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25 Ways To Celebrate National Dog Day
Because nothing is cuter than a dog in a party hat.
National Dog Day is Wednesday, August 26th, 2020, and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the canine companion that brings you so much love and fun. Whether you currently have a dog, had a beloved dog who passed away, or don't currently own a dog but love them anyhow, there are so many ways to commemorate the day. And the best part is that unlike their human friends, most dogs aren't super picky about gifts and treats so whatever you do will be met with pure, unadulterated joy. To help you get started, we asked experts for their favorite ways to celebrate National Dog Day.
Walk the dogs at your local shelterYou don't have to have a dog of your own to celebrate National Dog Day. Dog lovers of all kinds can share the joy by volunteering at a local shelter, says Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian and consultant for DogLab. "All shelter dogs love extra time spent outside of their kennels so pop in and take a few dogs for a walk," she says.
Take a basket of new toys to a shelterDon't have time for a walk? Another way to celebrate National Dog Day and give back to the community is to take a basket of new dog toys to a nearby shelter or dog rescue, Dr. Ochoa says. The dogs will love the fun gifts and you'll love knowing you brought pure joy to animals that give us so much joy every day. Here are some things your dog wishes you'd stop doing.
Take your dog out for a puppuccinoWhat better to cap off a long fun day than with a cool, tasty beverage? Many ice cream places or coffee shops offer tasty treats made especially for dogs, usually involving ingredients like whole whipped cream and peanut butter, Dr. Ochoa says. You'll have as much fun watching them eat it as they do eating it!
Watch Homeward Bound togetherDo dogs recognize other dogs on screen? Some pet owners swear their pups enjoy their TV buddies but whether or not your dog is that self-aware, they'll definitely enjoy snuggling up with you on the couch to watch a movie, Dr. Ochoa says. In honor of National Dog Day pick a flick where the canine is the hero, like these 14 dog movies to watch with your pooch.
Spoil your dog with attention"What dogs really want most is your time and attention," says Jennifer Coates, DVM, a veterinarian on the advisory board for Pup Life Today. So take this opportunity to "spoil" them with your undivided love and attention—playing, snuggling, exploring, or even napping together. Dogs don't need fancy things or activities to feel loved, as shown by the 19 things your dog actually wants from you.
Let your dog take you for a walk
When we walk our dogs, we're the ones setting the pace, direction, and length so this National Dog Day flip the roles and let your dog lead you on a walk, Dr. Coates says. Let them walk as fast or slow as they like, sniff everything they want, and take the lead on where you go (within reason, naturally).
Bring home a fun new toyIf you're pressed for time (and who isn't?) a new toy or two can be a great way to show your dog that you love them, Dr. Coates says. But while the toy will be fun, if you can spare a few minutes to play with the toy with them, that will really make the day awesome, she adds. Just make sure you're avoiding these 14 common things you do that your dog actually hates.
Challenge your dog with a puzzleDogs love to use their brains and their paws to solve puzzle toys, Dr. Coates says. Not only does this help their brains but it can occupy busy dogs while you're away from the house, she says. Not sure if your doggo can handle it? Use these 13 simple ways to see if your dog is smart.
Throw a dog park partyInvite all your friends with dogs to meet up at the local dog park for a celebratory playdate, suggests Candy Pilar Godoy, pet travel blogger and human to Boogie the Pug. Your pup will get to play with all their friends and you can provide the dog treats. For extra fun, provide dog-themed hats or other party favors for the human guests, she says.
Snap some funny selfies togetherThrow a silly hat or a bowtie on your doggo and snap away, Godoy says. If your dog isn't a fan of props, you can always use an app to add stickers, speech bubbles, mustaches, and more before sharing on social media. Does your dog know (or care?) that they're getting their picture taken? Probably not. But the snaps will let you share your cutie with all your human friends and will remind you of the fun day for years to come. Did you know dog smiles are the real deal? They're just one of 28 ways your pet is trying to say "I love you!"
Donate to a pet rescue in your dog's nameIf you've lost a beloved pet, a beautiful way to honor their memory and celebrate National Dog Day is to make a donation to a local pet rescue in your dog's name, Godoy says. You'll smile remembering your Good Boy or Girl and spread the love to needy animals at the same time.
