Your social media feeds are about to get extra cute this weekend with the hashtag #NationalPuppyDay! March 23 is National Puppy Day, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our puppies at Pawrade. While we celebrate in America, events are also held around the world.
We know you love your puppy, but are you out of ideas for how to make your puppy feel special? Here are ways to celebrate National Puppy Day to increase your bond with your puppy while having fun in the process.
Why is National Puppy Day Celebrated?
Colleen Paige is a writer, advocate, and animal behaviorist and is one of the nation’s leading experts on pet & family lifestyle. Paige created National Puppy Day in 2006 to shine a spotlight on the importance of puppy adoption, shut down puppy mills, and warn against buying dogs from pet stores. Organizations like the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and several other canine advocacy groups have recognized this holiday meant to end unethical breeding practices and bring change for the well-being of puppies.
19 Ways to Celebrate National Puppy Day
Start the paw-ty and get planning to pay tribute to the gift of unconditional love our puppies give us with our 19 activities for your puppy on National Puppy Day.
Throw a dog party
Invite fellow dog owners and their pups for a puppy playdate or party. You can host a full-blown party or a casual get-together. It's a great opportunity for socialization and making new furry friends. If you need tips for planning a dog party, consider having an itinerary filled with puppy games, a costume contest, time to romp around, and goodie bags for each canine friend who attends.
Puppy photoshoot
What better way to capture your puppy’s spirit and special moments than with a puppy photoshoot? They’re already clean after their spa day and look dapper in their new puppy clothing and accessories. Photographing boisterous puppies can be a bit tricky. Patience, timing, and lots of preparation are keys to capturing amazing photos of your puppy. We’ve got some great dog photography tips to help you have a successful photoshoot. When you’ve got some great pictures ready, post them to your accounts using the hashtag #NationalPuppyDay to help raise awareness. You can even start a social media account for your puppy. Look at various hashtags for examples of successful accounts, and introduce your puppy’s journey in life to the world for all to enjoy worldwide.
@tinkostars Puppy Spa Day #fyp#foryou#viral#love#funny #memes#followme #cute ♬ original sound - TinkoStars
Doggy spa day
We all want our puppies to feel the best they can all trimmed up and smelling lovely. Pamper your pooch with a home spa day for dogs with a bath, paw-icure, and a lovely massage while playing relaxing music. Check to see if you need to buy the right brush for your puppy’s coat type to redistribute natural oils, prevent tangles and mats, and de-shed if needed. Not only do you have a chance to groom your dog at home, but you also get to work on your bond by showing mutual trust.
Walk a new path
Walking your puppy offers more than just physical and mental stimulation for your puppy. It's also an opportunity for you to disconnect, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen your bond with them. Beyond benefiting our furry companions, regular walks and hikes contribute to our own well-being, promoting better blood pressure, bone density, and sleep patterns. It's a win-win for both you and your four-legged friend! It’s always fun to find a new path or take a different route to keep things fresh and exciting for both of you. Walking is also a great way to work on basic puppy commands. Make sure you don’t exert your puppy.
New clothes make the man…er, puppy
Dressing up your puppy in adorable clothing and accessories not only allows them to strut their stuff in the yard but also serves as a way to keep them warm during cold weather. Pick out new clothing, accessories, leashes, collars, bowties, sweaters, bandanas, hats, headpieces, and more to celebrate this holiday with your puppy. Watch out – shopping for your puppy can become addicting!
Go on an adventure
Going on an adventure with your puppy once they’re fully vaccinated is so much fun! Exposing your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences is a great way to socialize them. It’s always fun finding places where dogs are welcome with plenty of wide open space to romp around like at a beach just for dogs. Visiting the dog park also provides plenty of room but in a secured area for those breeds that like to follow their instinctive prey drive. If you’re new to the dog park scene, make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of dog park etiquette. Pack a picnic basket with your pup's favorite treats and make it a whole day of bonding and fun.
