The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to make it extra special for your furry friend than with a homemade doggy advent calendar? Follow our paw-some guide to create a festive countdown filled with small toys, tasty treats, and experiences that will have your pup's tail wagging in excitement every day.

Step 1: DIY or Purchase the Perfect Advent Calendar

Whether you're feeling crafty or prefer the convenience of a store-bought option, there's an advent calendar for every pup. Get creative with DIY designs or explore pet stores for ready-made calendars that suit your dog's size and personality.

Ideas for DIY Advent Calendars

Advent Calendars ready to fill

Step 2: Tailor the Calendar to Your Dog's Tastes

Tailoring the calendar to your dog's tastes is crucial for a truly delightful experience. Consider various "stuffings" such as homemade treats, store-bought goodies, your dog’s favorite toys, and even unique experiences like a doggy massage.

Treats
Make this advent calendar extra special by including homemade treats. Need inspiration? Check out AskOllie.net's Recipes section for delightful recipes specially curated for your furry friend. Just remember to choose treats that stay fresh throughout December, and your pup will be drooling with anticipation.
For a list of Ollie-approved store-bought treats, check out Ollie’s Favorites.
Toys
Explore Ollie’s top picks for tail-wagging ideas.
Experiences
Elevate your dog’s advent calendar with unforgettable experiences! For example, you can add vouchers for a relaxing doggy massage or a special Puppuccino treat from Starbucks. We curated an extensive list of bucket list items for you and your dog here.

Step 3: Wrap the Gifts with Love

Embrace the holiday spirit by wrapping each gift with festive flair.

Step 4: Unleash the Excitement – Let Your Dog Unwrap a Gift Each Day!

The best part has arrived! Watch your dog's eyes light up as they discover a new surprise daily. Capture those joyful moments and don't forget to share the experience on social media – your friends and fellow dog lovers will surely appreciate the holiday cheer.

Crafting a doggy advent calendar is a delightful way to include your furry friend in the holiday festivities. With toys, treats, and experiences, this personalized countdown ensures a December full of tail wags, smiles, and cherished memories for both your dog and yourself. Get ready to unwrap joy with your pup this holiday season!

Do you want more guidance? You can download our AskOllie.net Advent Calendar sheet (contains 24 days of dog-friendly Advent Calendar filler ideas) in our Members Area.

For additional ideas and tips on what to eat, do or wear and what to watch out for during the festivities to make it a fun and safe time for your pup, check out our Dog-Friendly Celebrations section.

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Do you want to win some AskOllie.net merch and be featured on our site as Pup of the Month? Send your unwrapping pictures or videos to askollienet@gmail.com with the Subject “My DIY Dog Advent Calendar” and provide a short description what makes your pup so awesome. We’ll nominate a winner at the end of December.

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