Happy National Dog Day! 6 Ways to Celebrate the Amazing Dogs in Your Life

Last Updated: July 2023

Last updated: July 2026

August 26th is National Dog Day—a day where we celebrate how amazing our canine companions are and remember all the incredible things dogs have done to positively enhance our lives.

Whether you have your own dog, work as a vet/vet tech, are a dog sitter, or simply just love dogs, we hope you’ll take some time today so celebrate all the pups in your life!

Looking for some ideas on how to celebrate? We’ve got a few thoughts on what you can do to show your dogs (or the dogs in your community) just how much you love them.

Check it out…

#1 – Treat Your Dog to His Dream Day

Most of us have routine schedules, which means your pup probably also follows a pretty basic schedule.

For example, your pup likely gets up with you in the morning, has breakfast, goes out, hangs around the house when you go to work, excitedly greets you when you get home, enjoys dinner, goes on an evening walk, then goes to bed when you do.

There’s nothing wrong with this routine…however, there’s nothing in the world that your pup would love more than having this schedule shaken up a bit—especially if that means getting to spend extra time with you getting to do the things he loves.

What would be on your dog's dream day list? Check out our ultimate dog bucket list to get a few ideas!

#2 – Volunteer at a Dog Rescue Shelter

National Dog Day is a day about celebrating all dogs! And unfortunately, some pups are going to have to spend the holiday inside a shelter.

The best way to show your love to the dogs in your community is to volunteer some of your time at a local shelter. While volunteering, you’ll have opportunities to help clean cages, feed dogs, take a special dog for a walk, and simply spend time playing with pups who desperately crave your attention.

There’s always so much that needs to get done within a rescue. Any extra help you can give is always appreciated.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to physically volunteer at a shelter, donating to a rescue in need is always a great way to give back!

We recommend donating…

Food
Blankets
Collars/Leashes
Toys
Money

Or, pick up the phone and call a shelter near you to see what they need most!

#3 – Adopt, Don’t Shop!

While we are on the topic of shelters, I want to encourage you to always adopt and don’t shop!

Whether you’re looking for your first dog or are wanting to add a second (or third or fourth) furbaby into your home, I guarantee you can find the perfect pup at your local shelter.

If you can’t find a dog to adopt or a shelter just type ‘dog rescue or dog adoptions near me’ into Google!

So many dogs need homes, and no dog is more grateful for a home than a shelter dog!

The best part…

When you go to a shelter you can spend time getting to know different dogs to help ensure that you find the right fit for your home! Even if you leave the shelter without adopting, you got to spend time with dogs, and the shelter dogs got a little TLC, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

Remember…adopt, don’t shop!

#4 – Spend Quality Time with Your Pup

The thing your dog loves most in life is YOU.

For that reason, one of the best ways to celebrate National Dog Day is to simply spend time with your pup!

Of course, going on a walk or giving your pup some belly rubs is a great way to spend time with your pup. But today, we encourage you to mix it up and try something different.

What can you do to treat your pup? Here are a few ideas…

Cuddle on the couch with a good book or movie.
Set up the sprinkler/kiddie pool and play in the water with your dog.
Cook a dog-friendly meal and share it with your canine companion.
Take your pup out for ice cream! (Many places have plain frozen yogurt for dogs)
Take a day trip to an agility park and test out your dog’s skills.

#5 – Treat your dog to something special

We all love surprises and dogs are no different…

Whether it's a new toy, a special treat, or some new dog food there are so many ways to say I LOVE YOU to your dog.

Here are three of the most loved specials to try with your dog that you can get right here from Chewy.com

Smart sticks for training – Think of them as doughnuts for your dog!

The Ultimate Dog Ball – No ball lasts forever, but this is as close as it gets!

A Taste of Premium Dog Food – Think of this as a meal from a TOP restaurant for your dog!

Of course, there are thousands of things to give your dog that will tell them how much you love them. Whatever you give them, do it with love 🙂

#6 – Give Your Dog the Gift of Calm

Now you might be thinking that the best thing you could ever give your dog is…

Food/treats.
A new toy.
A trip to the beach/snow.

But in reality, for your dog to enjoy anything in life, he needs to be able to relax and remain calm.

For example, your dog’s not going to be able to sit and enjoy a nice bone if he’s all worked up about someone coming to visit your house. Or your dog isn’t going to be able to make the most of a trip to the beach if he’s too worked up about other people or dogs around him.

Over the years, I’ve used the techniques in my program, The Dog Calming Code, to train over 88,000 dogs.

Find out more about The Dog Calming Code in this post here.

Have a puppy? We've got a program for that too! Check out my Puppy Coach training program here!

Happy National Dog Day!

