January is that time when people say, “This is the year I get it together.” We set goals, dream bigger, buy planners we swear we’ll use, and repeat the phrase “new year, new me” like a personal mantra. But while we’re trying to reinvent ourselves, there’s someone in our homes quietly hoping we include them in the plan… your dog. 

Dogs don’t care about vision boards or gym memberships. A dog's New Year mindset sounds a little more like: More play. More love. More time with my humans. Honestly? That sounds like the healthiest resolution of all. 

The Best Time to Start Is Now - So Start with Play 

January is about fresh starts, and what better way to begin than by building a better connection through play? 

The KONG® Classic and KONG® Stuff-A-Ball® are toys that support connection through intentional play. Each time you sit with your dog, fill a toy, toss it across the room, or watch them proudly work for their treats, you’re not just entertaining them. That’s a mindset worth carrying into every month of the year. 

Routine Builds Confidence - and Dogs Thrive on It 

One of the biggest January themes is routine. We want to wake up earlier, eat better, move more, and stress less. Dogs feel the same way, except their version is simpler: 
“Give me structure, safety, and play I can count on.” 

Using KONG rubber toys as part of predictable daily rituals can help: 

• morning enrichment to start their day happy
• after-school or after-work play to release pent-up energy
• evening relaxation time to wind down together 

A little consistency goes a long way in building calmer behavior and stronger emotional connections. 

Small Moments Make the Biggest Memories 

We often think big when it comes to resolutions, but your dog just wants little meaningful moments.  

Kids can join in, too: 

• Helping stuff the KONG Classic
• Choosing treats
• Playing interactive fetch or enrichment games
• Sharing giggles when the dog proudly shows off their masterpiece of slobbery joy  

January doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be a reminder to slow down and reconnect with what matters. And yes, your dog absolutely counts. 

Because at the end of the day, your dog isn’t asking you to become a whole new person this year. They’re just hoping you’ll be the same loving human—maybe with a little more time to play.