How to Include Your Dog in Holiday Traditions
The holidays are a time for family and friends to make memories—and for many of us, that includes our furry family members! Whether it’s their first Christmas or their tenth, your dog deserves to be part of the festive fun. Here are some creative ways to include your pup in holiday traditions and ensure a paws-itively wonderful season for everyone.
1. Dog-Friendly Stockings and Gifts
Nothing says holiday spirit like stockings hung by the fireplace. Why not dedicate one to your dog? Fill it with their favorite treats, a new toy, or even some holiday-themed goodies like a festive bandana or squeaky toy shaped like Santa. Opening stockings together on Christmas morning is a great way to bond and start the day with tail wags.
2. Holiday Photos with Santa (or Without!)
A timeless holiday tradition is taking photos with Santa. Many pet-friendly venues and shelters host events where your dog can meet and pose with the big guy in red. Not sure your pup is ready to meet Santa? No problem! Set up a cozy photo backdrop at home with holiday props and snap some festive pictures to capture the memories.
Pro Tip: To keep your dog calm during photo sessions, make sure they’re well-exercised beforehand and bring plenty of treats for positive reinforcement. A tired pup is often a well-behaved one!
3. Include Your Dog in Family Traditions
Does your family bake cookies every year? Try whipping up some dog-safe treats so your pup can enjoy the baking fun without the chocolate hazards. Plan a holiday movie night and let your dog snuggle up in their favorite blanket. Or involve them in a family walk to admire the neighborhood holiday lights—it’s great exercise and a festive outing for everyone.
4. Create a Calming Holiday Environment
The holidays can get hectic with guests, decorations, and new routines. Make sure your dog has a quiet, comfortable space to retreat to if things get overwhelming. Use calming sprays or diffusers and provide plenty of familiar items like their bed or favorite toy.
If your dog gets nervous around visitors, spend some time working on basic commands like “place” or “stay” to help them feel more confident and secure.
5. Host a Doggy Gift Exchange
Why not host a gift exchange just for dogs? Invite a few friends and their pups over for a holiday gathering where the dogs can exchange gifts and enjoy some social time. Keep things simple with small, inexpensive gifts like treats or chew toys. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and strengthen the community of dog lovers.
A Season for Celebration and Training
Involving your dog in holiday traditions is a fun way to strengthen your bond, but it’s also a chance to reinforce good behavior. From staying calm during family gatherings to posing politely for photos, a well-trained dog is a joy to include in the holiday hustle and bustle.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we’re here to help your dog become the best version of themselves—during the holidays and beyond. Call us today for a free consultation at (406) 946-3037, and let’s make this season memorable for you and your pup!
Make the most of this magical time of year with your dog by your side. Happy holidays from all of us at Off Leash K9 Training Missoula! 🎄🐾
