The holidays are a time for celebration, coziness, and creating joyful memories — and our dogs deserve to be part of the magic too. A 12-day treats countdown calendar is the perfect way to include your pup in the festive fun. It blends enrichment, connection, and tasty surprises into a simple tradition your dog will look forward to every year.
Whether you're planning something elaborate or keeping it minimal and natural, here’s a day-by-day guide filled with easy activities, enrichment ideas, and wholesome ways to make the season meaningful for your dog.
Day 1: Sniff & Seek Holiday Hunt
Hide small pieces of training-sized treats around the living room.
Let your dog explore with their nose — a perfect way to kick off the countdown with mental stimulation and excitement.
Day 2: Cozy Cuddle Session + a Single-Ingredient Surprise
Wrap your pup in a soft blanket and enjoy a slow, quiet moment together.
End the session with a tiny single-ingredient treat for a nourishing reward.
Day 3: DIY Holiday Snuffle Box
Fill a box with crumpled paper, tissue, or cloth scraps.
Hide a few treats inside and let your dog forage through the “snowdrifts.”
Day 4: Winter Walk Photo Challenge
Bundle up and head out for a walk.
Take a fun winter photo — it can become part of your annual “12 Days” scrapbook or memory log.
Day 5: Frozen Festive Treat
Freeze a few berries, broth cubes, or a training treat inside a small ice mold.
It’s a refreshing, low-effort activity even on chilly days.
Day 6: Puzzle Play Day
Choose a puzzle feeder or create your own using cups, muffin tins, or boxes.
Rotate difficulty levels to keep things fresh and mentally stimulating.
Day 7: The Holiday Maze Game
Use blankets, cushions, or low boxes to create a simple maze.
Place a reward at the “finish line” and cheer your dog on as they move through the path.
Day 8: Snowball Chase
Outdoors: toss fluffy snowballs for your dog to pounce on.
Indoors: roll soft white socks for a gentle version of the same game.
Day 9: Training Trick of the Day
Teach your pup a new festive-themed trick such as “spin,” “shake,” or “boop.”
Reward progress with small pieces from any training collection.
Day 10: Holiday Movie Night
Pick a cozy winter movie, pull out blankets, and let your pup snuggle into your lap or onto their bed.
Add a small, wholesome treat for an extra warm moment.
Day 11: DIY Paw Print Ornament
Use pet-safe clay or a salt dough recipe to create a paw print keepsake.
Let your pup watch the process and reward their patience with plenty of praise.
Day 12: The Grand Finale — Treat Tower or Enrichment Bowl
Create a festive enrichment bowl using:
- A few training treats
- A single-ingredient chew
- A sprinkle of dog-safe fruits
- A puzzle layer or slow-feeder base
It feels celebratory but remains simple, natural, and gentle on your dog’s routine.
Choosing the Right Treats for Your 12-Day Countdown
With so many treat options available, you can easily mix and match based on your dog’s preferences and sensitivities. Rotating between different treat styles keeps each day exciting and adds variety to the countdown.
Here are some gentle suggestions:
- Single-ingredient → clean, simple protein for high-value moments
- Training → perfect for puzzles, scent games, or new tricks
- Dental treats or chews → great for longer-lasting engagement on cozy nights
- Crunchy baked → add texture and fun to enrichment bowls
- Functional treats → support digestion, mood, or immune health during busy holiday weeks
Using a variety from your dog’s favourite categories helps create a festive, balanced experience — without overwhelming their routine.
Why Dogs Love a 12-Day Countdown
Just like humans, dogs thrive on:
- Novel experiences
- Predictable routines
- Time together
- Sensory enrichment
A holiday countdown blends all these elements into a tradition that strengthens connection, reduces boredom, and sparks repeated moments of joy.
Holiday Safety Tips
Keep things merry and safe by remembering to:
- Keep portions small and appropriate
- Avoid chocolate, xylitol, raisins, grapes, and rich holiday foods
- Space out activities if your dog gets overstimulated
- Keep treats tailored to your dog’s dietary needs
- Use safe materials in DIY creations
A Festive Tradition They’ll Look Forward to Every Year
Creating a “12 Days of Treats” countdown is more than a festive idea — it’s a way to celebrate the season through simple rituals, shared joy, and mindful enrichment. With a mix of fun activities and wholesome treat moments, each day becomes a chance to connect with your dog in a meaningful way.
Because the holidays shine brightest when every member of the family — furry ones included — feels loved and included.
