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National Dog Dad Day 2024: When & How Is It Celebrated?

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By Nicole Cosgrove

male owner hugging his dog

In the United States and many other countries, millions of pet parents dote on their dogs and care deeply for them. Dogs have become a ubiquitous part of American life and provide unlimited love and affection. It’s for these reasons, and many more, that we love our dogs. It’s also the reason we have National Dog Dad Day to celebrate the men who take such good care of their pups. It’s held on the day before Father’s Day in June, and in 2023, it will be on June 17th.To learn about this dog-gone holiday, like when it started, how it’s celebrated, and more, read on!

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When Did National Dog Dad Day Start?

National Dog Dad Day, according to National Day Archives, began recently in 20211. It was intended to be an annual celebration and occurs every year on the same day. Although quite new, National Dog Dad Day has quickly become very popular in the United States, and millions of puppy parents celebrate it with pleasure. A canine advocate named Ashley Beraw created National Dog Dad Day.

dog staring its male owner
Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

What Is a Dog Dad?

The definition of a “dog dad” is very similar to a doting father of human children; it’s someone who loves to care for and enjoy life with their dog and will gladly tell anyone within earshot about their fur baby and everything they love about them.

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Top 7 Ideas to Celebrate National Dog Dad Day

There are an unlimited number of things you can do to celebrate National Dog Dad Day! All you need to do is think about what your dog loves to do the most (besides being with you) and let them engage in that activity. Below are several ways to have fun with your doggie on the special day.

1. Take Your Dog to the Local Dog Park

german shepherd dog at the park with his male owner
Image Credit: nori_jaafer, Pixabay

Most dogs love meeting and playing with other dogs. Taking yours to the local dog park will be a huge treat for them and allow them to make new friends. Plus, while you’re there, you might make some new human friends also.


2. Throw a Dog-Themed Party

french bulldogs in a dog party
Image Credit: KikoStock, Shutterstock

Holding a party on National Dog Dad Day would be a delight for your dog! You can invite your friends and neighbors to bring their pups, open presents for their dogs, and take lots of pictures! A cake made with dog-friendly ingredients would be awesome, too!


3. Take a Ride With Your Dog in a Convertible Car

male owner with his two dogs in a convertible car
Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

If you know dogs, you also know they love hanging their heads out the window while you drive, letting the wind blow their furry face all over the place. Riding in a convertible is the ultimate experience for a dog because they can sit there and let the experience wash over them! Just place them in a secure carrier to ensure they stay safe.


4. Play Fetch With Your Dog’s Favorite Toy

border collie dog playing fetch with the male owner
Image Credit: elbud, Shutterstock

Playing fetch is one of the activities many dogs love the most. If you use a frisbee, you can have fun yourself and give your pup plenty of much-needed exercise.


5. Take Your Dog to the Beach

a dog walked by its owner on a beach
Image Credit: Juice Verve, Shutterstock

Many dogs love the water and enjoy swimming, wading, or just getting their paws wet. If your darling dog loves the water, a day spent enjoying it will be fantastic for them. Are no bodies of water close by? Bring out the hose and let them have a blast with the water!


6. March in a Dog Parade with your Dog

dogs in a parade
Image Credit: BadziolTV, Pixabay

There are parades, especially for dogs and their doting dads, all over the United States every year on National Dog Dad Day! There’s no better way to celebrate than to march in a parade with your pup and enjoy the company of all those other dogs and their dads. You can even go in costume, but be sure your favorite dog can handle the excitement because, believe us, a dog parade can be a furry frenzy of activity that, for some dogs, can be overwhelming!


7. Go for a Hike with Your Dog

male hiker with siberian husky dog
Image Credit By: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

It’s no surprise that most dogs love to be outdoors in the wilderness. After all, dogs love being in nature, seeing other animals, and breathing in the fresh air while hiking with their favorite human. Hiking is a great activity that allows you and your dog to forge even deeper bonds.

Divider 2Is There a National Dog Mom Day?

Yes, the United States has a National Dog Mom Day. It’s celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in May annually and, like National Dog Dad Day, is a day for women across the country to celebrate their love for canines. National Dog Mom Day is the day before Mother’s Day, and it is hard to forget if you adore your dog.

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Final Thoughts

Did you enjoy all the info we provided about National Dog Dad Day? We hope you have a great time on National Dog Dad Day this year and all the following years. Celebrating your dog for everything they do is a beautiful way to show your dog you love them and create a stronger bond between you and your pet. Also, if you’re a dog dad, it’s a day to celebrate your pup and treat them even better than usual for a day. They might not fully understand why you spend more time with them on the special day, but your dog will appreciate the extra love, treats, and attention!

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Featured Image Credit By: Lizardflms, Shutterstock

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