Pawsitively Including Your Dog in the Holidays!

Don't Let the Busy Season Leave Your Best Friend Out

The holiday season is a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and parties. We all tend to get busy, and sometimes, that means our beloved dogs are left out of the festive fun.

At Yooper Paws, we want to encourage all our friends to find meaningful and joyful ways to include your dog in the magic of December! After all, they deserve to share in the cheer.
🗓️ Your December Dog Checklist: 30 Festive Ways to Celebrate!


We've compiled a list of 30 distinct ideas (one for nearly every day of the month) to help you get started. We've organized them into fun categories so you can easily pick the activities that fit your schedule and your dog's personality!

Home & Hearth Activities (10 Ideas)

These activities are perfect for chilly days, bonding indoors, and adding a personal touch to your décor.

1.  Make Holiday Dog Treats: Bake a batch of special, dog-safe holiday cookies.
2.  Make Cookies for Santa Paws: Bake human treats and dog treats side-by-side.
3.  Create a Homemade Gift for your Dog: Simple DIY projects are great for bonding!
4.  Make a Puppy Ornament: A wonderful keepsake to hang on your tree.
5.  Hang a Stocking for your Dog: Don't forget their spot on the mantle!
6.  Make a Puppy Christmas Card: Get that perfect photo for friends and family.
7.  Wrap a Present For Your Dog: Let them sniff and play with the wrapped box before the big day.
8.  Watch a Holiday Movie: Cuddle up on the couch and relax together.

      (We pretty much did this all week last week while I was sick. No photos!)
9.  Read a Book to Your Dog: The sound of your voice is comforting and calming.
10. Share a Treat By the Fire: A quiet moment of togetherness and relaxation.

Festive Outings & Adventures (7 Ideas)

Get out and experience the holiday sights, making sure to consider your dog's comfort level with crowds and noise.

11.  Christmas Lights Drive/Sniff-a-bout: Take a leisurely walk or drive to enjoy the neighborhood lights.
12.  Walk with a Friend: Combine a social visit with a much-needed walk.
13.  Play in the Snow: Embrace the cold and let them burn off energy!
14.  Tree Lighting Ceremony: If your dog is calm and crowd-friendly, attend a small community event.
15.  Puppy Playdate with a Friend: Schedule some fun social time with a dog your pup already knows.
16.  Take a Photo in Front of the Christmas Tree: Capture the perfect holiday memory.
17.  Hang a Paw Print Decoration on Your Door: Show off your festive spirit!

Generosity & Connection (7 Ideas)

The spirit of the holidays is about generosity. Include your dog in acts of kindness and strengthen your bond.

18.  Donate a Dog Toy: Have your dog pick out an old toy to donate to a local shelter.
19.  Donate Dog Food: Purchase an extra bag of food for a shelter in need.
20.  Have a Gift Exchange with Another Dog Owner: A fun way to get a new toy or treat for your pup.
21.  Prepare Treat Bags for Puppy Friends: Assemble small goodie bags for dogs you meet on walks.
22.  Sing Christmas Carols to Your Dog: They might not appreciate the tune, but they’ll love the attention!
23.  Dance with Your Dog: Put on some holiday music and have a goofy, fun moment.
24.  Dress Up Together: Keep it simple—maybe matching scarves or a new holiday collar.

Safety, Reflection, & Planning (6 Ideas)

Use the quiet moments of December to focus on your dog's safety, future, and celebrate your strong bond.

25.  Check for Dog-Safe Holiday Decorations: A critical safety check of all new ornaments, plants, and lights.
26.  Make a Training List/Plan: Set some fun, achievable training goals for the new year.

        Check out the Play Learn Connect Challenge this Month: Merry Movement Puzzles!
27.  Start a New Holiday Tradition: Maybe it’s a specific trail or an annual photo spot.
28.  Pause and Reflect About the Past Year With Your Dog: Appreciate the memories you’ve made.
29.  Letter to Santa Paws: A fun, playful way to list things your dog "wants" for the year!
30.  String Dog Bone Treats for a Christmas Countdown: Create a fun, edible advent calendar for your dog!

🚨 A Note on Safety and Comfort: Always Put Your Dog First!

It's essential that you consider your dog's individual needs when you look at this list!
If your dog doesn't like crowds, you wouldn't take them to a noisy Christmas tree lighting or parade. Skip it!

If your dog doesn't like to dress up, skip list items that suggest that or keep it super simple, like a new holiday-themed collar or bandanna.

Please be smart and do all the things you and your dog can have fun doing together as a team!

📸 Share Your Festive Fun!

Throughout the month, we will be posting additional blog entries on many of these items with detailed directions and ideas on how to do these things with your dog.

Bold means we've completed the activity and pictures will be posted soon! You can also check out our post from December 2024 to see what we accomplished last year.

Want to be featured? Email your pictures to dogtraining@yooperpaws.com or send them to us via Messenger. We love seeing your dogs and may even include your photo in a dedicated blog post!

Have fun & Merry Christmas from the Yooper Paws team!