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Spending Christmas alone with your dog can be necessary for many good reasons and is many things – but definitely not a reason to be sad. With the following tips, you can turn the festive days into beautiful memories – and maybe even meet new two-legged and four-legged friends along the way.

Christmas Alone with Your Dog – Enjoy the Benefits

Maybe your dog can’t be left alone but also can’t come along when visiting family. Maybe the hustle and bustle of celebrations is simply too much, or traveling with several dogs is too far for you and your furry companions.

Whatever the reason you’re spending Christmas alone with your dog or dogs, there’s no need to feel down. Quite the opposite: spending the holidays with your furry family member offers plenty of opportunities for special moments and wonderful memories.

Tip #1: Enjoy the Peace and Quiet

By the evening of December 24^th or 25^th – depending on your country – at the latest, shops are closed and the streets of most cities and towns are deserted. Enjoy the calm, the space, and the absence of stress, and head out on walks with your dog that you usually can’t take because of the crowds.

Tip #2: Christmas Alone with Your Dog – Enjoy Time and Treats

Cook (or order) a festive meal for yourself and don’t leave your dog out. Treat yourselves to something that’s not usually on the menu. Many people skip this because “it’s not worth it just for me.”

But for your dog, it’s definitely worth it!

Tip #3: From Dog Parks to Dog Treats

Make Christmas alone with your dog all about your canine companion and discover activities and opportunities there’s no time for during the rest of the year.

• Check out dog parks.
• Take a look at forums and apps for dog owners.
• Organize a social walk for other dogs and owners who are also alone at Christmas.
• Finally try out those dog biscuit recipes.
• Make dog toys yourself.
• Tidy up or renew your dog’s favorite spots around the house.

Making your dog happy at Christmas brings joy to you too.

Tip #4: Festive Photo Shoot

Christmas trees, fairy lights, snowy landscapes, or snuggled up in blankets on the couch: if you’re spending Christmas alone with your dog, it’s the perfect time for photo walks and (festive) photo shoots at home.

Already have great photos of your dog from before Christmas? Then enter the photo competition!

Tip #5: Exchange Gifts

Special chew sticks for your dog, a new toy, or finally that ball pit your dog has always desperately wanted – even if it’s just the two of you at Christmas, gifts for you and your four-legged friend are a must.

And they don’t have to be material. How about, instead or in addition, a trip to a new destination or an extra-long walk you normally don’t have time for?

Tip #6: Chase Away Boredom

Keeping your dog busy in winter can seem challenging when, instead of a picturesque snowy landscape, there’s rain or dangerous ice outside. But boredom doesn’t have to be part of it.

Great indoor activities include:

• Fetch
• DIY obstacle courses
• Puzzle toys
• Chews
• Scratch boxes
• Scent work
• Snuffle mats
• Teaching tricks

Tip #7: Set New Goals

Spending Christmas alone with your dog doesn’t mean you have to entertain your four-legged friend around the clock. As a dog owner, you probably have far more waking hours than your furry companion.

Use them to build anticipation and make plans for the coming year.

Do you want to finally book a dog training class? Take part in a social walk for the first time? Train relaxed alone time with your dog? Or, on the contrary, help your dog come along with you more calmly?

Outings, training, new tricks, or vacations can all go on your wish list. Christmas alone with your dog is the perfect time to plan.

Bonus Tip: Christmas Alone with Your Dog – You’re Not Alone

You’re far from the only “can opener” spending Christmas alone with your dog. If loneliness creeps in despite everything, use online options to chat, connect, or meet up with other dog owners.

Apps, forums, chats, and social media groups are just a click away.