Teach your dog a new trickOld (and young) dogs can totally learn new tricks so take this opportunity to teach your buddy a new skill, says Kayla Block, a certified dog trainer in Sacramento, California. Not a dog training expert? You don't have to be! She recommends searching for online tutorials for how to train your dog to wave or take a bow—two popular and adorable tricks sure to get your dog lots of pets and belly rubs. Make sure you're modeling good human behavior as well by avoiding these 14 rude behaviors that pet owners need to stop now.
Give your dog a pupcakePupcakes are pastries made specifically for dogs with canine-friendly ingredients. You can make your own (check out the book Pupcakes for recipes) or visit a dog bakery, says Erin Askeland, a certified animal health and behavior expert and consultant for Camp Bow Wow. "Great ingredients include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, banana, plain oats, baby food or rice but steer clear of sugars," she says. To make it really special, some bakeries will allow you to send in a photo of your dog and will either airbrush it onto a cake or even make an edible sculpture of your pet.
Wrap up an old, sweaty t-shirtYour significant other would not appreciate being gifted a stinky old t-shirt but in the realm of doggy gifts this one gets a gold star, Askeland says. Your dog loves nothing more than to snuggle up in a pile of your dirty laundry so give him an item you don't need anymore and put it in his dog bed.
Treat your pup to a spa dayGive your pet the full spa treatment at a local dog grooming salon, Askeland says. "Many facilities offer self-bathing and great smelling shampoos and conditioners to make your dog clean, fresh relaxed and comfortable," she says. You could even get your toenails painted to match and be well on your way to being like these 10 people who look just like their pets.
Sign your dog up for a training class"Training is a really great way to bond and have fun with your pet," Askeland says, adding that she recommends looking for a local rewards-based trainer. Many training groups offer drop-in classes or even special seminars that you can attend with your pet to enjoy special time together and some places are offering a National Dog Day discount.
Let your dog go shopping for a new toyDogs don't often get to go into stores with their owners so celebrate the day by taking your buddy to a pet store that allows animals inside, Askeland says. Let your dog roam the aisles and pick out a new treat or toy to take home. Just make sure you're avoiding these 16 pet products vets never buy (and neither should you).
Commission a pet portraitThere are many businesses, both online and in local stores, that will create custom pet portraits, caricatures or a stuffed animal to match your pet's looks and characteristics, Askeland says. This can be a fun experience for both you and you'll have a beautiful memento to remember your special friendship forever.
Take the "whole dog food challenge"Unfortunately, pet obesity is a serious problem in the United States. And being overweight can cause all kinds of health issues if your furry friend. Pets get overweight just like their human owners—by eating too much, especially processed foods. Celebrate the day and do a good turn for your dog by committing to a challenge to feed them only whole, healthy foods for one month, says Carol Bramson, CEO of Side by Side Pet. Not sure how to start? Use these 5 tips to help your pet reach a healthy weight.
Take your dog on an adventureMany dogs love to hike, boat, and even surf alongside their humans so treat them to a day of adventure, says Kathleen Gallagher, owner of Life Unleashed International Pet Travel. You can even sign up your dog for surfing lessons in Carmel-By-The-Sea, also known as the Most Dog-Friendly Town in America.
Host a "yappy hour"Pets should never drink alcohol but some bars will host "yappy hours" where their owners can come enjoy a few cold ones while bringing their best dog friends along, Gallagher says. If you don't live near a bar that offers this, host your own backyard yappy hour by inviting your best dog-owning friends and provide a few drinks and snacks for human and furry friends. Watch out for these 11 behaviors in your dog, if you see them it might be time for obedience training.
Whip up some pupsicles
Most pets love to lick frozen treats but is ice cream good for dogs? The answer is both yes and no. (Hint: Feeding dogs human treats is one of the 53 mistakes every dog owner makes.) Instead of regular ice cream, make a batch of vet-approved "pupsicles," says Allison Albert, CEO of Pet Krewe. "You can sit outside and enjoy the final 'dog days of summer' together," she says.
