How to Have Holiday Fun With Your Dog

Having fun with your dog during the holidays is one of the best ways to maintain your sanity and celebrate the good things in your life during the busy holiday season. Getting out or staying in together can be just what both of you need to make your days merry and bright! These are a few suggested activities for some dog friendly holiday fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn and watch holiday movies together. Reward your dog with some stroking and a treat for laying down next to you quietly.
2. Lay a soft rug or dog bed next to your computer chair and let your dog lay next to you while you shop online or look up recipes for tasty homemade dog cookies. Reinforce your dog for laying down quietly next to you by letting him have a special chewy item such as a bully stick or a food dispensing toy.
3. If you found a good homemade treat recipe, visit with your pup and practice obedience cues in the kitchen while you are making a batch of "howliday" goodies for your dog and his friends. This is a great time to practice down stay, taking food gently, and wait.
4. Call up some of your dog loving friends and their dogs to go for a long walk at night to take in the lights and decorations around your neighborhood.
5. Go to your local pet supply store and buy some doggie presents for your dog and a maybe even a little something for that special cat or turtle in your life.
6. Find a local retailer or photo studio that is offering pictures with Santa and your dog. The actual photo shoot may not be fun for some dogs, but there is the car ride to be enjoyed. You can also make it up to him with a trip to the dog park.
7. If you've shopped 'til you dropped and now feel like throwing a fit, throw a ball instead. You will be in a great mood again in no time!
8. Season's Greetings to all and to all a good night!

Tips & Warnings

• Read up on Holiday Pet Safety and be vigilant about what your dog is doing when he is around food and decorations
• Walking your dog burns up at least a little of those delicious holiday calories
• Lower your blood pressure, pet your dog