Wholesome Wags and Festive Fun: 7 Heartwarming Ideas To Try With Your Dog
Written by Dog Furiendly
Nothing warms the heart more during the holiday hustle and bustle than quality time with your furry best friend.
As the seasonal lights twinkle and the frost sets in, now is the perfect opportunity to relax and create memories together that will last a lifetime.
We've teamed up with Dog Furiendly, the travel platform for dog owners, to come up with some tail-wagging ideas for this festive season. Though the holidays often seem centred around dinners and parties, don’t forget your loyal companion who brings you joy and unconditional love all year round.
Make this December about keeping things full of wholesome cheer with your dog by your side.
Embrace the chill in the winter air as you search for the perfect evergreen centrepiece. Bake healthy homemade treats you both can enjoy while marvelling at the twinkling lights. Craft handmade ornaments with your dog and, most importantly, soak up special moments that you’ll fondly look back on.
Pause to appreciate the warmth and comfort that comes from canine friendships, even during the coldest season. Discover new traditions to implement this month as you spread holiday happiness through homemade love and belly rubs.
Pick the Pawfect Tree
Kick off the month on a festive note by heading to a local dog-friendly Christmas tree farm!
Let your four-legged friend sniff out the perfect tree for your home. If you're in the UK, why not visit one of these Dog Furiendly recommended spots: Welford Christmas Tree Farm in Northampton, Clearwell Christmas Farm in Cardiff, or Winston Farm in Ellesmere?
Many farms welcome dogs, but it's wise to call ahead to double-check. Turn it into a family outing with hot choccy, matching Christmas jumpers, and capturing precious pics with your pup in a sea of evergreens.
Bake With Your Dog
This Christmas, why not create some heartwarming memories by baking with your furry friend?
Baking with your dog can be a delightful bonding experience, providing both mental stimulation and a sense of achievement for your pooch.
It's also a wonderful way to include them in the festive activities, making them feel loved and part of the family celebrations. Plus, the end result is a tasty treat that you both can enjoy!
Here’s a dog-friendly gingerbread recipe to get you started:
Gingerbread Dog Cookies
Ingredients:
- 300g flour (choose from Buckwheat, Wholewheat, or Coconut)
- 60g peanut butter (ensure it's xylitol-free)
- 1 apple, peeled, grated, and pips removed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses or honey
- 120ml water
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180C (160C Fan).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix together to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough evenly.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut into festive shapes.
- Place on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool on a rack, then share and enjoy with your furry companion!
Let your pooch “help” taste test and mix up a barking good batch, then share a few as you decorate the tree!
Mooch with Your Pooch Around a Christmas Market
An especially fun and festive activity to enjoy with your pup is visiting a local Christmas market, many of which welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. I
magine strolling through Bath Christmas Market, admiring artisan stores with the beautiful abbey as your backdrop, or experiencing the twinkling lights of Edinburgh Market, complete with rides and a Santa grotto. For a truly vibrant atmosphere, consider Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park, best enjoyed earlier in the day for a quieter experience with your pooch.
As you meander down aisles of colourfully decorated stalls under twinkling lights, the magic of the season comes to life. And for those who want to extend this festive experience, why not explore our curated selection of dog-friendly accommodations available on Dog Furiendly's website?
Enjoy A Christmas Light Show
As the sun sets early in winter, why not take a magical evening stroll with your dog? Many locations, like the stunning Bute Park in Cardiff, transform their parks and trails with festive lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Imagine walking through Bute Park, covered in a spectacular display of Christmas lights, offering a unique and dazzling experience. These light trails, welcoming dogs, provide a perfect setting for a memorable winter walk.
We also love Worcestershire and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which offers a similar festive charm.
Visit Santa Paws
It’s the most woof-derful time of the year, and Dog Furiendly has pulled together an exciting collection of 'Santa Paws' visits for your furry friends! This festive season, they don't have to miss out on the fun.
Across the UK, numerous locations are hosting these special meet-and-greets with Santa, tailored for our canine companions. Dog Furiendly's free travel platform not only lists these delightful Santa Paws events but also showcases a variety of other festive happenings perfect for you and your pup.
So, if you're looking to include your dogs in all the holiday festivities, be sure to check out Dog Furiendly’s website for the best spots to meet Santa Paws and for other seasonal events that are happening across the UK.
Festive Photo Shoot
Capture the holiday spirit with a festive photo shoot featuring your dog. It's important to ensure your furry friend is comfortable and happy, so only dress them up if they are at ease with it.
You can opt for a cute Santa hat or reindeer antlers, but if they're not keen on dressing up, there are plenty of other charming options.
Consider taking some beautiful photos by the Christmas tree or against a backdrop of twinkling lights. The soft glow of the lights can create a magical and heartwarming scene. You can also create a festive setting with dog-safe decorations, cosy blankets, and their favourite toys.
These photos not only make for wonderful keepsakes but can also be used for personalised Christmas cards or shared with friends and family on social media. Remember, the key is to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free for your dog, capturing the joy and warmth of the season together.
You can find pet photographers in your local area in seconds with Book Your Pet. Click here to start your search.
Exploring Winter Nature Trails with Your Dog
Winter nature trails in the UK offer a serene beauty that's perfect for dog walks. The Lake District, with its frost-dusted hills and tranquil lakes, is ideal for those seeking picturesque landscapes.
Trails around Derwentwater or Windermere are particularly stunning during the winter months. For those in Scotland, the snow-covered forests and frozen lochs in Cairngorms National Park provide a breathtaking winter wonderland. Further south, the ancient woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest in Hampshire offer a mystical atmosphere, especially when the low winter sun filters through the trees.
In Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park presents panoramic views of the Welsh countryside, ideal for a clear winter's day trek. These locations offer not just beauty but also tranquillity, making them perfect for a peaceful winter outing with your furry friend.