Give your dog a massageYou love a good rubdown after a long day but did you know your pup loves it too? Giving your dog a gentle massage is a great way to show you love them, says Rachel Barrack, DVM, a veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. You can also treat them to a professional dog massage at a dog spa. If you leave them there, however, make sure they're always in good hands by knowing the 13 signs of a bad pet sitter.
Go for a swimMany dogs love nothing more than a good splash in a pool, ocean, lake, or even a mud puddle. Celebrate National Dog Day by taking your furry friend to their favorite watering hole and get as wet and dirty as they like, says Alex Osorio, managing veterinary technician of FetchMyVet. Some pools even offer special "dog swim days" at the end of summer, after it's closed to people but before it's drained—check with your local rec center to see if there's one near you.
Adopt or foster a dogThere are thousands of dogs that need homes—many in shelters where they will have to be euthanized if they don't find a home—so one of the best things you can do on National Dog Day is to consider adopting or fostering some of these needy animals, says Jme Thomas, executive director of the Motley Zoo animal rescue. "Many people want to do this but are waiting for a magical 'someday' when they will be ready to help—consider today to be that someday!" Thomas says. "Today could be the day you save a life." Get inspired by checking out these 19 dog adoption before-and-after photos that will melt your heart.
Don't Miss The Chewy National Dog Day Sale!
Woof woof! Thursday, August 26, is National Dog Day! To honor the occasion, the online pet supply store Chewy is holding a mega sale on all the things dogs love and need.
Check out our favorite Chewy picks below that are sure to get tails wagging. Whether you need a pet ramp, waterproof car seat cover or an adorable Halloween costume for your pooch, now is the time to shop!
But remember, the sale ends on Friday, August 27 — so don't wait! Plus, spend $100 on select items and get a free $30 gift card for future pet purchases.
Why do we love Chewy?Chewy stocks all your pet supply needs in one convenient, easy-to-shop website, so you can find and compare products without leaving your home. Chewy's huge inventory runs from apparel to food to toys and treats — even a pet pharmacy for all your pets' health needs! They offer your favorite vet-approved brands including Blue Buffalo, Nutro, Natural Balance and more.
The pricing can't be beat, with a "Today's Deals" section for discounts and savings. Plus, if you buy something you (or Rover) don't love, you can return it up to a year after purchase! You'll receive a full refund credited back to your original method of payment.
We also love Chewy's shipping policy. All orders more than $49 ship free! Other orders ship for the low, flat rate of $4.95.
What's the Chewy sale?Through August 27, Chewy offers multiple discounts on dog food, collars, leashes, toys and more. If you have more than one dog, or like to buy in bulk, grab a Chewy bundle (popular products grouped together) for 20 percent off.
Probably the most exciting part of the sale is the chance to earn a free gift card. Just spend $100 spoiling your cute doggie (and we know he or she deserves it) to earn the $30 e-gift card. Chewy is also offering 10 percent off e-gift cards at checkout, so make sure to pick one up for a fellow pet owner.
And just because it's National Dog Day doesn't mean cat lovers should miss out on deals! You'll earn a $15 gift card when you spend $75 on select cat products.
Our favorite Chewy finds PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp
© via chewy.Com Help your older pup or one suffering from arthritis get safely in and out of the car with the PetSafe's Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp. The adjustable length lets you custom fit it to any car or truck, and the high-traction surface ensures your dog won't slip. When not in use, it easily slides into a size small enough to fit in the trunk.
Original price: $179.99.
Sale price: $149.95.
Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar
© via chewy.Com Help your dog look their best with a sophisticated Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar. Genuine full-grain leather, hand stitched details and five chic color options make this beautiful collar look more expensive than it is. It wears comfortably thanks to a soft, padded sheepskin that prevents irritation. Choose from small to extra large for the perfect fit.
Original price: $45.99.
Sale price: $25.95.
Quilted Water Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover
© via chewy.Com As much as you love your dog, you probably don't love the mess he or she makes in the car. The Frisco Water Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover protects your seats from shedding fur, muddy paws and water spills. It's sized to fit most back seats with easy installation. The best part? It's machine washable, so it's clean and ready for the next trip to the dog park. Here's everything you need to know about dog hammocks.
Original price: $43.99.
Sale price: $35.99.
