Tried the viral #wrappingpapertrend w/ my 6 pups 🎄

After our hilarious (and slightly chaotic!) experience with the viral dog wrapping paper trend, I wanted to share a few more thoughts and tips, especially if you're thinking of trying it yourself! It's definitely not as easy as some of those perfect Instagram shots make it look, but the memories (and the laughs!) are totally worth it. First off, let's talk about the 'how-to.' It seems simple: just wrap your dog up like a present! But trust me, there's an art to it. I found that having a second person was almost essential, especially with six pups. One person to hold the dog gently, and the other to manage the paper. We laid out a large sheet of wrapping paper on a soft surface – a rug or a blanket helps keep them comfortable and provides some grip. Then, we'd gently place a pup in the middle, give them a treat, and start to loosely fold the paper around them. The key is loose – you never want to restrict their breathing or movement uncomfortably. Speaking of treats, you'll need a lot! And I mean A LOT. High-value treats are your best friend here. Think cheese, small pieces of cooked chicken, or their absolute favorite store-bought snack. We used them as positive reinforcement for every tiny step: sitting still, letting us fold a corner, and especially for staying put for a quick photo. It's all about making it a positive experience for them, even if they're a little confused by the crinkly paper. For those pups who weren't so keen, like some of mine, patience is key. One of my smaller ones was truly spooked by the crinkling sound. For her, we tried using softer tissue paper at first, or just draping the wrapping paper over her back without fully 'wrapping.' Sometimes, just getting them to sit on the paper and look at the camera is a win! Don't force it; if your dog is stressed, it's not fun for anyone. We learned to read their body language quickly – a yawn, lip lick, or looking away were signs we needed to take a break or try a different approach. Another practical tip: choose your wrapping paper wisely. I went for some festive, colorful rolls, but looking back, I'd probably pick paper that's a bit more durable. With all the wiggling and resets, lighter paper tears easily. Also, make sure it’s plain wrapping paper, not the kind with glitter or small beads that could come off and be ingested. Safety first, always! And definitely have some pet-safe tape on hand, just for securing the paper loosely – never directly onto their fur. Beyond the trend, these kinds of festive photoshoots are such a fun way to celebrate the holidays with your furry family. If wrapping paper isn't their thing, consider other simple props like festive bandanas, Santa hats (for a quick second!), or even just a cozy holiday-themed blanket. The goal is to capture their adorable personalities in a festive setting. I hope these extra tips help anyone planning to try the dog in wrapping paper trend! It's an unforgettable experience, full of laughter and adorable moments, even if it requires a bit more effort and a mountain of treats than you might initially think. Happy pawlidays indeed!