At Barkwells, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate December than by making it memorable for both you and your pup. Here are some dog-friendly holiday traditions to start this year, whether you’re staying at one of our cabins or spending quiet winter evenings at home.
1. Pup-Safe Holiday Baking
One of the most heartwarming holiday traditions is baking together — and that doesn’t have to exclude your dog. In fact, making dog-safe holiday treats is a wonderful way to include your pup in the festivities.
Tips & Guidelines:
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Avoid toxic ingredients. Many traditional holiday foods are harmful to dogs. Ingredients like chocolate, alcohol, xylitol (a sugar substitute), grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts can all be dangerous.
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Use safe, wholesome ingredients. Great alternatives include plain pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, whole wheat or oat flour, unsalted peanut butter (without xylitol), and sweet potatoes.
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Try some festive recipes. For example:
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Gingerbread dog cookies: made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, cinnamon, and ginger.
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Peanut butter & banana bones: banana + unsweetened peanut butter + egg + old-fashioned oats.
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Frozen yogurt & cranberry snowflakes: plain unsweetened yogurt + mashed banana + finely chopped cranberries, poured into mold and frozen.
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Safety Reminders:
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Always check treat labels (or your recipe) for harmful additives.
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Keep treats in moderation — even healthy treat recipes count toward daily calories.
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If baking in a place like Barkwells cabins, make sure your space is pet-safe (no open ingredients they could sneak into).
2. Winter Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
For many dog owners, December means extra together-time outdoors — why not turn that into a tradition?
Why It’s a Great Tradition:
Winter hikes can be magical: crisp air, less crowded trails, and the serenity of snow (or frost) make for a peaceful, bonding adventure.
Tips for Safe, Fun Winter Hikes:
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Choose appropriate gear. Your dog might need a warm coat, booties, or paw wax to protect against cold, ice, and salt.
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Bring water and snacks. Hydration and energy are just as important in cold weather.
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Watch for signs of hypothermia. Shivering, lifting paws, lethargy, or pale gums are red flags.
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Protect their paws. In snowy or icy terrain, paw pads can crack or tear. Use booties, or apply a paw balm/wax.
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Avoid letting your dog off-leash. Snow can obscure trail boundaries, and hidden hazards (ice, frozen ponds, or sharp objects under snow) may be dangerous.
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Take breaks wisely. When you stop, place them on an insulated pad or blanket, rather than directly on cold, wet ground.
Build a Tradition:
Schedule a “holiday hike day” each December. Pick a scenic trail in the mountains near Barkwells, bring hot cocoa (for you), warm blankets, and let your pup roam (safely) in the fresh winter air. Snap photos and make it part of your annual holiday ritual.
3. Holiday Gift Exchange — for Your Dog
Why should humans have all the fun? A “doggie gift exchange” is a sweet and silly way to include your pup in holiday traditions.
Ideas:
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Secret-Paw Gift Swap: If you have fellow dog owners staying or visiting, organize a small gift exchange just for pups. Exchange toys, cozy sweaters, or treat bags.
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DIY Paw Presents: In addition to treats, include toys, cozy dog beds, or travel gear like collapsible bowls or portable water bottles — especially useful for guests staying at Barkwells.
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Holiday Stocking for Dogs: Fill a Christmas stocking (or a simple sock) with safe toys, treats, and fun surprises. Hang it somewhere out of reach of counter-surfers!
4. Festive Photos & Memories
December is the perfect time to capture holiday moments with your dog — and a dog-friendly cabin makes a beautiful backdrop.
Photo Tips:
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Pick the right lighting. Golden hour (shortly before sunset) creates soft, warm light that’s perfect for outdoor photos.
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Use props, but safely. Holiday props like blankets, light garlands (battery-powered), and festive collars can make cute photos — just be sure nothing is a choking hazard.
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Keep your dog comfortable. If it’s cold, limit time outside between shots, and wrap them in a cozy blanket between poses.
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Capture candid moments. The best photos often happen while your dog is sniffing around, playing with a treat, or curled up by the fire.
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Share and celebrate. Create a tradition where you pick your favorite 3–4 photos from the season and print them (or make a digital slideshow) to remember each December.
5. Quiet, Cozy Evenings — Together
The holidays are also about slowing down, and with a dog by your side, those peaceful moments are extra special.
Cozy Traditions to Try:
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Storytime by the fire: Curl up in a comfy spot with your pup and read a holiday book, or simply reflect on the year.
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Movie night with your dog: Pick a classic winter or holiday film, make some human and dog-safe “popcorn” (popcorn for you, and a few of your homemade dog cookies), and settle in for a relaxing evening.
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Gratitude ritual: Take a few minutes each night (or once a week) in December to quietly give thanks — for your pup, for the Barkwells community, and for the people in your life. This small tradition can deepen your bond and put the season’s pace into perspective.
Starting a few dog-friendly holiday traditions this year isn’t just about fun — it’s about strengthening the bond between you and your pup and creating joyful memories in the places you both love, like Barkwells. Whether you’re baking, hiking, gifting, snapping photos, or simply spending quiet time together, these traditions can become meaningful traditions you’ll look forward to every December.
Let this year be the one where your dog isn’t just a guest at the holiday table — they’re a full participant in the season’s magic.
