As the calendar flips to 2026, it’s the perfect moment for pet parents to reflect on the year past and set meaningful wellness and activity goals for their four-legged family members. Everyone at Green Acres Pet Resort understands dogs aren’t just pets—they’re cherished members of the family and that is why our daycare programs are designed to help your dog thrive all year long. So, whether you’re a long-time client of our popular dog daycare and boarding programs or you’re discovering the pet resort for the first time, here are smart, fun, and effective resolutions you and your pup can make together.
Resolution #1: Prioritize Daily Movement & Play
One of the most important gifts you can give your dog is regular, structured activity—not just walks around the block, but enthusiastic, engaging play and socialization with other dogs.
The dog daycare programs at Green Acres Pet Resort in DeForest, WI offer:
- Off-leash supervised play in large, safe indoor and outdoor areas
- Enrichment-driven games that go beyond “fetch” or “run”
- Social time with other well-matched dogs for positive interaction and mental stimulation
By setting a goal of “X days per week in dog daycare” (for example, 3 days/week) you can ensure your dog gets consistent exercise, socialization, and enrichment—all of which support physical health and promote positive behaviors.
Action Steps for Pet Parents:
- Choose a sustainable frequency for daycare (e.g., at least 2–4 times/week)
- Pair daycare days with at-home short bursts of activity (10–15 minutes of fun play)
- On non-daycare days, take a brisk walk or play fetch, and give your pup time with a snuffle mat or food puzzle to exercise their senses
Resolution #2: Reinforce Good Manners & Social Skills
Activity without structure can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors (jumping, chewing, barking). In 2026, commit to making manners & social skills part of your dog’s wellness plan.
The daycare team at Green Acres supports:
- Reinforcement of basic cues (“sit,” “stay,” “leave it”) during group play
- Social skills development (waiting turns, polite greetings, self-control in play sessions)
- Enrichment that builds impulse control and focus (puzzle toys, scent games, interactive feeders and activities)
By weaving in social skills and manners training as part of your dog’s weekly routine, you’ll help your pet be more confident and less anxious which results in positive behaviors at home and in the community.
Action Steps for Pet Parents:
- Choose one new “trick” or behavior cue each month and practice it at home
- After daycare days, spend 5-10 minutes debriefing: praise calm behavior, gently redirect unwanted behavior
Resolution #3: Boost Mental Health & Enrichment
Dogs are increasingly recognized not just as physical beings, but as mental & emotional partners. Pet wellness, especially thriving mental health and happiness, is gaining more importance among pet parents.
Features of the daycare programs at Green Acres that support canine mental health include:
- Acres of natural parks for discovery, agility-style equipment, activities that activate the senses, and special events
- Calm zones when the dogs need a bit of quiet re-charge
- Structured socialization that helps reduce anxiety and build confidence
Action Steps for Pet Parents:
- Ask our daycare team regularly: “What new activity/enrichment is my dog enjoying?”
- Rotate toys at home—introduce puzzle feeders
- Monitor behavior: more yawns, more chewing, restlessness = signs your dog might need extra mental stimulation—call 608-889-2100 to schedule more daycare days or an Explorer session!
Keeping Your Resolutions with Daycare at Green Acres is Easy
Because your dog’s well-being is multi-dimensional (physical, social, mental, emotional), simply walking them isn’t always enough.
Green Acres specializes in experiential daycare designed to help your dog thrive. Here’s why the program supports your 2026 new-year resolutions:
- Daily exercise: No matter the weather conditions, our indoor daycare room and outdoor play yards ensure your dog gets the movement they need.
- Structured socialization: Whether it’s a private play session in one of our dog parks with a staff member, or a group experience with a few or many friends, our daycare programs are designed to give each dog the attention and friendship they enjoy the most. Play sessions are positive, balanced, and fun!
- Manners reinforcement: Our trained staff incorporate cues and calm-down periods into the day so that play doesn’t turn into chaos.
- Enrichment and mental engagement: From nature trails to fun’gility and a variety of enriching games, we offer more than just “run and chase.”
- Wellness monitoring: We observe your dog’s condition, energy, mood and behavior; we’ll communicate any changes to you so you stay ahead of issues.
- Flexibility & peace of mind for you: As a busy pet-parent professional, we’ve created the services and programs that simplify your experience and enhance your dog’s experience. You can be assured that no matter what you are doing, your dog is happy, safe, and thriving.
As you and your dog head into 2026 together, think of these resolutions as joyful commitments you can easily keep all year long: more play, more connection, more enrichment, more wellness. Green Acres Pet Resort can help make your resolutions tangible—with our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces, a caring and knowledgeable staff, well-designed programs and enrichment activities, and the attention to your pet that you expect!
Here’s to 365 new days of tail-wags, healthy leaps, and happy adventures!