Pet Gear Easy Step
© via chewy.Com The Pet Gear Easy Pet Step means your dog will never need to put added stress on his or her joints. This inclined helps your dog reach the sofa or bed without jumping.
The top is lined with machine-washable carpet to reduce slipping, and the bottom has rubber grippers to keep it in place. It works great for small- and medium-sized dogs with a weight capacity of 175 pounds.
Original price: $54.76.
Sale price: $44.26.
Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash
© via chewy.Com If you're in the market for a sturdy, reliable dog leash, look no further. The Frisco Nylon Dog Leash, made from high-quality nylon, includes a strong bolt snap that securely attaches to his collar or harness. It comes in several lengths and widths as well as four fun color options, so you can get the right size and style for your dog.
Price: $6.99.
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy
© via chewy.Com Your dog has probably had fun chasing balls and sticks, but what about a flying squirrel? Now they can (without injuring a real squirrel) with the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy! Fling it like you would a flying disc, and watch your dog bolt out to catch it. It even has glow-in-the-dark paws for nighttime fun.
Original price: $12.99.
Sale price: $6.57.
Frisco Red Lobster Dog Costume
© via chewy.Com We can't promise your dog will love wearing this Frisco Red Lobster Dog Costume, but we can promise he'll look adorable in it! The two-piece costume features hook and loop fasteners on the neck and belly, ear holes for comfort and a built-in leash hole.
Even if you only get it on long enough for a few photos, with a costume this fun and cute, it's worth it.
Price: $16.99.
PetSafe Eatwell Five-Meal Automatic Dog FeederYou won't have to monitor your dog's eating schedule or worry when they're home alone with the PetSafe Eatwell Five-Meal Timed Pet Feeder. Its five sections hold five perfectly portioned meals. Just set the timer, and the feeder will turn and open when it's time for their next helping of food. Easy!
Original price: $64.99.
Sale price: $49.95.
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Wilton Dog Trainer Appears On Today Show Wednesday Morning; Offers Advice On National Puppy Day
Note: Wilton dog trainer Tom Davis appeared on the Today Show Wednesday morning. Watch that appearance here. Our story in advance of his appearance is below.
Tom Davis is here to share some expert dog training tips on #NationalPuppyDay 🐶 pic.Twitter.Com/4zArQiT9FZ
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 23, 2022
Our preview feature:
HALFMOON — When Tom Davis was 19 or 20, he lived in a tent with two dogs. Davis' parents were separated and his father had moved to Indiana, and Davis was trying to make it on his own after graduating from South Glens Falls High School. So he spent a summer sleeping in a tent in a friend's backyard with a Saint Bernard and a mutt. Davis wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to do in life, but he knew he wanted it to involve dogs.
Wednesday morning, nearly a decade and a half later, Davis, a Wilton resident, will be on the Today show helping to commemorate National Puppy Day by offering some advice to millions of viewers on how puppy owners can develop better relationships with their pets.
Davis, 33, has become one of the premier dog trainers in the country, having worked with thousands of canines and owners around the world in cities ranging from L.A. To London and providing onsite training at his 15,000-square-foot Upstate Canine Academy complex in Halfmoon and at a separate smaller facility in Clifton Park. He's worked with celebrities' dogs – including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' Cane Corso and a pit bull, and with Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Northern Inuit in the New York State Executive Mansion. Davis' social media channels attract more than a million viewers per month. When he got married in August, he rented out a mansion in Aspen, Colorado, and hired influencer Logan Paul's private chef to cater the event, according to Rob Murphy, who was at the wedding and has known Davis since the time Davis moved from Indiana to upstate New York in middle school.
But when Davis was a kid, his path seemed far less certain.
"My mom always said that Tom was my one friend that she worried about the most," said Murphy, who is now the owner/chef at Craft on 9.
Davis said he felt lost from an early age. But he always felt an innate connection to dogs.
"My parents split up when I was young," he said. "I was a latchkey kid, and it was me and the dogs for my whole life."
When attending college at what's now SUNY Adirondack didn't work out and jobs like a fry cook felt meaningless, Davis had a conversation with his brother.
