Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Gatherings: Tips for a Calm and Happy Pup
The holiday season is a time filled with family, friends, and festivities. However, it can also be overwhelming for our furry companions, who may not be used to the hustle and bustle of gatherings, new people, and unfamiliar sounds. At Woof Top Dog, we understand the importance of making sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved during these events, so we’ve put together some helpful tips to prepare your pup for holiday gatherings.
1. Start Socializing Early
If your dog isn’t used to being around large groups of people, now is a great time to begin socializing. Exposing them to different people, sounds, and environments in a controlled way can make a big difference when the holidays come around. Consider taking your dog to Woof Top Dog’s daycare for socialization sessions with other dogs and staff. This way, they get used to being around unfamiliar faces in a positive environment.
Woof Tip: Start by inviting friends or neighbors over in small groups. Give your dog treats and praise when they stay calm, so they associate guests with a positive experience.
2. Teach Basic Commands and Practice Obedience
A well-trained dog is easier to manage during gatherings. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “leave it” can help you keep your dog under control when there are tempting food items or guests who may not be comfortable around dogs. Regular training sessions will reinforce these commands and help your dog stay focused, even in stimulating environments.
At Woof Top Dog, our holiday training programs are designed to help reinforce these basic commands and introduce etiquette skills that are particularly useful during family gatherings.
Woof Tip: Practicing obedience with distractions can be helpful. Try training your dog while the TV is on, with music playing, or in areas where there’s light foot traffic.
3. Set Up a Safe Space
With all the excitement, your dog may need a quiet space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Setting up a cozy spot with their bed, toys, and water in a separate room can give them a place to relax. Make sure this space is off-limits to guests, especially children, so your dog knows it’s a safe, quiet area.
Woof Tip: You can also use a crate if your dog is crate-trained. Add a blanket over part of the crate to create a den-like feel that helps them feel secure.
4. Practice Door Etiquette
With guests coming and going, there’s a higher chance that your dog could slip out the door unnoticed. Practicing door etiquette can be incredibly helpful. Train your dog to sit and stay when the door opens, preventing them from rushing out. This skill also helps keep guests from feeling overwhelmed by an excited dog greeting them at the door.
Woof Tip: If your dog is particularly excitable at the door, consider using a baby gate to keep them away from the entrance during the busiest times.
5. Keep Tempting Foods Out of Reach
Holiday gatherings often come with a feast of foods that can be dangerous for dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and foods with artificial sweeteners. Make sure all food items are placed well out of your dog’s reach, and ask guests not to feed your dog any scraps. Having some dog-safe treats on hand can keep them happy without risking their health.
Woof Tip: Prepare some healthy, dog-friendly treats like carrot sticks or pumpkin treats so guests can give them a snack if they’d like. It helps your dog feel included without compromising their health.
6. Watch for Signs of Stress
Dogs can get overwhelmed by the noise, unfamiliar faces, and bustling activity of holiday gatherings. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of stress, such as pacing, panting, excessive yawning, or trying to hide. If you notice any of these behaviors, encourage your dog to retreat to their safe space.
Woof Tip: Provide a comforting chew toy or a Kong filled with peanut butter to help them unwind. Chewing can be a natural stress reliever for dogs.
7. Exercise Before the Festivities
A tired dog is a happy dog. Before your guests arrive, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. A long walk, a game of fetch, or a visit to our Woof Top Dog daycare for an energy-burning session can work wonders. Exercise helps release pent-up energy, making it easier for your dog to stay calm and relaxed during the gathering.
Woof Tip: If your dog has high energy, a 20-30 minute training session before the event can also help tire them out mentally, reducing their need to seek out stimulation.
8. Teach Children to Respect Your Dog’s Space
If there will be children at your gathering, it’s essential to educate them on how to interact with your dog. Explain that your dog needs gentle petting, and remind them not to pull on their ears or tail. Teach them to recognize when your dog wants to be left alone, especially if they retreat to their safe space.
Woof Tip: Encourage kids to ask permission before approaching the dog, and supervise interactions to ensure everyone is respectful of your dog’s comfort level.
9. Use Calming Aids if Needed
If your dog tends to be particularly anxious in new situations, consider using a calming aid. Products like dog-safe calming sprays, CBD treats, or pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress. However, always consult with your veterinarian before trying any new calming products.
Woof Tip: You can also play calming music in the background to create a relaxed atmosphere for your dog.
Wrapping Up
Holiday gatherings should be enjoyable for everyone—including your dog! By preparing in advance and setting up routines that encourage calm, well-behaved behavior, you can ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable during the celebrations.
At Woof Top Dog, we offer training programs and daycare services designed to help dogs with socialization, obedience, and stress management. Get in touch to learn how we can support you in making this holiday season stress-free for both you and your furry friend!
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