Happy holidays! It’s the most wonderful time of year, and with these activities to get your dog involved with mean they will think so too. The Christmas can be an unsettling time for pets as you may be out of the house more or there may be lots of visitors, but there are plenty of ways you can make sure your pets are involved without causing them stress.
From card-delivery walks and festive treats, to dog-friendly film suggestions and tree decor ideas, here are some of the Christmas activities I’ve got in store for my dog, a two-year-old golden retriever called Lowen.
1. Taking her for a walk to deliver Christmas cards
I know sending Christmas cards is falling out of fashion – and who can blame people, stamps are expensive these days – but I can’t resist sending annual holiday cards to loved ones near and far.
When it comes to local family and friends, I plan to take Lowen on a festive walk posting cards through neighbours letterboxes and popping by for a quick holiday hello if they’re in. Lowen might not love all the stopping and starting, but she’ll absolutely love the treats she’ll inevitably end up with at several of the stops.
2. Dressing her up in something festive
I can’t resist a spot of dressing up, and there’s no better time than the holidays for dressing your dog up in something delightful. Not all dogs will appreciate it of course, but if you’ve got a poser of a pup, this is a fun way to have some festive fun together.
Last year Lowen and her sister, Indy, were just over a year old, and the best we could manage was a pair of reindeer antlers (which one of them, I suspect Lowen, chewed removing half off one of the antlers).
I think at just over two, they might be ready for something slightly more extravagant. I have seen some truly inspired ideas on the internet, from full on Santa get-ups to actual angel costumes. However given their decidedly less-than-angelic attitude to their Christmas look last year, I might play it safe with a classic Christmas sweater.
3. Getting her a specific tree ornament
All of our previous pets have had their own tree decoration, but in the craziness of getting Lowen while I had a toddler, and then shortly after having another child, buying her her own Christmas tree decoration felt like a niche concern.
But not anymore – 2024 is the year that’s set to change. We already have a golden retriever decoration bought for our previous dog, Monty, so we’ll have to think outside the box for Lowen. Perhaps a ceramic dog bone ornament, or a festive turkey bauble as an homage to her favourite part of the day.
4. Prioritising walks during festivities
Christmas is typically a busy time of year with the calendar packed full of festivities. In between the Christmas shopping, nativity plays, nights out and light switch ons, it’s easy to deprioritise the dog walking but if your dog is anything like mine (prone to chewing when bored), this is never a good idea.
If anything, I plan to increase her walks during this period to account for the fact we’ll be out and about a little bit more than usual. Not only is it a great way to ensure your dog has the exercise they need, but it’s also a great way to stay mindful during what can sometimes be quite an intense part of the year.
To make this happen, I’ve shifted things around so I take Lowen out first thing in the morning after we’ve all had breakfast. And to be honest, I’m enjoying it at least as much as her.
5. Upgrading training with turkey jerky
Come training time Lowen gets pretty standard run of the mill treats; more often than not it’s just a bit of plain chicken. And while she’s perfectly content with that, I’m going to give her a treatbox a festive overhaul and stock it with some turkey jerky.
There are some fabulous options to buy (some with cranberries and cinnamon for that extra festive hit) or, time willing, I might have a go at making my own. There are plenty of dog friendly turkey jerky recipes out there, and while dehydrators are optimum, a cool long bake in the oven can work too.
6. Making her a roast dinner
It’s become a tradition in our household now to cook the dogs a roast dinner each Christmas too. Sure, they lack table manners and it’s hoovered up in approximately 28 seconds, but I like to think they enjoy being included in what is arguably the highlight of Christmas day.
Plus it’s really not that much effort, considering much of a traditional roast dinner is dog-friendly anyway. Just make sure you avoid any foods that dogs cannot eat.
7. Watching The Grinch with her
Is it even December if you haven’t watched a Christmas movie? Not in this household! There are plenty of dog Christmas movies to choose from, but first on my list is The Grinch. It’s a family favourite, not least because the Grinch’s dog, Max, exemplifies the unconditional love of a dog perfectly.
If The Grinch isn't for you, try A Dog Named Christmas, Beethoven's Christmas Adventure or The Search for Santa Paws. Who needs an excuse to draw the curtains, crack out some snacks and snuggle up on the sofa with their best friend?
8. Buying her a Christmas present
This year, Lowen will be delighted to find out she’s made the cut for the good list. And having finally defeated her last rubber bone, and well and truly destroyed her beloved rope toy, I think Father Christmas will be getting the elves to make something she can sink her teeth into.
Perhaps something from the Kong Extreme range. Need some inspiration? Check our guide to the best Christmas gifts for dogs.
So there you have it, our top tips for getting into the festive spirit with man’s best friend. Dogs might not have any idea what all the festive fuss is about, but if yours is anything like Lowen, they’ll be overjoyed to be included.
Preparing for Christmas? Here’s how to successfully have a Christmas tree with a dog along with some Christmas hazards for pets to be aware of.
