The holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations, but for dogs, all the excitement and activity can be a little overwhelming. With new faces, sounds, and scents filling the home, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your dog for the arrival of holiday guests. By taking a few proactive steps, you can ensure that your dog is calm, well-behaved, and safe during these special moments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your dog’s behavior and keep your home holiday-ready.
1. Set Up a Safe Space
Creating a designated “safe space” for your dog is a great way to give them a place to retreat if they become overwhelmed by the holiday hubbub. Choose a quiet room or a familiar corner with their bed, toys, and water. If you have a crate-trained dog, consider setting up the crate in this area so they have a cozy, enclosed space where they feel secure. Inform your guests about the safe space, and let them know it’s a quiet zone to respect your dog’s needs.
Pro Tip: Play soft, calming music in their safe space or use a white noise machine to help muffle any loud holiday sounds.
2. Brush Up on Basic Obedience Commands
Ensuring that your dog has a firm grasp of basic commands like sit, stay, and come can make a huge difference in managing their behavior when guests arrive. Practice these commands with your dog in the days leading up to the holidays, especially in scenarios where they might be tempted to jump, bark, or get overly excited.
If you anticipate the doorbell ringing frequently, practice having your dog “stay” in another room or in their designated space until you give them a release command. Reward them with treats or praise for successfully staying calm.
3. Teach Calm Greetings
Excitement around new guests can lead to jumping, barking, or nipping. To prevent this, work on teaching your dog calm greeting behavior. Practice with a family member or friend by having them knock or ring the doorbell. When they enter, encourage your dog to greet them calmly by sitting or standing without jumping. Reward your dog with a treat or praise when they stay calm, reinforcing the behavior you want.
If your dog struggles with this, consider putting them on a leash during initial greetings with new guests to gently guide them into a calm interaction.
4. Exercise Your Dog Beforehand
A tired dog is a calm dog. Make sure to schedule an exercise session for your dog a few hours before guests arrive. This could be a long walk, a play session, or some mental stimulation with training exercises. Burn off that extra energy, and they’ll be less likely to act out when the excitement of guests begins.
5. Set Boundaries with Food
The holidays bring an array of delicious smells and tempting foods that your dog may try to sneak. Set clear boundaries about food with your guests, letting them know not to feed your dog table scraps. Many holiday foods, like chocolate, nuts, and certain spices, can be harmful to dogs. Have a few dog-friendly treats on hand that your guests can give as a special holiday “hello” if they’d like to spoil your dog a bit without compromising their health.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the garbage can and any low-set food tables, as curious noses may be drawn to them!
6. Prepare for Potential Overstimulation
If your dog is shy or sensitive to loud noises, the sounds of laughter, music, or clinking glasses can sometimes be stressful. Pay attention to signs of anxiety, such as pacing, whining, or excessive panting, and give your dog a break if needed. Offer them time in their safe space, and consider using a calming aid, like a dog pheromone diffuser, if they’re especially anxious.
7. Communicate with Your Guests
The key to a successful holiday visit with dogs and guests is open communication. Let your guests know your dog’s boundaries, whether that’s avoiding rough play, keeping doors closed to the safe space, or not feeding them from the table. By giving your guests a heads-up, you can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable time.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and preparation, you can help your dog navigate the excitement of holiday guests with ease. Prioritizing their comfort and maintaining their routine as much as possible will go a long way in keeping their stress levels down. Remember, your dog is part of the family, and with some simple training and a few proactive steps, you can create a warm, welcoming holiday environment for everyone!