01/01/2026
As a new year begins, there’s often a quiet (or not-so-quiet!) pressure to make resolutions and change things.
New habits. New routines. New goals.
And while intentions are usually kind, this time of year can feel heavy rather than hopeful.
For many of us – and our dogs – December has already been a lot.
Christmas can be stressful for dogs:
🎄 visitors coming and going
🎁 new objects, noises and smells
🍗 tempting (and sometimes dangerous) foods
⏰ disrupted routines and later nights
So when January arrives and everything suddenly expects to “snap back to normal”, that can feel unsettling rather than comforting.
Instead of asking “What should I do differently?” What if we gently asked: “How can I make life easier – for both of us?”
Here are some compassionate, low-pressure ideas you might like to focus on as the year begins:
✨ Return to predictability
Simple, familiar routines can be deeply reassuring for dogs (and humans). Regular walk times, meals, rest and quiet moments help the nervous system to settle.
✨ Create space for rest
Sleep and downtime are often overlooked. Allow extra rest after the stimulation of the festive period, a super comfy bed, in a quiet spot - especially for senior dogs or those living with pain.
✨ Soften, don’t strive
Rather than adding more in, like more training, more exercise, more expectations – consider slowing things down. Gentle, slow movement, connection and observation are often more supportive than “doing”. Sniffy walks, TTouch groundwork, and always observing can help up help our dogs more appropriately.
✨ Spend time together
Just sit with your dog and slow your breathing, use the Heart Hug on yourself and feel the tension drift away. Then explore your dog's body, if that is okay for them, use the back of your hand to make contact all over their body. Then start with a few TTouches, always observing their responses and make that special connection with them.
✨ Notice, without judging
Changes in behaviour, sensitivity or energy after Christmas aren’t failures, nor should they be surprising – they’re communication, to be observed and understood. Curiosity from us is the kind option, not judgement.
✨ Support yourself too
Your dog feels your pace, your breath, your stress levels. Many dogs struggle to relax if we are always on the go. Small acts of kindness towards yourself ripple outwards more than any new resolution ever could.
At Well Balanced Animals, my focus is never about pushing dogs (or people) to be more, do more, or cope harder. It’s about helping you both find physical, emotional and behavioural balance – gently, realistically, and with compassion.
This January, it’s okay if your only intention is ease.
That’s more than enough. Sending Heart Hugs 💜