Easter Fun For Dogs
Including the four-legged set in your Easter celebration is fun and easy.
For Easter, I like to do something I call The Hunt.
I use this game when I really need something extra to occupy my pupper’s brain and my options are limited.
In my experience, dogs catch on to this game really quick.
These treats are freebies and hounds know a good deal when they smell it!
Meatball, of course, was an exception to this rule. How it took her chunky butt a year to grasp this concept is a mystery to me.
The Hunt can be played indoors or outside.
Sure, you can buy hide-a-treat games for dogs and I love those too, however, those games tend to be stationary.
The Hunt has your pooch running and sniffing!
Getting their nose working is key! It takes a good amount of energy for a dog to run AND sniff.
Trying to focus on finding those glorious treats will give their senses a good workout.
🐾First, Some Tips On Keeping Your Dog Out Of Harm’s Way🐾
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Celebrate Safely
Easter Lily plants are poisonous. Every part is poison, even the pollen which easily gets into the air, so it’s best to avoid these holiday flowers for a household that has pets.
Keep chocolates and plastics, especially that shredded Easter “grass”, away form dogs.
I do not use plastic eggs for my version of The Hunt.
If you decide to use plastic eggs for your hunt, as I have read that others do, then please be extra watchful over your dog.
*Using the eggs means following your dog around and opening them as he finds them so that there is no chance to chew on the plastic.
8 More Ways To Include Your Dog In The Fun After These Instructions
How To Play The (Easter) Hunt
The size of the dog will dictate the size of the area you want to use.
Small dogs should start in a single room, patio, or section of yard. Large dogs can easily cover an entire backyard or house.
If multiple dogs are hunting, make sure that they are all dogs that are comfortable in a multi-dog and food competition scenario.
The first times that you play, you will need to give your dog the opportunity to see the treats being “hidden”. Once they understand, don’t let them peek.
Hiding the treats means mostly placing them in plain sight. Start in an space where the dog can see what you are doing.
1 — Tether or crate the dog where they can see you placing the treats.
2 — As you put several treats out, repeat the command that you intend to use for this game. Commands such as, ‘hunt’, ‘seek’, ‘look’, ‘search’, or ‘find’ will all work.
Tip: Count the number of treats so that you know when they have all been found.
3 — When the treats are all set, release the dog, all the while saying the command.
Ideally the dog then runs around seeking out the tasty morsels.
Your dog may need some help until they understand the idea. Just encourage them in the direction of the prize or point it out and call them over with the chosen ‘hunt’ command.
Not all dogs will love this game. For dogs that are not treat oriented, try having them search for a favorite or new toy tucked under a blanket or behind a door, perhaps.
Hide and seek toys are another option you can try.
Other Ways To Include Your Dog
Celebrating with your pet includes a lot of the same activities that you would do with any friend, like dressing up, baking or taking selfies.
Dress Up
Getting into costume adds an extra layer of holiday enjoyment and participation.
Using florals and spring pastels will make looking the part effortless for both of you.
While your dressed up, it’s selfie time!
You look great so make the most of it and do this next idea!
Do A Themed Photo Shoot
Employ some simple props or pose in front of some beautiful springtime blooms.
Earn lots of likes and get the perfect shot to remember the occasion!
Bake Easter Sweets
Holidays and sweets just go together!
And who better to keep you company while you company in the kitchen than your canine chum?
Include your pooch by making dog friendly versions.
Not awesome at baking? You can still treat your barker by buying these gorgeous goodies from Claudia’s Canine Bakery. They are made in the USA with 100% human grade ingredients.
Color Easter Eggs
Decorating hardboiled eggs is the classic Easter activity. Best part is that your dog can enjoy eating some with you, in moderation of course.
Give A Gift Basket
Create your own or buy this one that has a variety that is sure to wag tails!
Treats are great but dogs shouldn’t have too many so be sure to include some themed toys into the mix.
Buckets are an easy way for your special pooch to receive their gifts, assemble budget items or buy it ready made here.
Go To Church
If church is a part of your Easter celebration, then look for services that are outside and pet friendly.
Bring only well mannered dogs to events of any kind.
Be sure to have basic dog supplies on hand.
Related–Dog Walking Safety, Hazards And What To Bring
Just Relax
The Easter season is largely celebrated with spring and rebirth in mind.
Take your dog to a place where you can sit and witness the splendor that is Mother Nature in spring.
Observe, reflect and connect.
Go to a lake or park, sit, pet your dog and just be.
Have A Special Dinner
Easter dinner is one of those meals we really look forward to eating.
Treat your dog to a special dinner with some safe unseasoned extras in their dish.
Stay away from hams as the salt content is high and instead choose proteins like lamb or salmon for Fido’s holiday meal.
When it’s nice out, I like to mix it up and make dinner more interesting for my dogs. Sometimes I’ll feed them outside and keep them company sitting on the stoop while they chow.
Happy Easter!
However you choose to celebrate Easter, it’s easy to include your dog in the fun.
Try the ideas that you found here or create your own tradition but above all, celebrate with quality time together.
