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A Guide to a Calm Holiday Season with Your Dog
The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for dog parents, it can also bring a whirlwind of stress.
Between bustling schedules, a parade of visitors, and the clatter of festive chaos, even the calmest dogs might feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, with a little planning and some creative management, you can navigate the holiday hustle while keeping your dog happy and your household peaceful. Let’s dive into the key strategies to reduce stress for your dog—and yourself—this holiday season. Common Holiday Stressors for Dogs
For humans, the holidays mean joy and excitement, but for dogs, it’s a time filled with unpredictability.
Changes in Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, but during the holidays, schedules can become unpredictable. Walks might be shorter due to colder weather, meals delayed, and bedtime routines thrown off. These shifts can leave dogs feeling unsettled.
What to Do: Think of their day like a puzzle; even if you can’t keep every piece in place, make sure a few key routines remain consistent. ...For example, if dinner is running late, keep a habit like letting them outside and feeding them right after you return home.
Unfamiliar Visitors and Environment
From delivery people to holiday guests (and sometimes their pets), your dog might face a constant stream of new faces and smells. Some dogs get excited, while others might feel nervous or even protective.
What to Do: Use barriers like gates or leashes to guide interactions, and consider giving your dog a “safe space” where they can retreat when things get overwhelming.
Holiday Décor
Trees, ornaments, candles, and new smells all signal that the holidays are here—but they can also confuse your dog. A decorated tree might resemble an outdoor bathroom to them, and edible-looking ornaments could become choking hazards.
What to Do: Avoid hanging tempting decorations within your dog’s reach. Consider gating off the tree if your dog is particularly curious. It might not be pretty but it's temporary.
Stress from their humans
Have you ever had a coworker’s stress rub off on you? Dogs are masters at picking up on emotions, and if you’re frazzled by holiday planning, they’ll mirror your stress.
What to do: Manage your expectations for both yourself and your dog. The holidays don’t need to be picture-perfect; a calm environment is the best gift for everyone. Holiday Survival Strategies for Dog Parents
Managing your dog’s needs during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. These strategies will help you both enjoy the season:
Management Over Training
The holidays aren’t the time for intensive training sessions. Instead, rely on management tools like gates, leashes, and crates to set boundaries and prevent unwanted behaviors.
Meet Basic Needs First
The “Five Freedoms” for dogs provide a great guide:
Quick Tips for Navigating the Holiday Hustle
Here are some practical tips to help you and your dog have a stress-free holiday season:
Previsit Exercise
Before guests arrive, take your dog on a “sniffari.” Let them explore with their nose on a long walk, which is mentally enriching and tires them out in a calming way. It’s like letting a toddler roam a playground instead of running laps—they’ll be calmer and more satisfied afterward.
Limit Doorbells and Knocking
Doorbells are the equivalent of someone shouting “Fire!” in a crowded room—they spike your dog’s arousal. What to Do: Ask guests to text you upon arrival. Use technology like video doorbells or simply watch for visitors so you can reduce the triggers.
Leash Management Use a leash to guide your dog’s interactions when guests arrive. To avoid signaling that something exciting is about to happen, put the leash on during a normal activity, like a walk, beforehand. 
Use a Gate as a Buffer
Think of a gate as your dog’s security checkpoint—it slows down interactions and gives everyone time to adjust. When guests arrive, a gate allows your dog to observe the situation from a safe distance before deciding to interact. For example, if Aunt Susan arrives with her excitable toddler, the gate ensures your dog isn’t overwhelmed by immediate contact. It’s also helpful for preventing accidental escapes or over-enthusiastic greetings.
Set Up a Safe Space Create a designated “off-duty” area for your dog, equipped with their bed, toys, and a white noise machine. This gives them a chance to decompress while you entertain. 
No "Candy" from strangers
Imagine a shy dog stretching their neck like a giraffe to grab a treat from a stranger, only to retreat in fear once the food is gone. While well-meaning, luring nervous dogs with food can create conflict—they want the treat but aren’t ready to trust the person. For excitable dogs, hand-feeding from guests can encourage overly enthusiastic behavior, like jumping or crowding people. What to Try Instead: Treat-and-Retreat: For shy dogs, have guests toss treats away from them, letting the dog approach at their own pace. Go Say Hi: Teach excitable dogs to briefly greet a guest, like touching their hand, and then return to you for a treat. Bring a Gift: Ask guests to bring a toy or pre-stuffed Kong (or plant on outside for them to grab), which you can hand to your dog yourself. By avoiding direct feeding, you set your dog up for calmer, more positive interactions with guests.
Here's some permission you don't need but can have anyways
The holidays come with a lot of pressure, but it’s okay to make adjustments for the well-being of your dog and yourself. Here’s your permission slip:
The best gift you can give your dog—and yourself—this holiday season is a calm and predictable environment. By focusing on their basic needs, using management tools, and setting realistic expectations, you’ll create a season that’s joyful and peaceful for everyone involved. Remember, every small adjustment you make contributes to your dog’s comfort and happiness.
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