How to Make Your Own Dog Holiday Stocking

From hanging a wreath on the door to decorating a festive tree, traditions are what make Christmas special. So why not let your dog get in on the action? A fun way to do this is to hang your pup’s own stocking on the mantle so that Santa can fill it with lots of goodies on Christmas Eve, just like he does for the humans in the house.

Sure, you could go out and purchase a stocking from the store, but making your own pet stocking is a fun endeavor—especially when you involve your dog in the process. All it takes is purchasing a few crafty materials, finding an area of your home that you can mess proof, and getting creative with your canine pal.

Here is a quick and easy way to make your own personalized dog stocking:

• 1 stocking
• Fabric paint
• Glitter
• Fabric markers or squeezable paint
• A tarp or newspaper to absorb the mess
• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• 1 sponge
• Dog treats and toys to fill the stocking
• Your pup

You can pick up the stocking, paper towels, paper plates, and sponge at your local discount retail store like Target. The glitter, fabric pens, paint, and markers can be purchased at a craft store such as Michaels or Joanne Fabrics.

Paint proof your workspace. Find an area of the house that you can afford to get a little messy in and cover the floor with a tarp. Another option is to use Sunday’s leftover newspaper or fold up brown paper grocery bags and spread them out on the floor.

Squeeze some red paint onto a paper plate. Take your dog’s paw and carefully press it down into the paint.

Help your dog step onto the stocking, leaving her paw print. Immediately sprinkle glitter onto the paint. You’ll want to do this quick so the paint doesn’t dry.

Repeat the process above and have your dog decorate the stocking with several paw prints.

Once you are happy with the amount of red prints she has made, switch to green paint and start over again. Use a different color of glitter in the green footprint. Lay the stocking down and let the paw prints dry.

Once the pay prints have dried, use the fabric marker or paint and write the dog’s name on the top of the stocking. It’s a good idea to practice writing the name on a piece of paper first in order to perfect it.

Hang the stocking up on the mantle along with the rest of the family’s.

On Christmas Eve, stuff the stocking with an array of treats, toys, and dog-approved goodies. Many local pet stores sell fun holiday-themed toys and goodies such as red and white candy cane rawhides and plush Santa squeaker toys.

Nicole Pajer is a freelance writer who lives in Los Angeles with her husband, energetic Doberman, and rat terrier.