Hug Your Puppy Day

Hug Your Puppy Day is January 21st

Do we ever need a reason to hug our puppies? This is the day for hugging so don't forget about your puppies. And if you don't have anyone to hug, go to a dog shelter and hug some puppies.

Today is all about puppy love. Literally. Hug Your Puppy Day is an unofficial holiday held on January 21, aimed at giving that special pup pal of your’s some focused lovin’! But let's be honest, you’re probably doing that already. As if we need an excuse to give our fur-buddies our undivided attention.

History of Hug Your Puppy Day

There doesn’t appear to be much information regarding Hug Your Puppy Day, so we can’t say who started it or how long it’s been going on. But, what we can tell you is what you should be doing today, and it’s not just what’s in the holiday name. While giving your favorite cuddle buddy an affectionate snuggle is all well and good, today is also about spending quality time with your pup. Today is your excuse to break away from the world and explore the curiosities of life with your faithful furry comrade.

How To Celebrate With Your Puppy

Puppies are an energetic lot and can become quite restless without some way to expend that energy. Hug Your Puppy Day is a terrific opportunity to bond with your pup and stimulate their mind. So what you can do:

• Go for a walk. Taking a stroll in the park or through the neighborhood is an excellent activity to do. The fresh air and various sights and sounds can be an intellectually stimulating experience for your growing pup, as well as a fun exercise for both of you.
• Hide and seek. Yes, dogs play this too! You’ll need someone to hold your puppy on a leash while you go off and hide. As your pooch searches, call out his name every so often. It’s exciting for them and can provide command training at the same time.
• Nothing beats a good old fashioned game of fetch. Make sure to use something small and soft to accommodate your puppy’s size. Avoid tree branches. They can be rough on their young mouths.
• Some dogs love swimming as much as people. If your pup likes the water (some don’t so best not to force it on them), take them for a dip. Don’t forget to strap them up in a life vest before you strike out for the high tides. Safety first!
• If you and your puppy are up for it, visit a dog park. This can be an overwhelming experience the first time around, so make sure your puppy can understand your commands, so you can help them avoid trouble. Maybe even try a not-so-crowded park the first time to minimize potential harm and gradually introduce your puppy to socialization.
• Take a nap. The two of you have been out and about all day. Your little fur-baby can use some rest. Curl up together and take five. Or ten. I’ll leave that choice to you.