Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Guests: Tips for a Calm Christmas

The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, but for many dogs, the influx of guests and change in routine can be overwhelming. Ensuring a calm, safe environment for your dog during the festivities not only makes for a smoother gathering but also lets everyone, furry friends included, enjoy the holiday spirit. Here are some tips to help your dog feel relaxed and at ease around holiday guests this Christmas.

Create a Calm Safe Space for Your Dog

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to give your dog a quiet, comfortable area where they can retreat when they need a break. This “safe space” could be a cozy room away from the noise, with a comfortable bed, some toys, and their favourite blanket. Make sure to place water nearby and perhaps a few calming treats.

If your dog is crate-trained and finds comfort there, leaving the crate open allows them to go in and out as they please. Having this retreat space reassures them that they can get away from the hustle and bustle whenever it feels overwhelming.

Stick to Their Routine as Much as Possible

Dogs are creatures of habit, and keeping their routine as consistent as possible helps them feel secure. Aim to feed, walk, and let them out at their usual times, even amidst holiday festivities. Sticking to these routines will reassure them that, despite the new faces and noises, everything else is still the same. This is even more important if you know you have an anxious dog.

Prepare Guests for Dog-Friendly Interactions

Not all guests may know the right way to interact with dogs, so it helps to set some expectations upfront. Let guests know how your dog typically responds to new people and what might make them feel more comfortable. For instance:

• Avoid sudden movements: Tell guests to approach slowly if your dog is timid.
• Let the dog come to them: Many dogs prefer to sniff and observe before engaging.
• Discourage rough play: It’s best for guests to interact calmly, as overly excitable behaviour can be overwhelming for some dogs.

Having guests on the same page can help your dog feel more at ease and ensures everyone has a positive experience.

Practice Greeting Techniques Ahead of any Event

If your dog tends to be excitable when people arrive, you might want to practice greeting manners before the big day. Invite a friend over to help your dog practice staying calm and laying on a bed. Reinforce positive behaviours with treats and praise, making sure they know they’re doing a great job!

For dogs who get overly anxious or excited, it is advisable to meet people off the property and progress to the house when the dog is more settled with them. If this is quite tricky for you it is an example of when a behaviour programme is needed.

Utilise Calming Aids

To keep your dog occupied and calm, consider giving them a long-lasting chew toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle during guest visits. These toys can be a great distraction and provide a healthy outlet for their energy. Additionally, calming aids such as a Thunder Shirt, calming chews, or pheromone diffusers can help take the edge off for dogs who get particularly stressed by loud noises and crowds. Ensure this is always under the guidance of your veterinary surgeon.

Supervise Interactions with Children

The holiday season often brings family gatherings that include children, who may not be used to interacting with dogs. It’s best to supervise these interactions to make sure they’re safe and comfortable for both the dog and the kids. Teach children how to gently approach the dog, avoid hugging or pulling, and let them know if the dog’s body language shows signs of stress (like tucked tail or lip-licking), it’s time to give them space.

Monitor Body Language

During the holiday, keep an eye on your dog’s body language to make sure they’re not becoming overly stressed. Look for signs like yawning, lip licking, or a tucked tail, which can indicate discomfort. If you see these signs, it might be time to take them to their safe space for a bit of quiet time.

Reward Calmess throughout the day

Whenever you see your dog behaving calmly, even in the midst of activity, reward them with gentle praise or treats. This reinforces their good behaviour and helps them understand that calmness is the desired response. Positive reinforcement will encourage them to remain relaxed, and they’ll begin associating guests with something good, not overwhelming.

Longer walks Prior to Guests

If possible, take your dog on a long walk or engage in a fun activity earlier in the day to help them expend some energy. A tired dog is often a calmer dog! This pre-party exercise can make a big difference in keeping their energy levels manageable and reducing anxiety as guests arrive.

Know When to Take Breaks

Finally, be mindful that some dogs simply find gatherings too stressful and might be better off enjoying a quieter Christmas evening in their own peaceful area. If your dog is one who doesn’t adjust well to groups, don’t feel guilty about keeping them in a separate room with some music or white noise to block out sounds, ensuring their holiday is just as peaceful as yours.

A calm, happy dog makes for a more enjoyable Christmas for everyone. With a few adjustments and a bit of preparation, you can ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable, creating a joyful holiday season they’ll enjoy as much as you do. Here’s to a calm and cozy Christmas for you and your four-legged family member! 🎄🐾