Showering your dog with new toys and treats can be SO much fun…and we’re certainly not here to discourage anyone from doing so! But, there are other free, simple, and powerful ways to show your dog some love this holiday season. Read on for 5 of our favorites!
Happy Holidays,
5 Free Gifts Your Dog Will Love this Holiday Season (and All Year Round)
As dog owners, it’s easy to see our dog’s heightened behaviors—jumping, spinning, barking, hard pulling, The holidays can be expensive, but showing your dog love doesn’t have to be. While treats and toys are always fun, some of the best gifts you can give your dog cost nothing at all—and they’ll strengthen your bond in ways money can’t buy.
Today, we’re sharing 5 simple, meaningful ways to show your dog love this season.
1. Let Them Lead the Way
Take dog-led walks where your dog gets to sniff, explore, and decide the route (safely, of course). Let them dig in dirt and roll in mud. Let them sniff whatever they want (so long as it’s not dangerous), for a long as they want. Bonus points if you can do your dog-led walks in a peaceful, nature-filled setting.
Sniffing is a way for dogs to gather information, de-stress, and mentally engage. So even if that pile of dead leaves or dirty snow seems unremarkable to you, taking the time to let them explore can mean the world to your dog.
2. Share Their Joy
Over the past decade or so, popular dog culture has ingrained in many of us the idea that our dogs should be CALM…all the time. And so, when your dog bursts into excited zoomies, lets out some joyful barks, or does their little happy dance, it’s easy to feel the urge to quickly calm them down with a “Shhh”, “Quiet,” or “That’s Enough.”
There’s absolutely a time and place for redirecting exuberant behavior and encouraging your dog to settle down—like when that behavior is unsafe, harmful, or disruptive to others (or, when you think it may actually be Unhappy Arousal). But when it’s harmless fun? Make an effort to delight in these joy-filled moments with your dog whenever possible. Give them a big smile, use your happiest voice, and join them in their silly antics.
It feels so good when someone we love reflects our joy back to us! It’s no different for our dogs. This simple practice can go a long way in fostering connection and affection between you and your dog.
3. Help Them Through Big Feelings
It’s easy to show our love when things are going smoothly—when our dog is happy, relaxed and peaceful. But it’s when things get bumpy—when our dog struggles with Big Feelings and the behaviors that come along with them—that we get the opportunity to show them how much we truly care.
When your dog feels scared, frustrated, or overstimulated, sometimes the best gift you can give them is providing a calm, confident presence to help them regulate their emotions. Read our recent blog on Co-Regulation to learn more about how to do this successfully.
4. Respect Their Boundaries
If your dog signals they need space—turning away, moving to a quiet spot, or avoiding contact—honor that request.
Showing respect for their needs builds trust and lets your dog know they can rely on you to keep them safe and comfortable.
5. Tell Them They’re a Good Dog
This might seem silly, but don’t underestimate the power of letting your dog know how much you love them—just for being themselves.
Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to train and improve behaviors, trying to make sure our dogs are good, respectful canine citizens, that we can fall into the habit of endlessly correcting their behavior. No matter who (or what species) you are, it’s no fun to be in a relationship with someone who is constantly telling you to stop/change/etc.
So, tell your dog often what a good, brave, silly, sweet, special dog they are. Words spoken with affection can go a long way in making your dog feel seen, loved, and deeply connected to you.
Wishing You a Peaceful Holiday Season
These small but powerful gifts remind your dog how much they mean to you—and they don’t cost a thing. This holiday season, give your dog the gift of your love in its purest form: time, attention, and understanding.
Thank you for reading along with us this year, and for sending in such wonderful comments, suggestions, and questions. See you in 2025!
Questions or thoughts to share?
Send us an email at [email protected]
NEED TRAINING OR BEHAVIOR SUPPORT?
Check out the resources below!
Check out Instinct’s award-winning podcast, Dogs Unknown (fka DogLab), hosted by Instinct Co-Founders Sarah Fraser (me!) and Brian Burton.
Join one of our free, live training & behavior seminars via Zoom!
Hosted by Instinct behavior consultants, these seminars include a 1 hr presentation plus live Q&A session. Open to all!
Sign up for the Nature-Driven Nurture Foundations course in our Online School. Learn our groundbreaking canine behavioral health framework that teaches you how to optimize your dog’s training & care based on their unique, individual Nature. This self-paced course includes:
- Access to private Alumni Facebook group
- Twice-monthly Zoom Q&As with Instinct co-founders
Or, contact your local Instinct for fully customized training & behavior support with certified, veterinarian-recommended trainers and behavior consultants.
