The holidays can be truly magical, with the twinkling lights, fresh-baked cookies, and the sound of your dog gleefully shredding wrapping paper like it’s their full-time job. While the season brings excitement (and lots of new textures and smells), it can also be overwhelming for your pup. Between visitors, new toys, decorations, and the irresistible crinkle of gift wrap, your dog needs enrichment that keeps them calm, engaged, and out of trouble. 

At KONG, we’re big fans of turning that holiday chaos into an opportunity for healthy play. Here’s how to keep your dog enriched, mentally stimulated, and joyfully occupied—no matter how many bows and boxes end up on the floor. 

GIVE THEM A “JOB” WITH ENRICHMENT TOYS 

Dogs love a good challenge, especially when everything around them feels unpredictable. Using enrichment toys like the KONG® Classic, KONG® Goodie Bone®, or KONG® Donut can help channel all that excitement into positive play. 

Try this: 
Stuff a KONG with soft treats, kibble, or a holiday-themed recipe and freeze it to make the fun last even longer. Scavenging for treats keeps dogs’ brains engaged and gives them a calming outlet amid the noise. 

CREATE A HOLIDAY “PLAY ZONE” 

With new toys everywhere—some for dogs, and some definitely not—it helps to give your dog a dedicated enrichment space. This helps prevent those “is this chew toy for me?... Or is this somebody’s new pair of shoes” moments by keeping them busy in their own safe corner.  

Include: 

• A KONG Donut or KONG® Wobbler™ for interactive play 

• A KONG® Licks sprinkled with kibble and Easy Treat® 

• A comfy bed where they can decompress 

• A toy rotation to keep things exciting 

REDIRECT WRAPPING PAPER MISCHIEF 

Wrapping paper is basically dog catnip. The sound, the movement, the opportunity to shred? Irresistible. Instead of fighting it, redirect that energy into safer and more enriching fun. 

Swap the paper for: 

• A KONG Tug for controlled pulling satisfaction 

• A KONG Rope Bunji

• A KONG Squeezz® Crackle Bone to replace “mystery crunching” sounds under the tree 

Your dog still gets the chaos they crave—minus the risk of eating tape or ribbons. 

MAKE CHEWING A GIFT (NOT A DISASTER) 

When your dog is surrounded by tempting new textures—bows, boxes, new slippers—they need appropriate chew outlets. 

Chewing is perfectly natural for dogs. But chewing the corner of the coffee table? Less ideal. 

Offer durable KONG toys designed for different types of chewers: 

• KONG Extreme Rubber for power chewers 

• KONG holiday toys for festive fun and gentle chewing 

• KONG Donut for a soft-but-durable chew option 

This keeps dogs satisfied while saving your holiday décor. 

With the right toys, dedicated spaces, and a little creativity, you can turn holiday chaos into joyful, healthy playtime. Enrichment helps reduce unwanted behaviors, support mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog—all while the wrapping paper pile grows taller than both of you. 

Explore more enrichment tips and shop enrichment essentials to make every season a happier, more playful experience for your dog.