Christmas tartan dog collar with bow tie, a festive finale for a DIY dog advent calendar

Christmas guide · 6 min read

DIY Dog Advent Calendar: A Fun Christmas Countdown for Your Dog

The clocks are about to go back, the evenings are drawing in, and before you know it the first door of the advent calendar will be opening on 1 December. If you’ve ever caught your dog watching you munch your morning chocolate, why not give them a countdown of their own this year?

A DIY dog advent calendar is cheap, fun to make and far safer than anything with human chocolate inside. Late October is the perfect time to plan it, so you’ve got time to gather supplies, test a few treats and sort a festive surprise for the big finale.

By Our Gift Shop · October 2026

In short

Start planning now – a homemade dog advent calendar takes an afternoon to make, but planning ahead lets you test treats and order gifts in time.
Never use a human chocolate calendar – chocolate is toxic to dogs.
Mix treat days with activity days so your dog gets fun without piling on the pounds.
Count advent treats as part of your dog’s daily food allowance.
Save something special for Christmas Eve, like a personalised festive collar – personalised items take about two weeks to arrive.

01Why make a dog advent calendar?

Shop-bought dog advent calendars exist, but making your own means you know exactly what goes in it. That matters if your dog has a sensitive tummy, a food allergy or is watching their waistline. It also lets you tailor every day to your dog: a tennis-ball fanatic gets ball days, a sniffer gets scent games, and a sofa lover gets an extra cuddle session.

It’s also a lovely way to build a little routine into the busy weeks before Christmas. Opening a door together each morning gives you both five minutes of fun before the day runs away with you.

A personalised red Christmas collar and lead set makes a lovely day 24 surprise.

02What you'll need and how to make it

You don’t need to be crafty. Here are a few easy formats to choose from:

Paper bags on a string – number 24 small paper bags, pop a treat or note in each, and peg them along a length of twine somewhere your dog can’t reach.
Egg boxes – four six-egg boxes give you 24 compartments. Write the numbers on the lids and tape them shut.
Muffin tin with lids – fill a 12-hole tin, cover each hole with a numbered paper circle, and refill it halfway through the month.
Envelopes on a board – perfect for activity days, with a card inside telling you what to do.

Whatever you choose, keep it well out of reach. Most dogs can smell treats through cardboard, and an unsupervised dog will happily open all 24 doors in one go. Avoid glitter, tinsel, staples and ribbon that could be chewed or swallowed, and always open the doors yourself rather than letting your dog tear into them.

Want the calendar to look the part in photos? A festive outfit helps, and our tartan Christmas dog collar with bow tie is made for exactly that.

Christmas Red Reflective Dog Collar – Personalised Engraved Buckle

From £14.50

A festive red reflective collar engraved with your details, ideal for those dark December activity-day walks.

Personalise it →

“Opening a door together each morning gives you both five minutes of fun before the day runs away with you.”

03Filling it safely: treats to use and foods to avoid

The golden rule is simple: if you wouldn’t normally give it to your dog, it doesn’t go in the calendar.

Good fillers

A few pieces of your dog’s usual kibble or treats
Small portions of dog treats they already know and enjoy
Plain cooked chicken or small bits of carrot, if your dog has these already
Dog-safe chews suited to their size

Keep these out

Chocolate, including anything chocolate-flavoured made for people
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants – so no mince pies or Christmas pudding
Anything containing xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free foods
Onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and cooked bones

Remember that 24 days of extras add up. Take the treats out of your dog’s daily allowance rather than adding them on top, and choose pieces small enough that they can’t be a choking risk. If your dog has a health condition or special diet, check with your vet before introducing anything new.

Which dog advent calendar style suits your dog?

Calendar style	Best for	Watch out for
Treat-only	Food-motivated dogs who love a daily nibble	Extra calories – take treats from the daily allowance
Activity-only	Dogs on a diet or with food sensitivities	Planning time on busy weekdays
Mix of treats and activities	Most dogs, and keeping every day a surprise	Making sure the big activity days fall on quieter days

0424 days of ideas: treats, games and little adventures

Swapping some treat days for activity days keeps things exciting and kinder on the waistline. Here’s a mix to get you started:

Sniff walk – let your dog choose the route and sniff as long as they like.
New trick day – teach a simple paw, spin or touch.
Hide and seek – hide a treat or toy around the house.
Snuffle towel – scatter kibble in a rolled-up towel for them to sniff out.
New walk – explore a park or footpath you’ve never tried.
Puppuccino-free café trip – just a sit-down at a dog-friendly café with their own water and treat.
Grooming pamper – a gentle brush and a fuss.
Playdate – a walk with a doggy friend they get on with.
Old toy, new game – bring out a forgotten toy and play together.
Photo day – a festive snap for the family Christmas card.

With December’s short days, plan the walking adventures for daylight where you can, or make sure your dog is easy to spot. A red reflective Christmas collar is festive and practical on those dark afternoon walks.

Red Collar - Yellow & Green Xmas Tree

From £11.99

A cheerful personalised Christmas tree collar that makes a sweet, affordable present for the last door of the calendar.

Personalise it →

05The grand finale: a Christmas Eve surprise

Day 24 deserves something special. Many owners save a proper present for the last door, and a personalised collar is a gift your dog will wear long after the decorations come down. It also does a useful job: a collar engraved with your contact details helps anyone who finds your dog get them home.

Browse our Christmas designs for festive options, such as the black Christmas decorations pet collar or the red Christmas collar and lead set with engraved name plate.

Timing it right

Personalised items are made and dispatched within 7 days, then take 7–9 days to arrive, so allow about two weeks in total. For UK Christmas delivery, order by 7 December. Personalisation is free, delivery is free on every order, and new customers can use code WELCOME10 for 10% off their first order.

Before you order, measure your dog’s neck with a soft tape and add two fingers’ width; if they’re between sizes, go for the bigger one. And double-check the spelling and phone number, because we engrave exactly what you type.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give my dog a human advent calendar?

No. Human advent calendars usually contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Make your own with dog-safe treats instead.

When should I start making a dog advent calendar?

Advent starts on 1 December, so making it in November gives you plenty of time. If you want a personalised gift for the final day, order early, as personalised items take about two weeks to arrive.

How many treats should go in each door?

Keep portions small and count them as part of your dog's normal daily food. If you're unsure how much your dog should be eating, ask your vet.

Can I make an advent calendar for my cat too?

Yes, the same idea works for cats using small portions of their usual treats and play activities. Keep it out of reach and avoid string, ribbon or tinsel that could be swallowed.