There's something special about a first Christmas with a new dog. Whether it's a puppy seeing a tree for the first time or a rescue dog spending Christmas in a forever home, it's a year you'll want to remember.
Here are ideas for a calm, happy day, safety points for new owners and simple keepsakes.
Ideas for a happy first Christmas
Keep their routine
Walks, meals and bedtime at the usual times help a dog feel settled. Pack their bed, bowls and a favourite toy if you are travelling.
Give them a quiet space
Visitors, wrapping paper and crackers can be overwhelming. A bed or crate in a quiet room gives them somewhere to retreat.
Take photos
Natural light near a window works well. Get down to their eye level and choose a recent picture.
Christmas safety
Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, cooked bones, alcohol, tinsel, ribbon and small decorations out of reach. If your dog eats something unsafe, call your vet straight away.
Keepsakes
Our Dog's First Christmas photo ornament is printed with your dog's photo and name and hangs on gold string. A memory jar or yearly photo can record how they grow.
For grandparents, our two photo ornament set gives one keepsake for each tree. See the Christmas for Dogs collection for more ideas.
Choosing a photo
Pick a face in focus, use soft daylight and a plain background, and upload the largest version you have, ideally at least 1000 x 1000 pixels. We email a free proof within 1 working day and print only after approval.
When to order
For Christmas delivery in Great Britain, order the Dog's First Christmas ornament by Friday 11 December and approve your proof by Monday 14 December.