Easter is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, and of course, your dog deserves to be part of the festivities. There are many ways to include your furry friend in the holiday weekend, but ensuring they have a tail-wagging good time requires forethought. From backyard egg hunts to themed training activities, consider how to celebrate Easter with your dog in a safe, exciting way.
Dog-Friendly Easter Activities
Looking for creative ways to include your dog in the Easter fun? Consider a few safe activities that still offer plenty of enrichment opportunities.
1. Host a Dog Easter Egg Hunt
A dog-friendly Easter egg hunt is a great opportunity to let your dog explore their world, engage their hunting instincts and discover exciting treats. Only use dog-safe products that do not pose choking or poisoning hazards, and carefully watch your pup to ensure they don’t chew, crush or swallow the eggs. Reinforce off-leash training commands throughout the hunt to prevent your dog from straying into unsafe areas.
2. Create a Dog Easter Basket
While the kids are opening their Easter baskets, why not give your dog a festive surprise, too? Fill the basket with their favorite treats, a new blanket or an exciting squeaky toy. If you’re planning to introduce a new leash, harness or collar, tucking it into their Easter basket can be a low-pressure, positive way to make it part of the celebration. Be careful not to include candy, chocolate or dyed easter eggs in the basket, as many of these common easter treats are toxic to dogs.
3. Dress Up for Easter Photos
Your dog naturally deserves to be part of your Easter photo shoot. Dressing them up in a soft Easter bunny hoodie or colorful bandana is the perfect way for them to look sharp when it’s time for their close-up. However, always be careful when introducing your dog to clothing. Some animals do not like dressing up, and many can display signs of anxiety or aggression in these situations.
4. Try Easter-Themed Training Games
If you’re looking to help your dog have fun while brushing up on their obedience skills, consider a fun Easter-themed training activity. For example, hide treats under colorful cups or inside plastic eggs and use scent work to encourage your dog to find the treat. It’s a fun way to include your dog in the fun while continuing to reinforce structure and learning.
Easter Safety Tips for Dogs
With so many sights, smells and snacks around at Easter, your dog’s curiosity is likely to be on full display. However, there are plenty of hidden dangers that might threaten your canine friend on this special day. Still, a little proactive attention to detail can go a long way toward keeping them safe.
Foods to Avoid
Chocolate, xylitol, raisins, grapes, onions and garlic are all toxic to dogs (even in small amounts). Fatty foods like ham can trigger digestive issues or even pancreatitis. However, between potluck dishes and seasonal sweets, these foods may abound at Easter gatherings. It’s a safe bet not to let your dog nose through the kids’ leftover candy or eat the scraps from dinner. Rather, stick to your dog’s own diet and keep plenty of pet-friendly snacks or treats on hand.
Hazardous Decorations
Many Easter decorations—both natural and fake—are dangerous for dogs. For example:
- Plastic Easter eggs can pose a choking hazard.
- The dye commonly used on real eggs can also be poisonous if swallowed.
- Bright plastic grass can tangle in a dog’s intestines.
- Common Easter plants like Easter lilies and tulips are toxic to canines.
When it comes to decorations, always err on the side of caution. Keep items well out of reach of dogs and opt for pet-safe alternatives when possible.
Supervision During Festivities
If you’re hosting guests or have young kids visiting, monitor all interactions closely. It can be hard for some dogs to socialize without becoming anxious or reactive, but this may be a sign that they are overwhelmed. Offer a quiet retreat like a crate or bedroom so your pup has a safe space to decompress.
Incorporating Training into Easter Fun
Easter presents a perfect opportunity to teach your dog obedience in real-life settings. For example, your dog-friendly Easter egg hunt is a great time to reinforce basic obedience commands like “stay,” “come” or “leave it.” These commands can help your dog learn to stay focused on the prize (i.e., the egg) despite a lot of distractions. Of course, don’t forget to use plenty of positive reinforcement to help your dog build confidence. The more supportive you are of your furry friend when helping them learn, the better you’ll be able to build bonds of trust.
Making Easter Memorable for Your Dog
From planning a backyard egg hunt to dressing up for Easter photos, the best memories are made when our dogs are included in the Easter fun. Plus, there are plenty of ways to work training and enrichment into your Easter activities. That way, your dog can stay focused and engaged during the day’s excitement.Want help fine-tuning your dog’s obedience around the holidays? Sit Means Sit Philadelphia offers expert-led training programs tailored to your dog’s needs and personality. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get your dog started on the path to better behavior.
