The holiday season is hectic for everyone: friends and relatives dropping by, decorating the house, preparing meals, and ensuring everyone has what they need. While all this may be a bit much for us, it can be overwhelming for our dogs. With the doorbell ringing non-stop, extra people in the house, and food everywhere, your pup might find themselves a bit stressed, confused, or over-excited. Whether it’s counter-surfing for leftovers, barking at the doorbell, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the commotion, the holidays can pose some unique challenges for our furry friends.
But don’t worry! With a little planning and some proactive steps, you can make this holiday season much easier for both you and your dog. Check out these tips for keeping your dog calm, safe, and well-behaved as you navigate the hustle and bustle of holiday fun!
1. Know Your Dog and Plan Ahead
The first step to a stress-free holiday season is knowing your dog’s needs and temperament. Does your dog love visitors, or do they prefer to have some quiet alone time when the house gets busy? If your dog is the shy or anxious type, make sure you have a plan in place. Set up a “safe zone” where your dog can relax, away from the noise and activity of the party. This could be a quiet room with their bed, toys, and a Kong filled with tasty treats or peanut butter. Play some calming music and dim the lights to create a peaceful environment.
If your dog thrives on attention and gets overly excited when visitors arrive, assign someone to be in charge of keeping them calm. Put them on a leash so they can interact with guests in a controlled way. And remember—it's okay to let your dog take breaks from the crowd! Giving them time to decompress will help prevent overstimulation and keep them from getting overly excited or anxious.
2. Communicate with Your Guests About Your Dog’s Needs
The holiday season often means having more guests in your home, and it’s important that everyone is on the same page about your dog’s needs and boundaries. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, let everyone know that sharing table scraps or feeding them human food could lead to an upset tummy (or worse!). Don’t be afraid to emphasize how important this is. Sometimes it takes a little exaggeration to get the point across. For example, if Cousin Steve tries to sneak your pup a piece of turkey, you can say, "Oh, Cousin Steve, you don't want to see what happens when they get fed the wrong food!" They’ll get the message!
Similarly, if your dog is working on behavior training, like no jumping or staying calm around guests, let everyone know. When someone says, “I don’t mind if they jump on me!” you can politely say, “I understand, but we’re working on that behavior. I’d love it if you could help reinforce that!” Your dog’s progress is your priority, and guests must respect that.
3. Be Consistent With Training and Set Boundaries
The holidays are often full of excitement, and it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of it all. But that doesn’t mean you should throw your dog’s training out the window. Stick to the boundaries you've set, whether it's no jumping, staying off the furniture, or staying out of the kitchen. If a guest insists on letting your dog on the couch, politely remind them, “We’re working on that right now. It’s a boundary for our dog’s comfort.”
And if you have a guest who loves dogs a little too much (yes, we’re looking at you, Cousin Steve!), be firm about respecting your dog’s space. Sometimes, your dog just needs a break from the crowd—and it’s okay to set that boundary.
4. Exercise and Enrichment: Tire Them Out Before Guests Arrive
A tired dog is a happy dog—and a calm one too! Make a plan to give your dog some good exercise before the festivities begin. A long walk or a game of fetch in the yard can help burn off that excess energy and reduce anxiety. If you’re hosting a big event and you’re not sure you’ll have time to get out for a walk, try scheduling it the day before. Set aside a specific time for exercise, jot down who’s responsible for taking your dog out, and how long they should be active.
If you can't fit in the walk or run yourself, consider hiring a dog walker for a midday break, or drop your pup off at a local doggy daycare. Just be sure to reach out to dog services early, as the holidays tend to be busy. And don’t overdo it—while you want your dog to be tired, make sure they’re not so exhausted that they become cranky or irritable later.
5. Supervise Supervise Supervise!
It might sound like a broken record, but supervision is key to preventing holiday chaos. If your dog is likely to get into trouble when unsupervised (think: counter surfing for leftovers, barking at the door, or stealing toys from the kids), it’s best to keep an eye on them throughout the day.
You can also set up a designated “safe space” where your dog can hang out when you’re too busy to supervise directly. This could be a crate, an exercise pen, or a quiet room with their favorite toys and a puzzle feeder. Be sure to provide plenty of distractions, like chews or stuffed Kongs, to keep them entertained. And when you can, try to check in with them regularly to make sure they’re comfortable and happy.
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, but they can also be a lot for your dog to handle. By knowing your dog’s needs, setting clear boundaries, and planning ahead, you can ensure that everyone—two-legged and four-legged—has a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your dog safe, calm, and happy, while still enjoying all the festivities.
Happy holidays to you and your furry friend!
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