Fall is here, and it’s time to get those pumpkins ready for carving! Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin artist or a first-timer, adding a personal touch, especially with a pup-themed design, is a fun way to celebrate the season. Let’s dive into some creative and dog-inspired carving ideas that will make your porch the talk of the neighborhood!

“Pupkin” Carving Template Choices

Paw Print Carving

Carving a paw print is simple and creative. This template is excellent for young children or if you want to personalize your pumpkins. You can pick a free template online or trace your dog’s paws for a personal touch!

• Etsy Paw Print Template
• Pumpkin HQ Template

Breed Specific Carving

A breed-specific pumpkin may be the way to go for more advanced carvers. Better Homes & Gardens offers a wide range of breed-specific templates that you can pick from to recreate your whole pack.

Funny Dog Carvings

If you’re not interested in personalizing your pumpkins but want to show off your love for man’s best friend, a generic or funny dog template could be just what you need.

• Folk Art Dog Template
• Werewolf Template
• Pooping Dog Template

Steps for Safely Carving Pumpkins

What You Need:

• A pumpkin
• A small knife or pumpkin carving tool
• A spoon
• A marker or stencil
• Newspaper or plastic to protect your workspace
• A bowl (for the seeds and pumpkin guts)

Steps for Carving:

1. Prepare your Pumpkin: Find a nice, big pumpkin you can carve. Put down newspaper or plastic where you’ll be working to keep things clean.
2. Draw the Design: Use a marker or a stencil to draw the face or design you want on your pumpkin.
3. Cut the Top or Bottom: Carefully cut a circle around the pumpkin’s stem to make a lid. Make the hole big enough for your hand to fit inside. This can also be done on the bottom if you want the stem to stay with the rest of your pumpkin.
4. Scoop Out the Guts: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and guts inside the pumpkin. You can toss the guts, but save the seeds for a yummy roasted treat you and Fido can enjoy.
5. Carve your Image: Follow your drawn lines or stencil. If you’re using a small knife or carving tool, go slowly and be careful with your fingers!
6. Light it Up: When you’re done, put a small LED light or battery-powered candle inside the pumpkin to make it glow.
7. Display: Put your pumpkin somewhere so everyone can enjoy it, like on the porch!

Carving pumpkins can be a fun and festive activity for the whole family, and with these dog-themed designs, you can show off your love for your furry friend. Whether you’re going for a cute paw print, a breed-specific design, or something silly, remember to carve safely and enjoy the process. Happy carving!