5 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Your Dog

New Year’s Eve is a time for fun, music, decorations and large gatherings. However, it may be a lonely time for your dog who may not understand what all the fuss is about.

New Year’s Eve can be just as fun as a cocktail party, given a little planning.

That’s why lots of pet parents are electing to stay home and spend the evening with their fur babies. New Year’s Eve can be just as fun as a cocktail party, given a little planning. Plus, you know your pooch will love to kiss you at midnight!

Today’s blog post offers five festive, fun and easy ways to celebrate the new year with your dog.

1. Teach your dog something new

Is there a skill you’d like to teach your dog? Kick off the new year by teaching your dog something new. For example, consider teaching your dog “watch me”.

Your dog’s first language is body language. He or she will pick up on gestures and movements you make with your hands. Teach dogs to focus their attention in you by pointing to your nose, giving the “watch me” command and immediately give them a treat as soon as they glance at your face.

This is a foundational skill other skills will build on. The more comfortable a dog gets looking directly at you – and the more rewarding the behavior – the better they will be able to focus on you when distractions arise.

Want to have more fun teaching your dog new things? Consider our premier dog training program. Our expert trainer uses positive, rewards-based techniques to ensure you maintain a strong bond with your dog. Classes are enjoyable, engaging and effective for all ages and behavior levels.

2. Host or attend a dog “pawty”

A dog party can be so fun and it doesn’t take too much planning or work; simply invite some of your closest friends and their dogs over for food and drinks. Or, consider attending a local event that supports rescue and non-profit organizations. Just be aware outside events may not be totally pet-friendly due to the noise, but buying tickets will help support the organization.

3. Set up an indoor agility course

Although the weather here in Colorado may be frigid, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and exercise with your dog. Consider buying or making an agility course for your dog in your house. You might want to purchase a tunnel and other parts of a backyard agility course, or make one yourself.

4. Create a calendar for the new year

Why not use some themed pictures with your dog and get started on a custom calendar for 2020? Many local drugstores or other photo services offer a photo collage calendar creation service. Search through your digital photo albums (gallery) for photos with you and your dog. Then take some new ones with your pooch on New Year’s Eve (and don’t forget to reward your dog for participating).

5. Try a new recipe

New Year’s Eve is a great time to try a new recipe for healthy dog treats! I’m sure your dog would appreciate being a taste tester for the evening. And, you’ll be starting out the new year right by learning something new!

Even if you’re staying home on New Year’s Eve, you can still put on a party hat, dance music and have some fun! If you know your dog will get nervous once the fireworks start going off, a Thundershirt or cuddler donut bed will help calm them. Put on some comfy matching pajamas and have fun posting adorable pics to your favorite social media accounts.

How will you be spending New Year’s Eve? Share with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below.