The Holidays are all about spending time with family, and here at Living with a Golden, dogs are definitely family!  So if you’re looking for something extra special to do with your four legged best friend this Christmas, or thinking of starting a new tradition with your pup, here are a few ideas.

DIY Ornaments: A tradition in our household is to make paw print ornament as a lasting keepsake.  Mix salt, flour and water until firm.  Knead the dough and then use a cookie cutter to shape.  Gently press your dog’s paw into the salt dough, and use a straw to cut a small hole for hanging.  Bake at 200 degrees for a couple hours or longer until completely dry, add a ribbon, and your dog has his very own ornament!

Or if you’re not into kneading and baking, simply select one of the Christmas cards you received, making sure it is blank on the reverse side of the picture.  Cut the picture into a festive shape, pierce the top and tie a piece of string.  Then using nontoxic paint or an ink pad, paint a paw and press onto the blank side of the ornament.  Some helpful advice from our experience is this project works best when your dog is tired!  Also be sure to have a wet cloth handy to immediately clean the paw to avoid him spreading Holiday cheer throughout the house!

Pet Treat Cookie Swap: The Holidays are all about enjoying delicious food.  Share that experience by baking your dogs their very own homemade dog treats!  From peanut butter, pumpkin to bacon, you can find a variety of dog friendly treat recipes online.  Or visit your local pet supply store to purchase a special treat.  We highly recommend treats from our friends at Purely Oh Dog Bakery!  They are currently taking a break from their online store as they welcome their new baby into the family, but you can still find their delicious treats at many retailers across New Hampshire.

Tired of the same old Holiday parties?  Host a pet treat cookie swap!  Invite your pup’s pals and their human companions to share their favorite dog treats and recipes.  It’s also a fun way to burn off some extra puppy energy during the Holidays.  After all, dogs like getting together with their friends for Christmas as much as humans do!  If your dog is truly in a festive mood, make it an ugly dog sweater party as well!

Holiday Lights Walk: Dogs enjoy the sparkling lights of Christmas as much as we do.  So grab a leash and head out on a walk to enjoy all the colorful decorations in your neighborhood, or perhaps visit a new neighborhood or park for a festive stroll.  Too cold for a walk?  Our dogs never say no to a car ride to view Holiday lights.  There are many websites and apps to help you find just the right neighborhood to visit.

Also if you’re headed out caroling, bring along the dog!  He may not be able to carry a tune but will enjoy helping to spread Holiday cheer to your friends and neighbors.  An added bonus is the extra exercise will help get your dog good and tired, so he’ll be sleeping when Santa visits your home.

Whether it’s watching your pup open that special gift, cuddling on the couch, or making a new Holiday tradition, as long as you’re together that’s all that matters for some tail wagging memories this Christmas.