How to Include a Dog in the Christmas Festivities

If you are like most families, your consider your dog a member of the family and not just a pet. So of course you want to include your favorite pooch (or pooches) in the joy and fun of the holiday season. Your pets can celebrate with the entire family by enjoying everything from Christmas treats to Christmas gifts and even their own Christmas apparel.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy doggie treats with a holiday slant. At Christmastime, you will find an assortment of pet treats that have been transformed for the holidays. Buy your dog rawhide candy canes, Christmas-colored dog bones, peanut-butter-flavored bones and canine Christmas cookies. You can find Christmas treat ideas for your puppy online at Waggy Tail Treats and in the holiday department at Entirely Pets. (Follow the links in Resources.)

2. Dress your dog in festive gear. Place a Santa hat or felt antlers on top of his head. Buy a holiday sweater for your dog to wear over the holidays. Replace your dog's regular collar with a Christmas collar. Holiday scarves for pets are popular, as well. You can buy many holiday-themed fashion accessories at most pet-supply stores. Shop online at Entirely Pets for a wide assortment of cute and creative fashion accessories for your dog to wear over the Christmas season.

3. Take a holiday picture of your dog. One option is to include your dog in your family Christmas photo: You can dress her in her holiday gear for the photo shoot. If you do not think your dog will sit still for a family photo session, you can take her picture at home on your own, using your digital camera. You can also opt to have your dog's picture taken with Santa. Check with your local mall, your town's Santa village or large department stores and ask if they have scheduled a day when you can have your dog's picture taken with jolly old Saint Nick.

4. Take your dog with you for a walk or ride to look at Christmas lights and displays in your neighborhood. Your dog can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season along with your family. If you can walk around to view the lights and Christmas displays in your neighbors' yards, your pet can benefit from a nice walk while joining the family in a fun holiday activity.

5. Allow your dog to join in when you sing Christmas songs. If your dog likes to howl along to music, give him a few minutes to sing with the family. If your dog is friendly and will not be afraid to walk around your neighborhood, take him with you when you go Christmas caroling so he can greet the neighbors with holiday melody.

6. Don't leave your dog out of the festivities on Christmas morning: Give her a stocking full of treats. Have a few gifts for her to sniff, snack on and play with while everyone in the family opens their own gifts. You can purchase a pet stocking and treats at most superstores and pet shops.

Resources

• Gourmet Dog Treats
• Entirely Pets Discount Dog Supplies