8 alternative ways to celebrate National Dog Day

Celebrating National Dog Day can be as easy as giving your four-legged friend a big hug and kiss.
But for those who want to take their love and appreciation to another level, we have a list of different ways for you to celebrate!
- Go play outside

On this very special day, be sure to give your dog an extra long walk around your local park.
Don’t be tempted to saunter around with your head stuck in your phone. Play games and interact with your pooch — they’ll love the attention and it’ll do nothing but reinforce the incredible bond you already have with them.
2. Buy some doggie treats

Quick way to win over your dog? Give them a delicious and nutritious treat.
There are lots of options out there; some that will make their coats glossy, some that will make their breath smell better and some that will just taste darn good.
They’ve definitely earned it.
3. Teach your dog a new trick

Here’s an easy one to try:
The High Five:
- Start by asking your dog to sit, and reward them with a treat.
- Put one treat in your hand and close your fist around it. Hold your hand under your dog’s nose a few inches away from their face.
- Don’t do anything or say anything if your dog smells your hand. Wait until they paw your hand and then quickly reward them by opening your hand and letting them have the treat. Don’t forget to also praise. Repeat this until they consistently touch your hand with their paw for the treat.
- Now — without a treat in your fist — hold the hand in the same position near them and when they paw your hand, praise and give a treat from your pocket or treat bag.
- Now open your hand in the high-five position, facing them, and raise it in front of them (no treat in hand). Each time they touch your hand, reward them with a treat.
- Repeat this and continue rewarding them for touching your open palm. If they consistently touch your open hand, you can now add the verbal cue, “high five!” every time their paw hits your hand.
- Now try giving them the verbal cue while raising your palm and see if they will give you a high five.
4. Take a picture of your dog and enter our competition

Is there anyone more photogenic than your adorable pooch? We think not.
It’s not even really necessary for them to pose — they already look picture perfect sitting there gazing up at you with their captivating puppy dog eyes.
Visit our Facebook page and share a pic of your dog for the chance to win an Adaptil Diffuser! See bottom of the article for T&Cs.
5. Have a portrait of your dog painted

Yes, this is a thing.
You can commission an artist to hand paint a picture of your BFF.
Where it lives is optional. You may choose to hang it proudly in your living room for all your friends to see or you may prefer to keep it hidden away in your bedroom for your eyes only.
Either way, it’s a lovely memento of your pooch that you’ll treasure forever.
6. Buy your dog a trendy collar

Dogs these days are much more fashion conscious. With the rise in popularity of doggie clothing and accessories, there’s pressure on your pooch to look their best when they’re playing with their friends in the park.
To make sure they’re leading the fashion pack, accessorise their glossy coat with a smart collar.
We recommend visiting the Love My Dog website for a great selection of brightly coloured collars that will not only make your dog look fabulous but also help you spot them when they shoot off into the woods.
7. Watch a film about dogs with your dog

Nothing will make you appreciate your pal more than watching a heartwarming tale about a man/woman and their canine BFF.
Whether it be the gut wrenching Marley and Me or the heart breaking Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, all you’ll want to do after viewing is shower your dog with love.
Not the most enjoyable activity for your dog, but they’ll enjoy the nap during the film and the cuddles that are sure to come after.
8. Spend the day talking about your dog

Doesn’t matter if anyone actually asks a direct question about your dog, or even brings up the subject of dogs in general, just drop the subject matter into as many conversations as possible.
Will people think you’re crazy? Probably.
But thinking and talking about dogs can make you feel less stressed and much happier. Try thinking about your dog without smiling. You can’t, right?
So who is really winning here?
Prize Terms and Conditions:
The winner will be picked at random on 31st August 2017 and announced on 1st of September 2017.
For any further enquiries please email: sophie.molyneux@dirtandglorymedia.com
Only ONE contestant will win the overall prize.
The prize will include one month’s supply of the Adaptil Diffuser.
UK residents only will be able to enter the competition.
The prize as stated, is not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.
In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
