The festive season is all about twinkling lights, cozy nights, and—of course—the countdown to the most wonderful time of the year! While we’re all smiles and cheer, enjoying yummy holiday treats, why not let your pup in on the season’s joy?
A DIY advent calendar for your dog is such a fun way to include them in the holiday season. If your pup is anything like mine, they love anything new! An advent calendar allows them to enjoy a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas. Plus, it’s a great craft project you can get into to relax or get excited about. Not to mention, DIY projects are so fulfilling and let you add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
So grab your crafting supplies and a stash of dog-friendly treats, and let’s get creative!
Why Make a Dog Advent Calendar?
Your pup may not understand Christmas, but they do understand joy, treats, and surprises! Here’s why a DIY advent calendar is a great idea:
- Bonding Time – You can make a routine of it throughout the festive season. Your dog will love the daily excitement of discovering a new treat.
- Crafty Fun – A festive, homemade calendar adds a unique touch to your holiday decor that only you can add.
- Healthier Treats – You have total control over what goes inside, ensuring your pup enjoys nutritious, high-quality goodies.
And if you’re looking for top-tier, all-natural foods to include, check out californiadogkitchen.com for wholesome, gently cooked food that pups of all stages love!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to create a simple, festive DIY dog advent calendar:
- A large poster board or wooden board (for your calendar base)
- Small paper bags, envelopes, or fabric pouches (for each day’s treat)
- Number stickers or a marker (to label the days 1-24)
- Dog treats (mix it up with different flavors and textures!)
- Mini clothespins, twine, or ribbon (to attach the treats)
- Decorations (stickers, paw print stamps, holiday-themed washi tape)
You can go as simple or as elaborate as you like—get creative.
Step-By-Step Guide: DIY Dog Advent Calendar
Step 1: Choose Your Calendar Base
Start by selecting a base for your advent calendar. Go for something sturdy like a corkboard, a wooden frame, or a thick poster board. If the DIY bug’s got you feeling extra crafty, repurpose an old wooden crate or create a hanging, garland-style calendar using twine.
Step 2: Prepare the Treat Holders
Each day of the advent calendar needs a little pocket, bag, or envelope to hold the treats. Here are a few easy options:
- Paper envelopes: Decorate with stamps, stickers, or drawings.
- Small fabric pouches: These are reusable and can be tied with a festive ribbon.
- Mini gift boxes: Stack them in a pyramid shape for a cute, present-inspired design.
Label each one with the numbers 1-24 using stickers or hand-drawn numbers.
Step 3: Fill It With Treats
Stuff the calendar with all the goodies you have for your pup. Use a variety of treats so each day is a new surprise. Some ideas:
- Small training treats for quick rewards
- Freeze-dried meats for extra excitement
- Mini chew sticks for longer-lasting enjoyment
If you want to switch things up, you can also include:
- A new dog toy (for a special day!)
- A small DIY treat made at home
- A fun holiday-themed bandana or bowtie
Step 4: Assemble Your Calendar
Now, attach your treat holders to the base:
- Use mini clothespins to clip the bags or envelopes onto a string of twine.
- Arrange them in a Christmas tree shape on your board and tape them in place.
- Hang small boxes or pouches from hooks or attach them with festive ribbon.
Make it as festive as you want—add holly stickers, paw prints, or little jingling bells for extra holiday spirit!
Step 5: Find the Perfect Spot
Hang your dog’s advent calendar in a spot where they can’t sneak treats early! A high wall, fireplace mantel, or side table works great. Each day, let your pup sniff out their surprise and enjoy their festive countdown!
You can make a whole moment of it and take pictures and videos that you can share on social media or keep as a wholesome memory.
Alternative Ideas for Dog Advent Calendars
Feeling extra creative? Here are some other fun ways to make your dog’s countdown even more special:
- DIY Christmas Stocking Calendar: Number a large stocking with 24 pockets and fill each with a treat.
- Muffin Tin Countdown: Place treats in each slot of a 24-count muffin tin and cover them with paper lids your pup can nudge open.
- Wrapped Surprise Box: Wrap 24 tiny treat boxes and let your dog “unwrap” one each day.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Holidays with Your Pup!
Your dog may not understand the concept of Christmas, but the whys and hows aren’t the point. This is your excuse to spend a little more time with your furry friend. They absolutely love the extra attention, treats, and fun!
Making a DIY advent calendar is a simple way to add excitement to the holiday season while treating your pup to delicious surprises every day.
Happy crafting and happy holidays! 🎁🐶