Happy New Year, fellow dog lovers!

Let’s be honest: January in the UK isn’t exactly a tropical paradise. Between the “mizzle” (that lovely mix of mist and drizzle), the 4:00 PM sunsets, and the temptation to stay curled up on the sofa with a cuppa, getting outside can feel like a bit of a chore.

However, January is National Walk Your Dog Month! It’s the perfect excuse to shake off the festive cobwebs and get those tails wagging. Whether you’re doing “Dry January” or just trying to hit your own 10k steps, your four-legged best friend is the ultimate personal trainer.

Here are five tips and tricks to help you smash those step goals while keeping things fun (and dry-ish) this month.

1. Master the “Layer Cake” Strategy

In the UK, we don’t just have weather; we have all the weather, often in the same afternoon. To hit your goals, you need to be prepared so a sudden downpour doesn’t send you running back to the car.

  • For You: Invest in a proper breathable waterproof (look for those taped seams!) and some sturdy wellies or waterproof hiking boots.
  • For the Pup: If your dog has a short coat or is getting on in years, a high-vis waterproof fleece is a game-changer. It keeps them warm, and more importantly, saves you an hour of “wet dog smell” towel-drying later.

Find out more here

2. Gamify Your “Sniffari”

Dogs experience the world through their noses. A 20-minute “Sniffari” (where your dog leads the way and smells everything) is mentally equivalent to a much longer walk.

  • The Trick: Use a tracking app like Strava or a pet-specific tracker to map your routes. Try to “draw” a shape with your GPS path or aim to visit three different local parks in one week. Seeing your progress visualised is a huge motivator!

Find out more here

3. Light it Up!

The short British days are the biggest hurdle to January walking. If you’re restricted to pre-work or post-work strolls, it’s going to be dark.

  • Stay Safe: Swap the standard lead for an LED collar or a clip-on light. Not only does it keep your dog visible to cars, but it also makes them look like a little neon disco rave in the middle of the woods. Plus, it’s much easier to spot where they’ve done their “business” in the grass!

Find out more here

4. The “Pub Walk” Incentive

We live in the land of the dog-friendly pub—use it to your advantage! Plan a weekend route that ends (or has a halfway point) at a local spot that welcomes muddy paws. Knowing there is a warm fire and a bowl of water (and maybe a packet of scampi fries for you) waiting at the end makes those extra 2,000 steps feel like a breeze.

Read our guide on some great dog-friendly pubs here

5. Join a “Pack”

It’s much harder to cancel a walk when a friend is waiting for you. Reach out to local dog walking groups on Facebook or suggest a “coffee and canines” morning with a neighbour. The dogs get crucial socialisation, and you get a catch-up. Before you know it, you’ve walked three miles without even checking your watch.

Alternatively, join us! Take a look at our group walks and countryside daycare to see if your dog would like to join our pack!

Find out more here