Make an Easter basket
When the Easter Bunny pays a visit to your house, “he” selects the surprises that await your little ones. However, why should humans have all the excitement? It's important not to overlook the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Spring with your puppy, particularly if this is their first Easter experience. A simple way to celebrate the season is by presenting your puppy with their very own homemade or store-bought Easter basket tailored for your puppy. The main challenge you'll encounter when putting together a dog Easter basket for your puppy is deciding on all your options!
Give a new mentally stimulating toy
Toys are a great way for your puppy to prevent boredom, be active, and keep their brains sharp by solving problems. Interactive toys challenge your puppies to use creativity. You can make DIY mentally stimulating toys for your puppy or purchase them in the store. You can also check out this list of the best interactive dog toys for mental stimulation to purchase for your puppy.
Find a quality pet sitter
We all have to leave our puppy alone sometimes, whether just for the day or a longer time. Ensure you leave your puppy with a professional pet sitter who loves your furbaby like you do. Follow our tips for how to find a good dog sitter so your puppy can be taken care of while you have peace of mind when you’re away.
@calithetrickdog Yeah, she learned how to handstand against me! 🙌 #sportdog #discdog #fundisctricks #mygirl #smartgirl #dogtraining #uniquedogtricks #cooldogtricks #mydog #beautifuldog ♬ Cool Kids (our sped up version) - Echosmith
Teach party tricks
Training your puppy produces a well-rounded canine citizen and is a great way to bond. However, commands can get monotonous. Once your puppy has mastered the basics, build on those foundations by teaching your puppy some fun dog tricks to impress your friends and family! From sitting pretty to giving high fives, your puppy’s party tricks will be the talk of the evening.
Microchip your puppy
You're out for a stroll with your furry buddy, and in the blink of an eye, they're gone. Whether they bolted off during a walk or slipped through a gate or door, it's a total nightmare scenario that can leave you feeling completely crushed and panicked. However, you can avoid such heartbreak by microchipping your puppy in an inexpensive and painless procedure to show you care.
Other ways to celebrate your puppy on March 23
We could write a novel on how to celebrate National Puppy Day, so here are some honorable mentions.
- Make paw-themed arts and crafts to keep as mementos, paint your pet’s portrait, or create something special for your puppy or shelter and rescue dogs.
- Enroll in dog sports or build a DIY agility course for dogs. Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or living room using household items like chairs, cones, and tunnels. It's a fun way to stimulate your puppy's mind and body.
- Bake homemade dog treats with doggone delicious human foods safe for dogs or buy extra tasty ones from a local dog bakery.
- Is it time for a new dog bed? Create a cozy space for them to rest. Make sure you choose the right dog bed for their rapidly developing bodies that seem to grow in all directions overnight.
- Snuggle up with your pup for a cozy movie night at home. Choose a dog-themed movie or a family-friendly film with plenty of cuddle time.
- Join or organize a local puppy parade or gathering to celebrate National Puppy Day with fellow dog lovers in your community.
- Go beyond a walk and get out in nature. Hit the trails for an adventure-packed hike with your pup. Choose trails suitable for dogs, and don't forget to bring plenty of water and snacks for both of you. Check out our list of top dog breeds for hiking.
- Take a weekend to assess your home for any toxins that need spring cleaning to keep your puppy safe this season. Check the pantry, garage, and yard for harmful chemicals. Throw out broken toys and donate items that your puppy has outgrown.
Adopt a Pawrade Puppy
At Pawrade, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against supporting puppy mills or acquiring puppies from backyard breeders who do not prioritize essential care, socialization, exercise, comfort, affection, and veterinary attention.
You should adopt a puppy from a trustworthy dog breeder who loves and cares for their puppies to get started on the right paw. Instead of doing all the research, turn to Pawrade. We partner with reputable breeders who agree to our Breeder Code of Ethics where we take a puppy-first approach, putting their well-being above all else. All of our puppies for sale come with a 3-year health guarantee, a health certificate, 30 days of MetLife insurance, and support for all of your questions.
We can’t wait to see which puppy you choose to give you a reason to celebrate National Puppy Day! We look forward to working with you.
