How to Involve Your Dog in Holiday Traditions

1. Have a Dog-Friendly Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a classic way to countdown to Christmas, and making one for your dog is a fun way to involve them in the excitement.

There are so many advent calendars for dogs on the market, you can view our post rounding up some of the best ones for inspiration. However, you can also make your own. Use dog-safe treats or small toys to fill each day of the calendar. 

For a fun bonus, you could also include a mix of treats, toys, and activity days like a special walk or an at-home play session to keep it engaging.

2. Involve Them in Christmas Tree Decorating

Decorating the tree is such a fun holiday tradition. Allow your dog to be involved by letting them help with non-breakable ornaments, or simply by having them close by as you decorate.

You can even let them sniff and explore any dog-safe ornaments, but remember to keep fragile or harmful decorations (like tinsel or glass ornaments) out of reach to ensure safety.

3. Set Up a Doggy Stocking by the Fireplace

Hang a special stocking for your dog with a few holiday-themed toys, treats, and a fun accessory like a bandana or new collar. Watching them explore their stocking on Christmas morning is such a heartwarming moment.

Include items you know they’ll love, like a squeaky toy, some festive treats, or Christmas inspired accessories. You can even personalise it with their name or a paw print.

Make opening the stocking part of a larger family tradition where each family member gets to reveal their stocking together.

4. Include Them in Holiday Family Photos

Dogs are part of the family, so it only makes sense to include them in holiday cards or family photos. Dress them in a holiday-themed bandana, sweater, or bow tie for a little extra festivity.

For a successful photo session, use treats to keep their attention, and have some practice poses if they’re not used to sitting still for photos.

5. Have a Doggy Christmas Movie Night

Cosy up on the sofa for a holiday movie marathon that includes your dog! Choose holiday classics or animated movies with animals that might catch their interest. You can find our top recommendations here.

Set up a cosy area with blankets and your dog’s favourite toy. Prepare some treats so they can enjoy a snack with you.

6. Take Them on a Festive Walk to See Holiday Lights

Holiday lights and decorations make evening walks extra magical. Plan a special route through decorated neighbourhoods to enjoy the sights together.

Dress them in a holiday jumper or add a festive collar and for safety, consider a light for their collar or lead to keep them visible in the dark.

You could even pause to take a few festive photos with your dog under the lights!

7. Make Dog-Friendly Holiday Treats Together

Baking holiday treats is another classic tradition, and making dog-friendly cookies lets you share the experience with your furry friend. Simple, pet-safe recipes can be made using ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and apples.

Choose a dog-safe recipe and make some fun, holiday-themed shapes like bones, stars, or snowflakes. Your dog can enjoy the smell and taste of fresh-baked treats just for them!

Peanut butter and pumpkin treats using oat flour are festive and healthy. Freeze leftovers so they can enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

8. Let Them Help Open Presents on Christmas Morning

Many dogs love tearing open paper, making them natural helpers on Christmas morning. Give them a small, easy-to-tear package or let them help open yours.

Wrap a toy or treat in tissue paper or a cardboard box that they can tear open easily. Supervise to make sure they don’t eat any paper or ribbons.

9. Involve Them in a Holiday Donation Tradition

The holiday season is a time for giving back, and involving your dog in charity traditions is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. Together, you can donate toys, food, or blankets to a local animal shelter.

Take your dog to the pet store to pick out a few items to donate, like toys or treats. Many shelters also accept gently used blankets or bedding.

Make it a yearly tradition and keep a photo or record of the items donated each year, showing how your family’s generosity has grown over time.