The biggest gift you can give your dog is your time and attention. Make every day feel like a holiday for your pup with our seasonal enrichment ideas.
WALK IN A WINTER WONDERLAND: Cold weather season is actually excellent for hiking. Less bugs, low risk of overheating, and ideally, plenty of freshly fallen snow on the ground to lick.
PLAY ELF ON THE SHELF WITH A FAVORITE TOY: Consider it holiday hide-and-seek! Place a sought-after toy or stuffie in a different place around the house each morning for your pup to find. To activate their hunting instincts, you can hide a treat with it.
POSE FOR A FEW PICS: Opportunities abound to snuggle up to Santa in stores, but keep your eyes peeled for all manner of holiday hero photo opps.
TRY SOME RETAIL THERAPY: Open-air markets often pop up around the holidays, which are generally dog-friendly. We’re sure your pup will lead you right to the booth selling biscuits, bandanas and toys.
CHECK OUT THE LIGHT DISPLAYS: Take your pup on a night walk through the neighborhood for an extravaganza of new sights and sounds. Just be aware of their personal sensitivities, as this isn’t an activity for every dog. Don’t stand too close to speakers, or dwell too long near flashing or laser lights.
START A COOKIE SWAP: Team up with a bunch of other devoted dog parents, and bake homemade biscuits to share amongst the group. Ok, technically this is a passive activity on your dog’s end, but we’re sure they’ll appreciate being an official taster.
THROW A DOGGIE PARTY: ‘Tis the season to be social. Just imagine your pup and their besties dressed in their holiday finest, playing games, eating delectable goodies and licking each other under the mistletoe.
GO ON A HOLIDAY SNIFFARI: Allow your dog to engage their senses by walking and sniffing in a stimulating environment. Boughs of holly and chestnuts roasting on an open fire (no pups near open fires, please) are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exciting seasonal smells.
ENAGE IN WINTER SPORTS: Hiking is just the tip of the iceberg. Cold weather-loving athletes may enjoy skijoring (a blend of cross country skiing and dog sledding), canicross (where a dog wears a harness and stays slightly in front while you run behind), or agility courses in the snow.
TRA LA LA LA TRAIN: Teach skills that can prove useful over the holiday season, from sitting and staying instead of jumping on guests at the door, to tolerating snow booties, to learning to unwrap presents (maybe not as useful, but seriously cute).
HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT: Playing catch and fetch with snow? It’s what holiday dreams are made of.
SCHEDULE A SPA DAY: We all know the holidays can be stressful, and even dogs deserve an opportunity to unwind. Besides massaging, brushing and bathing, treat their paws with paw balm, since they tend to take a beating from cold, ice and street salt.
