Nearly four in 10 pet owners have set a New Year’s resolution for their animal companion – if only to help them achieve their own goals.
A poll of 2,000 adults who have a pet revealed their top goals for their furry friend for the year – including getting more exercise and to lose weight.
Others want them to learn a new trick and bark less, while 18 per cent are adamant on their pooch improving when walking off the lead.
It also emerged a third of owners are more likely to complete their own resolutions if they do them alongside their pet.
Bella Von Mesterhazy at Petplan, which commissioned the research, said: “After the over-indulgence of the Christmas and New Year period, we know the new year is a great time to reset and focus on some resolutions for the year ahead.
“Making resolutions for your pet, to make sure they are happy and healthy, is equally as important.”
Keeping the nation’s animals healthy
The study also found 85 per cent of those who have set their furry friend a goal think it’s likely they will stick to their resolution, with 28 per cent setting targets for their pet in previous years.
Improving physical health is the main objective for 56 per cent, while half are keen to improve their relationship with their four-legged friend.
When it comes to their pet’s behaviour, 34 per cent feel there are areas they would like to improve this year – including pulling on the lead, nervousness and excessive barking.
Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) put these bad habits down to needing more time to learn and 17 per cent said it is a behaviour common with their breed.
Despite wanting to work on these things, 82 per cent said their pet is typically well behaved.
Touching on their own resolutions, 42 per cent
