It’s the best day of the year and we’re not talking about Christmas…March 23rd is National Puppy Day! How do you celebrate? Here are a few things you can do with your puppy!
Our puppies give us so much unconditional love and memories, they deserve a day of their own to be celebrated! If you’re planning a perfect day for your best friend, we have some ideas to help kickstart your itinerary!
1. Plan a Puppy Play Date!
Does your puppy have a best friend? National Puppy Day is a great day to plan a play date! Take a moment to learn how to introduce your puppy to new dogs prior to meeting up, as well as tips for socializing your puppy and body language signs to look out for! Because most puppies just want to go, go, go, remember to supervise any interaction and watch for any over-stimulation like increased arousal –nipping, for example – during play. That is a good sign your puppy may need a little break from all the action!
If your puppy is still very young and hasn’t received their vaccinations, this may not be the best option but don’t worry there are plenty of other things to do for your puppy!
2. Get Your Puppy a New Toy!
Puppies love to play, so of course, National Puppy Day calls for a brand new toy! But which one? There are many options out there so select a toy that will engage your puppy’s mind, and give them a chewing outlet! Kongs or other puzzle toys that you can stuff with food are great options that puppies absolutely love! These types of toys keep them busy and mentally stimulated as they try to figure out how to get the good stuff out!
With any new toy, make sure to supervise your puppy while they are playing. Some toys can have pieces that fall off and could be ingested. Opt for strong rubber toys that match your puppy's chew strength and are size-appropriate for them.
3. Treat Your Puppy to a Pup Friendly Treat!
A delicious treat is always a great option! Look for an all-natural, organic, and human-grade treat, or try your hand at making some your own! Plain yogurt (great when frozen!), apples, sweet potato, peanut butter, coconut–these are all puppy favorite ingredients and completely safe for your puppy to eat when properly prepared!
4. Take Your Puppy on An Adventure!
Plan a little excursion with your puppy! Plan a day at the beach, go to the park, take your puppy to your favorite cafe, or one of our favorites, go for a hike! If you do plan to take your puppy out into the woods, do a little pre-planning by reading our blog “How to Prepare for Your Puppy’s First Hike!” which will give you tips to keep your puppy safe while out exploring!
5. Sign Your Puppy Up for Online Training Classes!
Puppies love to learn and work so appeal to their natural instinct by enrolling them in online puppy training classes that challenge them, teach them new skills, and will help make your bond together even tighter!!
Our Online Puppy School is designed to model our day school in Hermosa Beach, CA where puppies come to learn and train with us every day! This Online School offers you a comprehensive blueprint to train your puppy right from home and teach them all the skills they need to be the perfectly well-mannered pup you can take anywhere!
Not only will your puppy earn everything from their basic obedience commands to advanced outdoor obedience routines like loose-leash walking, you’ll learn all our secret troubleshooting tricks when your puppy isn’t quite getting the hang of something, or just being a puppy!
Plus you’ll get weekly check-ins with our master trainers to work with them virtually, troubleshoot any issues you’re having, and ask them any of your questions, so it feels like you’re right here in class in-person with us!
Learn more about The Puppy Academy Online School!
PS. This also makes a great gift to give a new puppy owner in your life on National Puppy Day, too!
6. Give Your Puppy a Spa Day!
Who doesn’t love being pampered? If your puppy has been introduced to being handled and groomed, a little spa day is definitely a great choice! Whether you are planning to do one at home, or take your puppy to get professionally groomed, make sure to check out our “Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners: Grooming Basics for Puppies!” to prep your puppy for their pawdicure!
7. Don’t Have a Puppy? Adopt One!
Last and definitely our favorite, if you have been thinking and dreaming about bringing home a new puppy, National Puppy Day is a great day to adopt one! The truth is there are millions of pups in shelters across the United States, and your forever best friend could be waiting for you at a local rescue or shelter.
And if you can’t adopt right now, that’s okay too! You can still celebrate National Puppy Day by visiting a shelter, bringing food, bedding, and toys, or making a donation to to your favorite local shelter or rescue organization to help support the pups!
Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more!
Complete Puppy Training Schedule by Age!