Pooch Perfect’s Davina Dewar gives tips to spoil your dog this Christmas
From advent calendars to movies and pamper sessions, a Brisbane expert has spilt the secrets on how to spoil your loveable fur-child this Christmas.
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Davina Dewar, one of Brisbane’s stars of the 2020 reality TV series, Pooch Perfect, has revealed ten ways to spoil your fur-child this Christmas.
Mrs Dewar manages a Narangba dog grooming business, Stylist to the Dogs and a dog apparel business, Puptown, at the same time as being a fur-parent to two gorgeous pooches. We’ve asked Mrs Dewar to list her top tips to canine happiness this festive season.
1. Pooch Pawtraits with Santa
Getting annual Santa photographs isn’t limited to just humans anymore. Over the last few years a growing number of photographers have now offered sessions with Santa for your dog as well.
Why?
“Santa paws photos are a great way to include your pup this Christmas and make them feel extra special. Have them groomed nicely, and dress them up with a Christmas-themed bow or bandana. A great memento for your Christmas mantelpiece,” Mrs Dewar said.
2. Bring your dog on a night out to the cinemas
Cinemas such as Moonlight Cinema allow your dog to join your night out too, with some locations now including a special menu with pooch-friendly treats.
Why?
“Include your dog this Christmas by taking them to a dog-friendly cinema! Your pup will love being included in the holiday activities and it means you don’t need to leave them home alone,” Mrs Dewar said.
3. Treat your dog to a pamper session
Dog grooming has now become an art form. Many stylists now treat their furry clients to manicures, massages and festive-themed clothing for the dog to wear.
Why?
“Book your dog in for a pamper session at your local groomers! Get them ready for the festive season with a style cut, a tidy up, or just a fresh bath. Don’t forget the Christmas add-ons like a Christmas bow or bandana or even ask your groomer to give your dog Christmas-themed colour in their fur, but book as soon as possible, as most groomers are already booking out for Christmas,” Mrs Dewar said.
4. Give your dog a pamper hamper
Dog goodie boxes have become popular in the US with retailer Chewy. These pamper hampers are now making their way to Australia with independent retailers now offering gift boxes to spoil your pooch during the holidays.
Why?
“A dog-themed hamper will not go unappreciated by your pup. Made with the intention to spoil your fur child, these hampers are a great Christmas present for your dog,” Mrs Dewar said.
5. Count down to Christmas in style with your pooch
Advent calendars for dogs are absolutely a thing, and yes, your bestie deserves to count down to the big day with own advent calendar.
Why?
“Spoil your dog every day of December and give them an advent calendar! They will get a treat or enrichment toy everyday and they will get to share in the fun leading up to Christmas Day,” Mrs Dewar said.
6. Create a custom activity jar
Good Boy Ollie, the beloved Instagram ‘pup-star’, tries a new activity each week with his humans, chosen from his special jar. This has inspired dog parents worldwide to start creating their own versions of the activity jar.
Why?
“Get creative and unique by making an activity jar for your pup. This task is super special, as you can tailor the activities to suit you and your pup’s favourite things! Spend quality time together while spoiling your pup,” Mrs Dewar said.
7. Take your dog to your local parkrun
Australia has fallen in love with the concept of ‘parkruns’ over the last few years. Dogs are welcome at almost every parkrun, with the only requirement being that the dog is on a short handheld lead, and that care is taken to not trip up others participating in the parkrun.
Why?
“All dogs love going for walks! You can take them along with you to your local park run for some shared exercise for you both. Walk or run, it’s your choice, no matter what, your dog will love spending time with you,” Mrs Dewar said.
8. Show appreciation for your pooch with a coffee date
Pet-friendly cafes are on the rise, with Brisbane home to a growing number of cafes now welcoming dogs.
Why?
“Many dog-friendly cafes will have menu items for your dog. If it is walking distance you can walk to and from the cafe! Dogs love going for walks and they will be so happy you took them with you on a date,” she said.
9. Go for a swim with your bestie
Water, sand, sun and permission to get as muddy as possible: for many dogs a day at the beach is the ultimate sign of love.
Why?
“Dogs love being included in fun family days. With the Summer weather here, why not take your dog to a dog-friendly beach? They will love splashing in the waves and running free along the sand. Your pup will really love you for this one,” she said.
10. Spend a day with your dog at Bunnings
Bunnings allows both humans and dogs to shop together. While this decision has attracted some recent controversy, dogs are still welcome to spend the whole day at Bunnings as long as their humans are with them.
Why?
“Take your dog next time you need to shop and let them have a fun ride in the trolley. They will love the experience and it beats staying home alone!”
Mrs Dewar has also encouraged Queenslanders to include their dog in the annual family Christmas photo.
“Above all, make sure you don’t leave your dog out this Christmas,” she said.
“After all, they are part of the family and so should be included in the Christmas celebrations. “Why not get a matching Christmas outfit for you and your dog and include them in the family photo this year?”
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