Life with Dogs

February 2026 •4 min read

Celebrate Valentine’s day with your dog and make it extra special, even in the Danish winter. Discover cosy, meaningful ways to strengthen your bond and show your four-legged friend just how much they mean to you.

Valentine’s Day might be known for flowers and candlelit dinners, but for many of us the most loyal love in our lives has four paws and a permanently wagging tail.

And while February in Denmark is more frost than roses, that does not mean you cannot make the day special. In fact, the colder months are the perfect excuse to lean into cosy moments and meaningful time together.

Because to your dog, love is not about grand gestures. It is about you.

Make time, even when it is freezing

When temperatures drop and daylight feels limited, it is tempting to rush walks or skip extra playtime. But winter can be just as enriching for your dog with a little intention.

Try extending one walk slightly, even if it is just by ten minutes. Let them sniff, explore and take their time. Mental stimulation through scent is incredibly rewarding, especially when outdoor adventures are shorter.

If the pavements are icy or the wind is biting, bring the fun indoors. Hide treats around the house for a sniff-and-find game, practise a new trick, or use puzzle toys to keep their brain busy. Quality time does not need to be long, it just needs to be focused.

Become your dog’s favourite person

Dogs naturally bond most strongly with the people who consistently meet their needs. Feeding, walking, training and playing all build trust over time.

Valentine’s Day is a lovely excuse to take on a little more of that responsibility. Prepare their meal with care, hand-feed part of it during a short training session, or dedicate time to brushing and checking their coat, especially important during winter when skin can become dry.

Calm, positive attention goes a long way. Speak gently, reward good behaviour and be present. That steady reliability is what makes you their safe place.

Plan a winter-friendly Valentine’s date

Romance does not need sunshine.

In Denmark’s winter chill, a dog-friendly Valentine’s date might look like:

• A crisp, invigorating walk followed by drying them off with a warm towel and lots of praise
• A cosy evening in with enrichment games and a new toy
• A short training session with their favourite treats
• A gentle grooming session to keep their coat healthy during colder weather

You could even make simple homemade dog treats together. It turns the day into a shared activity, not just a quick indulgence.

Celebrate the everyday love

Your dog does not know it is Valentine’s Day. What they do know is how you make them feel, every single day.

Consistency, affection and structure are what create a happy, secure dog. Especially during darker months, your presence and reassurance matter more than ever.

So this Valentine’s Day, while the world outside might be icy and grey, the warmth inside your home can say everything.

Because love really is a four-legged word.