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 🙂

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan stands out through his “five golden rules” that focus on canine psychology rather than repetitive drills or force. Unlike traditional trainers, he teaches owners to become the “calm leader” their dogs need. Over the last two decades, his methods have helped transform over 125,000 dogs worldwide. As the founder of TheOnlineDogTrainer.com blog and podcast and creator of the Dog Calming Code™, he has become a trusted voice in dog psychology and training. His philosophy is simple: reactive dogs don’t need punishment or endless treats. They need a leader they can trust.

4 Responses

Sandra Belair St says:

August 28, 2019 at 2:08 pm

enjoyed your info about Dog Training Academy
1. Dog Trainer Doggy Dan says:
  
  September 6, 2019 at 3:49 am
  
  I’m really happy you enjoyed learning about our Dog Training Academy Sandra….enrolments will be opening again soon so if you’re interested in joining head to the DTA website at dogtraineracademy.org Best, Doggy Dan
Paul Pearce says:

August 27, 2019 at 5:18 pm

Hello Dan.
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your blogs. I have 2 dogs. A whippet Lurcher at 6 years old and a Rottweiler at 18 months old. Wish you were in the UK as I am sure I could benefit from your knowledge about dogs. The calming code is great.
Well done and keep up the good work.
Paul
1. Dog Trainer Doggy Dan says:
  
  August 28, 2019 at 3:47 am
  
  Thanks for the feedback Paul, it’s always nice to know that readers are enjoying my Blogs. I’m not sure whether or not you were thinking about becoming a dog trainer/behaviourist, if so you may like to check out my Dog Training Academy (dogtraineracademy.org) …..our enrollments open up again in the next few weeks. Otherwise keep any eye out for my future Blogs! Best, Doggy Dan

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       Excellent rating  
 Based on 155 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Two months ago I adopted a 7 year old Morkie, a very nervous but loving little fellow. I tried several different training techniques and even purchased a program that was lengthy and very time consuming before I discovered Doggy Dan. I've been using his program for two weeks and am astounded by the change in my Dexter. He is calmer, more obedient and friendlier to others than I imagined possible. Dan's training is concise. It differs from others I found, Dan trains you to become the leader of your pack through a dog's perspective. I like that the training is specific yet compassionate. This is a program that works if you are consistent. Thanks Doggy Dan!
     
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 17 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
Susie in the UK.  I am only 10 days in but took in a 9 yr old emergency rescue from Romania who had been in kennels for 6 years and then had 3 failed foster placements in the UK.  Luca is a  big powerful mixed breed with huge stress and anxiety and very reactive, he bounded into my home and took over - aggressive with my 2 others, and visitors and pulling and pushing on walks.  I thought I couldn't handle him but saw an advert for Doggy Dan on line and signed up - we've  had a wonderful turnaround and he is finally decompressing, being polite with my dogs and responds excellently to the time-out if reactive with guests.  Walks are much better and all 5 rules are in place.  I believe he will continue to improve but only if I remain 100% consistent with him for the rest of his life.  He is 9 years old and deserves a happy old age being loved and looked after with no further upsets in his life so fingers and toes are crossed for him
     
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 15 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    +2
I started. The course 3/4 weeks ago. As Dan says you have to work on things if you get stuck. I have a Staffordshire x cane corso who is now six months old. She is very intelligent but sometimes she just doesn’t listen. Doing the five codes I’m finding it’s going pretty well except trying to get her calm so I am persevering with it again with my own space. I have a trainer call shortly which I will ask for advice on this. It’s great also that you can ask anything you’re not sure of on line. It’s so great to have someone there to help. I’m looking forward to having a relaxed girl instead of hyper most of the time as she gets so excited about almost everything. I would truly recommend doggy Dan and just wished I would have come across him much earlier. Thanks again for everything so far.
     
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 12 September 2026
 
 
 
 
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 9 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
This program is amazing!. We have a VERY reactive rescue dog that has bitten his previous owner and as well, myself 3x and my husband 4 x's. He had never been around people or other animals, and had never been walked on a leash. (in fact never run off-leash either, just tied to the front steps). We began with traditional treat-based training with a professional, but the progress was frustrating. A reactive dog does not want treats; it wants comfort. With the 5 Golden Rules and and some of the other training we have received with our subscription, in just 3 weeks, we can let him off leash at the dog park, he has not growled at any stranger, and he has not attacked any other animals. He is still a work in progress, but we see progress!!!! He has become a cuddly, sweet dog and for a greyhound, he even has recall! This program is amazing to say the least. We were at our wits end, but now we have hope.
     
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 8 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    Okay, he says it’s not magic, but the results and the peace in so little time with so little effort sure feels like magic! My 11 month old pup was a 60lb highly reactive, very loud disaster waiting to happen. Now we are both calm, the house is quiet and I don’t live in absolute fear of his reactivity towards others. There’s always still work/training to do of course, but wow are we in a much better place to get on with that!
     
