These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things: Five Ways to Your Dog’s Heart this Holiday Season

Our dogs’ happiness doesn't come from fancy wrapped packages or expensive gadgets, but rather from experiences that speak to their deepest instincts. photo: AdobeStock

When life gets stressful, as it can this time of year, I look to dogs for perspective. Their simple joys and boundless enthusiasm remind me of what really matters. Just like that classic Sound of Music song, dogs have their own special lists of favorite things that never fail to lift their spirits – and ours, too!

The holiday season is all about giving, and while we're busy picking out gifts for family and friends, let's not forget the four-legged family members who bring us so much joy. This December, instead of more squeaky toys (though those are always a hit), consider giving your dog the gifts they truly crave - things that make their lives better and tap into what they're naturally wired to enjoy. 

Our dogs’ happiness doesn't come from fancy wrapped packages or expensive gadgets, but rather from experiences that speak to their deepest instincts. When we take time to notice what makes our dogs' tails wag with genuine delight, we often find it's the simplest things that bring them the most happiness. 

Here are five ways to give your dog their favorite things this holiday season.

1. Let Them Be Dogs

Chewing, digging, sniffing, shredding, and even peeing on things are all natural dog behaviors - and chances are your dog loves doing them just as much as we love bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. The problem? These behaviors often pop up where we don't want them, like in the middle of our freshly vacuumed living room or in the garden we've just planted. 

This holiday, instead of constantly saying no, why not give your pup their own special places to be a dog? Build a digging pit in the backyard (think of it as their personal sandbox), offer cardboard boxes filled with paper for shredding (recycling those holiday gift boxes - yay!), or invest in enrichment toys designed for plenty of safe chewing. 

And don't forget to let your dog indulge in sniffing and marking on your daily walks. After all, what's more festive than giving them the gift of a longer stop at a tree decorated by other dogs? To them, every fire hydrant is a social media post and every tree trunk a holiday greeting card.

When you embrace these natural behaviors instead of fighting them, you'll find your dog is not only happier but more well-behaved overall, truly a favorite thing for both of you. 

2. Give the Gift of Choice

Choices are as precious to your dog as whiskers on kittens, though they might not admit to that comparison. Just as we delight in choosing our favorite holiday treats or picking the perfect spot by the fireplace, dogs thrive on having the freedom to make their own decisions. The ability to make choices gives your dog a sense of autonomy in their world, something that's particularly important during the bustling holiday season when routines are often disrupted.

This season, try asking your dog what they'd prefer, treating each choice as a small gift you can give them every day. Do they want a gentle belly rub or that just-right scratch behind the ears? Would they rather nap on the couch surrounded by holiday decorations or curl up in their favorite bed near the window where they can watch snowflakes fall? 

When out on walks, let them be your guide occasionally. They might discover a magical new route or fascinating scent that becomes one of their new favorite things. These small moments of empowerment aren't just choices; they're building blocks of trust and understanding. The best gift you can give your dog is the freedom to be themselves.

3. Make Time for Care

Caring for your dog isn't just about the basics: food, water, and exercise. It's about nurturing their body, mind, and spirit, like a well-orchestrated holiday symphony. Holistic care means scheduling those important routine veterinary visits, providing nutritious foods that make their tails wag with delight, and ensuring they have a warm, comfy place to rest their paws after a day of adventure.

But true holistic care goes deeper than physical comfort. It means tending to their emotional world with the same care you'd give to hanging precious ornaments on a holiday tree. Behavioral challenges are like snowflakes - no two dogs are exactly alike - and working with a qualified trainer can be the key to helping your dog feel happy and confident. Whether it's anxiety that makes them hide from holiday guests or excitement that sends them bouncing off the walls when the doorbell rings, professional guidance can help transform these challenges into opportunities for growth.

Think of it as giving your dog the ultimate wellness package for the holidays, a gift that will benefit both of you all year long. When you invest in their total well-being, you're not just caring for a pet. You're nurturing a soul who brings joy to your life in countless ways, no matter the season. 

4. Play is the Perfect Present

Play is one of life's favorite things for our canine companions - not just for exercise - but for mental stimulation and emotional connection. Just as children's eyes light up when discovering presents under the tree, your dog's spirit soars when you initiate playtime. And it doesn't have to be all about fetch. Engage your dog in spirited tug games that make them feel like mighty warriors, create magical hide-and-seek adventures throughout your home, or simply get down on the floor for a personal play session where you both can act as silly as elves at a Christmas party.

Does your dog love socializing? Schedule a festive playdate with a trusted dog buddy, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a tail-wagging celebration. These joyful interactions are like strings of twinkling lights, illuminating your dog's day. 

Play is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to show your dog love while keeping them bouncy and healthy. When you make play a daily gift, you're not just exercising their body. You're feeding their soul with one of their absolute favorite things. 

5. Kindness Above All Else

Like raindrops on roses, kindness should fall softly and consistently on all your interactions with your dog. Training doesn't require harsh notes - no yelling, severe corrections, or punitive methods that dampen their spirit. Just as the sweetest holiday memories are made with love and patience, dogs learn best when they feel as safe as a puppy in their mother's embrace and as understood as an old friend.

Swap the harsh tools and punitive techniques for positive reinforcement. Let your praise flow as freely as holiday cheer, and watch how your dog blooms under the warmth of your approval. 

Kindness can be as simple as pausing for a midnight cuddle while the rest of the house sleeps, offering a treat that says "well done" more clearly than words ever could, or simply providing them a peaceful corner to decompress when holiday festivities become overwhelming. These moments of gentleness are like favorite things wrapped in beautiful packages, each one strengthening the invisible thread that connects your hearts. Your consistent kindness becomes their anchor, their compass, and ultimately, their favorite thing of all.

So when winter winds howl and holiday stress nips at your nose, remember that your dog's happiness often lies in the simplest of gifts, presents that won't fit in stockings but will fill their hearts with more joy than any squeaky toy ever could. Give them the freedom to be themselves, muddy paws and all, the dignity of making their own choices even if they choose the long way home, tender care for their body and mind because wellness never goes out of style, playful moments that make time stand still, and above all, your endless kindness - the ribbon that ties it all together.

And when the holiday bustle becomes too much, when the cookies burn or the lights won't twinkle, you may find that sharing these simple joys with your dog becomes one of your favorite things, too.