Tom Davis is here to share some expert dog training tips on #NationalPuppyDay 🐶 pic.Twitter.Com/4zArQiT9FZ
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 23, 2022
"He looked at me and said, 'What would you want to wake up and do for the rest of your life,' and I was like something with dogs for sure," Davis said. "But I was like how am I going to make a living off of working with dogs? What does that mean?"
While living in the tent, Davis started his own dog-walking business and would travel from South Glens Falls down to Albany. He subsisted on Stewart's coffee and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Davis walked dogs for about five or six years until a client called him up one day.
"He said, hey, you're really good with my dog, and I was wondering if you could help me train my dog."
Davis wasn't a certified trainer – in fact, he still doesn't hold any certification – but he was confident he could help address the client's dog's behavioral issues.
That single dog training client quickly led to another, with Davis using his natural connection to the dogs to identify their issues and help create a unique approach to improving their behavior.
"That's the misfit thing that we have. I grew up not really knowing what I wanted to do," Davis said. "I resonate with dogs at that level where if they have a problem I see it through their eyes. I've been there. I've been that person that people don't believe in, that people think is going to fail. I have an innate ability to understand them."
Davis started sharing his dog-training work via social media and continued to grow his client list, which eventually led to him taking on Major League Baseball pitcher and Latham native Jeffrey Hoffman. Davis' work with Hoffman gave him an avenue into the world of elite athletes, celebrities and politicians. From there, Davis continued to grow his online presence, hiring a professional production team in the past several years to improve the quality of his content. That effort is what ultimately led him to Wednesday's appearance during the 8 o'clock hour on Today, where he'll appear for up to 5 minutes during which time he will be introduced to three dogs and discuss what specific strategies the owners can use to improve their relationships with their dogs.
The morning before the national television appearance, Davis said he felt ready.
"Somebody can bring me a dog from anywhere in the world with the biggest, craziest behavioral problem, and not only do I feel comfortable working with that dog, but I feel confident and excited to get in the ring with that dog," Davis said. "It's almost second nature to me. It's an artform."
Davis focuses on helping owners connect with their animals rather than on party tricks like "paw" or "shake." His motto is "no bad dogs," meaning all dogs can behave well if they have the right training.
One of the pointers Davis plans to discuss on Today is to teach owners how to instruct visitors to greet their dogs. Instead of getting dogs riled up and then scolding the dog for jumping and barking, begin a visit by having guests initially ignore the dog, Davis suggests.
This sort of behavioral guidance is especially useful now, when dog ownership has grown during the pandemic, according to the American Pet Products Association. Now, 54% of American households have dogs, according to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey.
Seth Hutson, lead instructor at the Animal Behavior College, a California-based school that helps prepare people for careers working with pets, said he has seen demand increase in both the school's dog training instructor program and in the puppy classes he teaches. For instance, he went from teaching three puppy-training classes per week to 11 classes per week during the pandemic.
Patrick Francis, of Coeymans, said his 110-pound German Shepherd, Bane, is very well behaved because of working with Davis as a rescue puppy.
"He looks intimidating because of how big he is, but I could take that dog to any store, any dog park," Francis said. "He is a great dog, and it's because of [Davis]."
National Puppy Day, apart from taking the opportunity to gush at the cuteness of puppies, is also designed to raise awareness about puppy mills and help prospective pet owners consider adoption. About 30 to 40 animals enter the nation's roughly 10,000 puppy mills each day, according to numbers on the National Puppy Day website.
Davis takes his work very seriously precisely because it can help keep puppies from turning into disobedient dogs that ultimately lose their way, leading to abandonment or other tough situations. In fact, some of the dogs that come to Davis have been court ordered to receive obedience training because they've bitten or attacked someone.
"So I have a responsibility not only to keep the dog alive in some circumstances but to make sure the public is going to be safe with this dog around," Davis said.
Even with "problem" dogs, Davis said he doesn't focus on the prior issues. Instead, he views dogs as individuals and assumes the best in them – just like how he'd want to be treated.
"I think a lot of dog owners hang onto the past. The dog owners get lost in the emotion about those things," Davis said. "I look at them for the dog that they are."
Andrew Waite can be reached at [email protected] and at 518-417-9338. Follow him on Twitter @UpstateWaite.
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