   Theresia Travers 
 8 September 2026
 
 
 
 
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 31 August 2026
 
 
 
 
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 29 August 2026
 
 
 
 
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 18 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    +3
My Lab mix puppy and I are on Day 3 , but, I do feel a stronger connection. She appears calmer overall / looking forward to consistently following these five rules. Doggy Dan is clear, concise, comprehensive and compassionate . Very pleased with his program.  Diane
     
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 16 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
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 13 August 2026
 
 
 
 
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 13 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
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 13 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
I just started my training about 2 weeks ago, and I do mean MY training. My 2 girls are really responding to my changes in how I am relating to them better. Thank you Doggy Dan, I really needed this win, 2 reactive dogs and we have made progress with the 5 golden rules and we have not with anything else. Crystal Gayle the Red Heeler and Sadie the Border Collie.
     
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 11 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +3
For three years, I tried every treat-based method and expensive course to stop my large, powerful male dog from pulling on the leash, barking, and stressing out when his energy got too high on our walks. (So while he is a farm dog who enjoys total freedom off-leash on our farm most of the day, on-leash in the city, he totally lost it). He was practically hanging from the leash, two feet in the air (almost strangling himself), always demanding to walk in front and make all the decisions. Absolutely nothing worked—until I found Doggy Dan! 🏆 After just a couple of weeks implementing The 5 Golden Rules, the transformation is absolutely mind-blowing!!! By focusing on connection and calm leadership rather than rigid commands, my dog has FINALLY reconnected with his natural calmness (that has actually always been there inside him) ❤️❤️ When we walk through town now, I look down at my dog walking in a perfect "heel." The leash hangs completely loose, and that loose leash really says it all 👍👍👍 He does not pull, bark, or growl AT ALL when other dogs bark at him!😱 Yes, he looks at them and is interested, but he remains completely calm. We pass shouting people, groups of kids on scooters, and dogs barking aggressively behind gates—he is interested, but he remains entirely unfazed. Just yesterday, we stopped in front of a fence with chickens walking in a garden, and he just stood there watching curiously, staying completely still. And as we walked across a large, grassy schoolyard, we suddenly crossed paths with two rabbits—when I told him to, he immediately sat down. Of course, he was highly interested, but he sat completely, utterly still! I constantly find myself thinking: This can NOT be my dog, LOL! 🐇🐓 Dan refers to himself as a dog trainer, but in my humble opinion he is a dog philosopher. The course is incredibly generous, filled with hundreds of real-life videos from every situation imaginable, offering a massive toolkit for an amazing price. I am so excited to continue this course, so happy about the progress, and so looking forward to the future with this beloved dog of mine. I HIGHLY recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
     
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
I've only been working the program for a week and already are seeing some great improvements with an overexcitable, energetic, barking at everything, and fun Maltipoo. I'm focusing on the 5 golden rules and watching the training videos.  Thanks Doggy Dan!
     
   Rebecca Cheney 
 4 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    In a matter of days my 5 year old Frenchie is calmer and seems happier, albeit not happy that I'm ignoring him but it works! I live alone so he thinks he should be boss and protect me from every visitor but he didn't even bark at the window cleaner yesterday, just followed him around each window. My life might be my own soon, thank you!
     
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 2 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +4
The Golden rules i now understand are NOT called GOLDEN RULES FOR NO REASON!  WOW , JUST WOW, I WAS DOING ALL 5 WRONG !
     
   Tim Waldner 
 2 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    +0
We have adopted a Poodle and he us very high energy,  anxious and insecure. I joined the online program after I watched the free online webinar about the 5 Golden Rules. While watching the webinar all 3 of my dogs ran off barking... I calmly called out "thank you" and they all came back to me.. from that moment I was hooked. I love the fact that we use minimal sound in this technique as I can become anxious and unsure in my tone. I have seen results with the new Poodle and I am exited about our future. Thanks Doggy Dan, you are a gem 👌🐾🐾🐾
     
   Jane Uprichard 
 22 June 2026
 
 
 
 
    The training has been amazing. I've been training dogs in unprofessional situations since the mid 1970's. I've never heard of this philosophy! We have a 4-year-old Great Dane mix who is leash aggressive and hyper-reactive to any noises. This training has been incredible. In a week we've seen dramatic differences in his anxiety - just based on the 5 Golden Rules (we haven't even gotten to the Reactive Dog training yet). My only complaint is the persistent emails to sign up for the Canine Coaching Club - which is a monthly subscription. That's been a lot and it started immediately. Other than that, I highly recommend this training system.
     
   Kristi Nay 
 15 June 2026