Involve your dog in Christmas activities

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At least for us! It’s a time to spend more time with friends and family. During the holidays we sometimes forget that our dogs should be included too. They are our furry family members. And while it can be stressful to work around family and visitors, it can also be a fun way to spend the days. There are a lot of different things you can do to involve your dog in Christmas activities. We’ll write a few down, so you can start planning.

Deliver Christmas cards with your dog

When you think about Christmas activities, you also think about delivering Christmas cards. Even though a lot is digital, me personally still love to receive some cards from people. Delivering the cards locally is a good opportunity to involve your dog in Christmas activities. Dogs love to go on a walk, especially in places where they are not going very often. The new smells, different people and everything they can see, is a good way to enrich your companion’s world. At the end of the walk you have all your Christmas cards delivered and the dog is tired.

The good thing about the walk is that you really involve your dog in Christmas activities, while also working on their needs. The dog gets his exercise, sees a lot of things and with people that they know, they might get a treat too!

Priorities your dog’s needs

Walks can sometimes be hard during all the Christmas activities. But you still have to meet your dog’s needs. During a busy time of year you still have to prioritize the walks, while also making time for Christmas shopping, nights out and having friends and family over. This way your dog won’t get bored and will be well-behaved. It could happen that you have less walks a day due to all activities. Make sure you do a longer walk than normal, to make up for all the missed time with your companion. At the same time it can help you to calm down during this walk. You don’t have to think about everything you still have to do, but can focus on your dog and the fun you have.

Dress your dog up during Christmas activities

During all the Christmas activities we always dress up nice. A festive outfit or an ugly Christmas sweater: it’s all there to stay in the Christmas spirit. But most of the time we forget that we have another family member that needs to look festive: our dog! There are a lot of different things you can do. Depending on the dog you can choose for a complete outfit, but also a bowtie or bandana around the collar. Not only does your dog look cute while you have visitors, but it also calls for some cute pictures.

When you choose to dress your dog up, make sure the dog doesn’t mind wearing anything. Don’t push the dog into something that’s uncomfortable, since it can damage your obedience training progress or the relationship with your dog.

Tree ornaments for every dog

During our Christmas activities we might look at new ornaments to put in our tree. But we can also focus on getting a new ornament for our dogs. There are a lot of ornaments that come in a dog version. Think about paws, bones or personalized ornaments with the name of your companion. When you are creative you can even make your own tree ornaments with your dog. All you need is some craft supplies and a base. All ornaments will get a meaning and after a few years you’re still thinking back about the days that you’ve got or made them.

Special dinners and more treats

Just like us, a dog’s Christmas is all about food. Maybe not in the same way as how we celebrate it with friends and family, but they still want a good meal. During all the Christmas activities we can give our four-legged friends a nice Christmas dinner too. Instead of their kibble, work with some homemade ingredients. Make sure that you always use ingredients that are not toxic for dogs.

Below you can find all the ingredients that you have to leave out for their meal.

When it comes to treats you’ve got a lot of options. Most treats that you give during the day might get a little boring. During the holidays you can treat your dog on those special treats that you normally don’t give. At your local butcher you can buy a lot of natural snacks that are good for your four-legged friend. In pet stores you’ve got a lot of options too. Give them that extra special treat and involve your dog in the Christmas activities.

Buy a Christmas present for your dog

With Christmas activities come presents. For friends and families you buy a few presents to hand out or to put under the tree. For your dog you can do the same thing! That one toy that you always wanted to buy, but never had the money for. Or a new bed for him or her to lay on. Or go for some extra enrichment toys, so you can also mental stimulate your dog during these days! And the packaging? This can also be a good enrichment moment.