December is a magical time. The solstice, the twinkling lights, the warm and cozy festivities. But for many pets, all the commotion involved with the season can be a little confusing. While their humans are juggling travel plans, family gatherings, and packed calendars, dogs staying in daycare may suddenly be away from familiar routines, favorite couches, and quiet nights at home. Even confident, social pups can feel the shift. New smells. Different drop-off times. More energy in the air.
That’s where thoughtful enrichment makes all the difference.
Festive enrichment isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing things with intention. Activities that stimulate the brain, encourage calm play, and help dogs feel secure and engaged can transform a busy holiday stay into a positive, tail-wagging experience. And when pet parents see that extra care reflected in updates, photos, and report cards? Trust grows fast.
Here are 12 festive enrichment ideas to help dogs thrive in daycare this December, while making your team’s days more joyful, too.
Dogs experience the world nose-first, which makes scent work especially grounding during busy seasons. Introduce pet-safe seasonal scents like cinnamon sticks or pine hidden in scent boxes or sniff mats.
Pro tip: You can log scent games as enrichment activities in Gingr and note which dogs prefer nose work. Over time, staff can quickly see which pups benefit most from calming mental stimulation.
Let dogs safely “unwrap” treats hidden in festive cardboard boxes or enrichment toys. It’s fun, engaging, and taps into natural foraging instincts.
Pro tip: This is a great enrichment add-on to offer during December bookings through the pet parent portal in your dog daycare software.
Rotate puzzle toys throughout the day to prevent boredom. Frozen lick mats or treat-dispensing toys are perfect for slower-paced afternoons.
Pro tip: Schedule recurring enrichment blocks and assign staff coverage directly in your facility calendar so nothing gets missed.
Create playful group names like Reindeer Romp or Silent Night Socials. Fun names make staff engagement higher and pet parent updates more memorable. As an option, you can encourage pet parents to dress up their pups to fit the theme.
Pro tip: Send each dog's family a photo update with creative captions to keep them informed on their pup's fun time with their playgroups.
Paw-print ornaments or holiday cards give pets a way to send something home for a fun and delightful pick-up experience. It's a way for your business to give a personalized gifts to clients and gives pups one-on-one attention. These small moments mean a lot when families are apart.
Pro tip: Attach photos of the in-progress crafting directly to pet Report Cards to share the experience with proud pet parents.
Short, upbeat training sessions with simple tricks and commands using festive props offer structure and confidence-building during unpredictable holiday schedules.
Pro tip: Track training notes so staff across shifts stay consistent with cues and progress.
Frozen yogurt bites, apple slices, or peanut butter lick mats add enrichment (and a special treat) without overdoing it.
Pro tip: Share snack details in Gingr notes so pet parents know exactly what their dog enjoyed.
If group dog walks are offered at your daycare, bring in some holiday cheer by dressing as Santa in his sleigh while you walk your "reindeer" (pack of dogs). Make stops along the way at various stations (like Santa visiting different homes) where your herd can practice scent work, perform a trick for a treat, or get a special toy.
For seniors or shy dogs, pairing brushing or massage with a calm voice reading a Christmas story creates comfort and connection. Research shows that reading to dogs increases their mental stimulation, as the melodic tones of a narrator's voice engage and occupy them. Plus, what dog doesn't appreciate you cozying up next to them and offering them a little extra attention?
Low-impact agility keeps active dogs engaged without pushing them too far during winter months. Creating a mixture of low jumps, weave poles, tunnels, platforms, and something to circle around in a spacious indoor area gives them physical exercise and offers them problem-solving skills to enhance their mental agility.
December stimulation can pile up quickly. Balance your activity areas with quiet zones with equipped with blankets, calming music, and low lighting. This calm, cozy environment help dogs reset and avoid overstimulation. Calm dogs = smoother stays and safer group dynamics.
Before sending your happy pup home, spend a few minutes gently brushing them to soothe their souls and improve circulation. If your business offers professional grooming services, consider upselling a full bath, cut, nail trim, or teeth cleaning before pickup for a little extra luxury and care.
The holidays are a joyful time, but they can be emotional for people and pets, especially when they are apart. However, when dogs feel stimulated, supported, and understood, their stay becomes more than just daycare, it becomes a positive holiday memory. Thoughtful enrichment builds trust. Clear communication builds loyalty. And together, they help you build customers for life.
Keep parents informed about their pup's holiday stay every step of the way. Gingr's dog daycare software enables constant contact without lifting a paw. Book a demo to see these features in action!