12 Christmas Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog

Christmas is busy. There are gifts to wrap, food to cook and people to see. In the middle of it all is your dog, who mostly just wants to be with you.

The good news is that a lot of the best Christmas moments are easy to share. Here are twelve ideas, from big outings to quiet evenings on the couch. Pick a few that suit your dog's age, energy and personality.

1. Take a Christmas lights walk

Pick an evening, bundle up and walk the neighborhood once the lights come on. Slow down and let your dog sniff. For a dog, a walk with time to sniff is like reading the morning paper. A reflective collar or a small clip-on light helps drivers see you both.

2. Try a sniff walk instead of a fitness walk

On a sniff walk, your dog sets the pace and chooses where to go, within reason. Sniffing is mentally tiring in the best way, so even a short sniff walk can leave your dog more settled than you might expect. That is handy on short winter days.

3. Play in the snow

If you get snow, many dogs love it. Toss a toy into fresh powder and let them dig, or build a small snow wall to jump over. Keep sessions short in very cold weather, and wipe paws afterward to remove ice and any de-icing salt from sidewalks.

4. Set up an indoor treasure hunt

On cold or rainy days, hide a few small pieces of your dog's regular food around one room while they wait in another. Start with easy spots, then make it harder. It turns ordinary mealtime into a game.

5. Wrap a gift just for them

Wrap a dog toy loosely in plain paper, with no ribbon, tape or bows, and let your dog "open" it while you watch. Take the paper away once the toy is out. It's a small thing, but many dogs love the ripping.

6. Take a Christmas photo together

Pick a good window, a calm moment and a pocket full of treats. Get down to your dog's eye level. Skip costumes your dog doesn't enjoy. A scarf or simple bandana is often enough, and a happy, relaxed face makes the best photo anyway.

7. Teach one new trick

The weeks around Christmas are a great time to learn something new. Try "touch" (nose to your hand), "spin" or "settle" on a mat. Keep sessions to five minutes, end on a success and reward generously. Settle on a mat is especially useful when guests arrive.

8. Visit a dog-friendly Christmas market or shop

Many towns have outdoor markets or pet stores that welcome dogs. Go early when it's quieter, keep your dog close on a short leash and leave if they seem overwhelmed. A short, positive outing beats a long, stressful one.

9. Make a cozy den for the busy days

Christmas gatherings can be a lot for a dog. Set up a quiet spot away from the noise with a bed, water and a favorite chew. Let guests know the den is off limits. Your dog can join the party when they want and step away when they need to.

10. Include your dog in your morning routine

On the slower days off work, add a few extra minutes to the first walk of the day, or have your coffee outside while your dog explores the yard. Small, predictable routines help dogs feel secure when the rest of the week is unpredictable.

11. Give back together

If your dog is calm and friendly, look into local therapy dog programs, or simply drop off a donation at your local shelter together. Some shelters also welcome volunteers to walk dogs over Christmas when staff are stretched thin.

12. End the year with a quiet evening

Some of the best moments are the simplest. A blanket, a movie and your dog stretched out next to you. After a busy season, a calm evening together might be the gift your dog enjoys most.

A note on Christmas food

It's tempting to share the Christmas table, but rich, fatty leftovers, cooked bones, chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and anything sweetened with xylitol can all cause problems for dogs. If you'd like to give your dog something special, keep it simple: a little extra of the food they already eat, or a spoonful of one of our Meat Spreads on a lick mat in their den while the guests are over. Our guide to holiday hazards for dogs covers the season's risks in more detail.

Merry Christmas from all of us.

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This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you have questions about your dog's health, activity level or diet, talk with your veterinarian.