As fall begins and Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, many people take time to reflect on the past year and express their gratefulness to the other people in their lives—so why not extend this practice to your four-legged friends? Dogs bring a lot of love and laughs to their humans, and this is the perfect time of year to show them how grateful you are for their happy tails and big kisses.
However, you can’t just tell dogs that you’re thankful for them (well, you can, but they probably won’t understand it). Below, we’ve rounded up 10 ways to show the dogs in your life how grateful you are for them.
Spend some cuddle time together.
It’s a rare dog indeed who doesn’t appreciate curling up on the couch next to you as you watch a movie or football game or read a book. As the weather gets colder, you’ll want to stay inside anyways, so take advantage of your desire to never leave your couch and cuddle up with your pup to stay warm. Just be sure to take frequent breaks from whatever you’re doing for belly rubs!
Teach them a new trick.
Dogs love to spend quality time with their humans, and what better way to while away the minutes than by teaching her a new trick? Whether your dog is getting on in years or is still a floppy little puppy, there’s a good chance she’s willing to learn a new way to show off, especially if she’s well-compensated in dog treats for her good performance.
Go for a long walk.
As the leaves start to change, the scenery will only become even more beautiful. Plus, the temperatures will finally drop to reasonable levels, making this the perfect season to take your dog out for long walks around the neighborhood or local park. If your dog tends to get excited around company, going on a walk the morning of a major holiday before guests arrive is a great way to spend some time together and tucker him right out.
Photo Credit: Albert on Wheels
Plan their favorite activity.
While most dogs love walks, they may not always be your pup’s most favorite activity. Whatever that activity is—a few hours at doggie daycare, swimming in a lake, a trip to the dog park, etc.—plan a fun outing for both of you before the weather truly takes a turn for the worse. Your dog is sure to reward you with lots of sloppy kisses before you can say “these are a few of my favorite things!”
Buy (or make) a special treat.
Thanksgiving is a great time to indulge your dog’s proverbial sweet tooth just a little, and to show your gratitude in the process. No matter any dietary restrictions or allergies that your pup might have, there’s a special dog treat out there that’s just perfect for their size and taste. If you’re feeling especially culinary, you can also try your hand at making dog treats at home for fresh-baked fall goodness.
Whip up an extra-special meal.
It’s said that the way to the heart is through the stomach, and while this may not be strictly true, food is a great way to show your gratitude for humans and dogs alike. After all, it’s traditional to make a huge special meal for the people in your life, so why wouldn’t you include your dog in the deliciousness? Thankfully, even fancy meals for dogs aren’t nearly as complicated as human meals (anything too outside your dog’s normal diet will upset her tummy anyway), and there are plenty of homemade dog food recipes you can find online.
Schedule a spa day.
Not every dog loves going to the spa, but if yours wants nothing more than a bath and nail trim, schedule him an appointment at your local groomer for a day of primping and pampering. Of course, if you’d rather do it yourself, you can always have a spa day at home–taking care of the bathing, drying, brushing, etc. in the comfort of your house, where your dog will be familiar with the environment.
Host a puppy party.
If your dog gets along well with others, consider asking your human-and-dog friend couples over for a thankfulness party. Your dog will get some puppy playtime with other canines as you get some well-deserved social time with their human parents. For extra bonus points, plan a fun activity such as writing a card or taking photos together that will allow attendees to express their gratitude for their dogs and beyond.
Photo Credit: KCraig923
Get some new gear.
While dogs can’t truly engage in retail therapy or go on shopping sprees on their own, they love a new purchase as much as anyone, especially if it’s a fun new dog toy. Use this as an opportunity to replace old, worn-out gear that has seen better days, or to pick up that shiny new leash or toy that you’ve had your eye on for a while. If you need to make a bigger buy, such as a bed or crate, look out for holiday-themed sales to see if you can snag a deal even as you spoil your pup.
Photo Credit: PardonThyFrench
Coexist.
In many cases, dogs are perfectly happy to lie in the same room as you go about your business. Whether you’re gardening, cooking, cleaning or some other activity, let your dog hang out with you as you both live your lives. If your office has a pet-friendly policy, you can also look into bringing your dog to work with you one day. Both your dog and your coworkers will thank you for bringing a little puppy love to the office—just be sure to confirm that no one is allergic before you commit to taking Rover to work with you.
Showing your dog how grateful you are for them doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as giving them a belly rub or treat just because. These 10 activities are a great starting point if you need ideas for how to show your dogs you’re thankful for them this holiday season.
Another GREAT Thing to do is to Donate to your Local Shelter or a Wonderful Rescue and spread the word to ADOPT DON’T SHOP! It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month but let’s keep the message going ALL YEAR ROUND!!! Let’s get all the Pups a loving forever home!!!
A Big Thank you to
Jordan Smith is a full-time stay-at-home mother of 2 daughters and a new dog Luna! She loves blogging, crafting, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys strolling the streets of downtown Charleston, South Carolina and all the amazing food her hometown has to offer.
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