July 20

National Get Out of the Dog House Day

Celebrate National Get Out of the Dog House Day by spoiling your partner with thoughtful gifts and kind gestures - let them know how much you care!

Yearly Date
Third Monday in July
Observed in
United States
Subcategory
Romance
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

It's time to make amends on National Get Out of the Dog House Day, which falls on the third Monday in July. This special day was created to help couples restore harmony and celebrate their love for one another after a disagreement or argument. Whether you need to apologize for something small or grand, this is the perfect opportunity to show your partner that you care about them and are committed to making things work. From romantic gestures to heartfelt words, it's time to get out of the proverbial dog house!

National Get Out of the Dog House Day Timeline

1990s
Creation of the Phrase
The phrase "in the dog house," meaning someone is in trouble or disfavor, gains significant popularity in speech and written language.
Early 2000s
Concept Emerges
A concept of a day for repairing relationships and making amends after disputes starts gaining traction.
2005
First Celebration
The first National Get Out of the Dog House Day is celebrated to help couples reconcile after disagreements.
2010
Spread of the Holiday
More and more couples begin acknowledging and celebrating this unique holiday across the United States.
2016
Mainstream Recognition
National Get Out of the Dog House Day starts getting more mainstream recognition with mentions in various media outlets.
Present
Continued Celebrations
Couples across the world continue to celebrate National Get Out of the Dog House Day, using it as a special occasion to mend relationships and express love and remorse after disagreements.

How to Celebrate National Get Out of the Dog House Day

1

Plan a romantic evening

Light some scented candles, break out the fancy dinnerware, and cook up a mouth-watering meal. Enjoy a romantic movie or take a walk in the park together.

2

Write an apology letter

Express your feelings in a heartfelt written letter. Include why you are sorry, what you learned from the experience, and how you plan to prevent similar issues in the future.

3

Give a thoughtful gift

Show your appreciation and thoughtfulness by gifting something special that they'll enjoy. Pick something they've mentioned or something that will show them how much you care.

4

Go on an adventure

Take a road trip to a nearby city, explore nature with a hike or have some fun with outdoor sports. Whatever you do, make it memorable and exciting!

5

Have a picnic

Pack up your favorite treats and head to the park. Enjoy some quality time in the sun while you relax and reconnect with each other.

Why National Get Out of the Dog House Day is Important

A

It promotes communication & understanding

National Get Out of the Dog House Day is important because it encourages couples to talk openly and honestly about issues they may be facing in their relationship. This open dialogue can help them gain a better understanding of each other's needs and desires, leading to healthier relationships overall.

B

It improves relationships

By taking time out of your day to get out of the dog house, you demonstrate that you are willing to put in the effort to fix any issues in your relationship. Your partner will appreciate your willingness to work together towards a resolution instead of avoiding the problem altogether.

C

It helps build trust

When couples take the time and effort to get out of the dog house, they learn to trust one another that much more. This trust allows them to continue building upon the foundation of their relationship, creating an even stronger bond between them.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 17
Monday
2024
Jul 15
Monday
2025
Jul 21
Monday
2026
Jul 20
Monday
2027
Jul 19
Monday