, Pumpkin, Nationwide and plans offered through the ASPCA, Loose said.

Take your dog to the vet and get them spayed or neutered, the ASPCA says, pointing to the fact that nearly 400,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. In the exam room during your dog's next check-up, you can also ask about microchipping the animal so you'll have more peace of mind if they ever get loose.

Take your dog on longer walks

Dogs need exercise, play and outdoor time to be their best selves but sometimes getting our heart rates up together is easier said than done, said Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company.

Don't just take your dog out to go to the bathroom, Bernal said, because dogs use their sense of smell too as "their way of catching up with the neighborhood" on walks. When you take your dog on longer walks, they'll likely have better behavior at home, Bernal said, because they burned off all their pent-up energy outside.

"Keep them busy, keep them active," Bernal said. "It goes a long way for them, for their health, but it helps us as well − it keeps us moving."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 New Year's resolutions to improve your dog's life