9 Easy Ways To Keeping Dogs Calm During The Holidays

9 Easy Ways To Keeping Dogs Calm During The Holidays

The holiday season is a magical time filled with family, friends, and celebrations, but it can also be a chaotic experience—especially for our furry pals. From loud gatherings to sparkling decorations, Christmas introduces a whirlwind of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and scents that can sometimes overwhelm even the calmest dogs. As pet parents, our priority is ensuring their comfort and well-being, which means taking intentional steps to reduce stress and keep them happy. Here’s a complete guide to keeping dogs calm during Christmas and ensuring they enjoy the festive season as much as we do.

1. Create a Safe and Quiet Retreat

Just like us, dogs sometimes need a break from the action. Even a very energetic and friendly pup may eventually get tired of meeting new people and all the happenings during the holidays. You can designate a safe, quiet space in your home where your pup can retreat if they feel overstimulated. This could be a quiet room with their favourite bed, blankets, and toys. Adding a white noise machine or soft music can also help block out loud party noises or doorbells.

If you don’t have a spare room, you can simply place your pup’s crate or bed in a quiet spot in your home where there isn’t any heavy foot traffic. A dedicated space gives your dog the ability to “opt out” when they feel stressed. This small but important step can go a long way in keeping dogs calm during Christmas when the holiday excitement becomes too much.

2. Stick to Their Routine

While the holidays may disrupt your schedule, dogs thrive on routine. Not sticking to their routine for many days can confuse them and may result in negative behaviours, where they may start food begging or have a different sleeping schedule. Maintaining their regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule will give them stability amidst all the holiday chaos.

For example, if you usually take your dog for a walk after breakfast, try to stick to that even on Christmas morning. Regularity reassures your dog and can play a big role in keeping dogs calm during Christmas.

3. Offer Mental and Physical Stimulation

A mentally and physically tired dog is much less likely to feel anxious. Before holiday gatherings, take your dog on a long walk, let them run around outside, or engage them in a fun training session or puzzle game. Burning off excess energy will help them feel more relaxed and prepared to handle the excitement.

When indoors, make sure that they have their toys or lick mats prepared so they can keep busy and mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys filled with treats are also a great way to keep your dog entertained and calm while you host guests or prepare holiday meals.

4. Use Calming Aids

If your dog is particularly sensitive to noise or commotion, calming aids can work wonders. Options include:

• Calming chews or treats containing ingredients like chamomile or melatonin can help your pup stay calm and less anxious with meeting new people
• Anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt, applies gentle pressure to help your dog feel more secure
• Calming sprays or diffusers that use soothing pheromones to reduce stress.

These aids are especially useful during high-stress moments, such as when guests arrive, Christmas crackers pop, festive music playing, or wrapping paper gets shredded.

5. Practice Positive Reinforcement

Reassure your dog throughout the festivities with positive reinforcement. Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or affection to reinforce the idea that staying relaxed is good. Dogs respond best to encouragement, and consistent positive reinforcement can help them understand that staying calm brings good outcomes. For example, when your dog remains composed as guests arrive or during a noisy moment, offering a small treat or verbal praise can reinforce their behaviour and build their confidence.

It’s equally important to avoid scolding or punishing anxious behaviors. Dogs may not understand why they are being reprimanded, which can escalate their stress and make the situation worse. Instead, redirect their focus to something positive, like a chew toy or a simple command they know well, and reward their response. This approach helps create a supportive environment where your dog feels safe to relax.

6. Monitor Holiday Hazards

Christmas introduces many new elements into the home, from shiny ornaments to rich holiday food. While they may seem harmless to us, some can pose risks to your dog. By removing these hazards, you can prevent accidents and reduce unnecessary stress for your dog.

• Christmas decorations: Ensure ornaments, lights, and tinsel are placed out of reach. Swallowing these items can lead to blockages or injuries.
• Holiday plants: Ensure that toxic plants for dogs like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are kept out of their reach
• Rich foods: Chocolate, grapes, and fatty foods are harmful to dogs. Remind guests not to share scraps with your pup.

Read: Choosing the Right Food for Your Pup

7. Introduce Guests Gradually

If you’re hosting visitors during the holidays, introduce your dog to them slowly and in a controlled way. Some dogs may feel overwhelmed by large groups of people entering their space, so keep interactions brief and positive. Dogs may feel protective of your home, so having a lot of people suddenly come in may cause them to become tense and bark especially if you don’ often have guests around.

Encourage guests to allow your dog to approach them on their own terms and avoid forcing interactions. This is particularly important for dogs who are naturally shy or reserved. You can also start working on introducing your pup to people by inviting guests or relatives to your home before the actual festivities.

Read: How to Train for Nice Puppy Meet and Greets

8. Stay Mindful of Fireworks or Loud Noises

Fireworks are common during the holiday season and can be a major source of anxiety for dogs. The sudden loud noises and bright lights can easily overwhelm them, leading to signs of distress such as trembling, hiding, or excessive barking. To help your dog stay calm during these high-stress situations, preparation is essential. Creating a safe and familiar environment can make all the difference for your furry friend.

Start by keeping your dog indoors when fireworks are expected. Being inside minimizes exposure to the loud sounds and bright flashes. Close windows and curtains to further muffle external noise and block out unsettling visuals. Adding soothing background noise, like soft music or the hum of a TV, can also help create a calming atmosphere. This familiar noise serves as a comforting distraction from the startling sounds outside.

Additionally, consider providing your dog with a safe retreat, such as a crate or a designated quiet space, equipped with their favorite toys and blankets. By proactively managing their environment, you can significantly reduce your dog’s anxiety and make the holiday season more enjoyable for both of you.

9. Consider Professional Help for Anxious Dogs

If your dog struggles with severe anxiety, consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer can provide valuable insights and support. Veterinarians can assess your dog’s specific triggers and overall health to recommend solutions such as calming medications, dietary changes, or supplements that can help alleviate stress. Professional trainers, on the other hand, can work on long-term behavioural strategies, teaching your dog coping mechanisms to better handle anxiety-inducing situations.

Read: Signs Your Puppy Might Have Anxiety 

Enroll Your Pup at Happy Pup Manor!

Christmas is a time for celebration, but it’s important to remember how your dog might perceive the festivities. By creating a calm environment, maintaining routines, and offering extra reassurance, you can make the holidays as stress-free as possible for your furry family member. Keeping dogs calm during Christmas isn’t just about preventing anxiety—it’s about ensuring they feel included, loved, and safe during this special time of year.

Enrolling your dog in a professional boarding and training program can be highly beneficial for a more comprehensive solution. At Happy Pup Manor, we specialize in providing a calm, structured environment tailored to dogs with anxiety. Our expert trainers work to build confidence and teach essential skills to help dogs manage stress effectively. Our luxury boarding services also ensure your pup feels safe and pampered while you enjoy the holiday season worry-free. Whether it’s for short-term boarding or long-term behaviour modification, Happy Pup Manor offers an unparalleled experience for both you and your pup.