This Christmas will look very different for me—and maybe for you too. For the first time, I’m stepping outside of my usual routine, which has taken some preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s made me reflect on how much the holidays can impact our dogs. Whether you’re staying home, having visitors, or traveling, managing expectations and keeping our dogs happy is key.
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Managing Expectations
Let’s start here—Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to make the holidays magical, but the reality is that our dogs don’t need the magic. What they need is a calm, predictable environment where they feel safe. That might mean compromising on what we imagine a “perfect” Christmas should look like and focusing on what works for the whole family, dogs included.
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Different Family Setups
For some, Christmas is quiet, with just a few loved ones. For others, it’s a whirlwind of guests, food, and festivities. If you’re in a busy setup, preparation is everything. Think ahead about how your dog might cope with:
Visitors coming and going.
Food everywhere (and very reachable turkey leftovers!).
Noise, excitement, and overstimulation.
On the other hand, even a quieter Christmas can bring changes to routine, decorations, or even your stress levels, which your dog will pick up on.
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Management Skills for a Smooth Festive Season
No matter what your setup is, having a plan makes all the difference. Here are a few things that can help:
Safe Spaces: Set up a quiet zone where your dog can retreat. A crate, a bedroom, or even a cozy corner can give them time to decompress.
Enrichment: Use Kongs, snuffle mats, and scatter feeding to keep your dog busy and mentally engaged.
Boundaries: If guests are overwhelming, consider using baby gates or shutting doors to keep things calm. Managing greetings is especially important—overexcited dogs and visitors can be a tricky mix.
Lead Management Indoors: For dogs who struggle with impulse control, putting them on a lead indoors can help guide them calmly through tricky situations, like greeting guests or staying out of the kitchen.
Visiting Homes or Hosting Dogs: If your dog isn’t used to being around other dogs or visiting new environments, this might not be the best time to introduce them to it. Visiting homes with other dogs—or hosting dogs—can be overwhelming, leading to stress and conflict. Consider whether your dog would be happier staying at home or with a trusted pet sitter.
Routine: Try to stick to your usual walks and feeding times. Familiarity helps keep stress levels down.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Overstimulation: Too much excitement can be stressful for dogs. Watch for signs like pacing, excessive panting, or barking. Encourage calm breaks in their safe space.
Food Scavenging: Dogs are opportunists, and Christmas food is very tempting. Keep food out of reach and remind guests not to feed them scraps.
Visitors: If your dog struggles with guests, prep them with scatter feeding when someone arrives, or let them settle in their quiet zone until things calm down.
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A Personal Reminder: It’s Okay if Things Aren’t Perfect
I’ll admit, I’ve felt the pressure to “get it right” this Christmas. Balancing holiday traditions with keeping our dogs happy can feel overwhelming, but things don’t need to be perfect—and that’s okay. My goal, and what I’d encourage you to aim for, is to create a festive season where dogs feel supported and safe. A calm walk, a quiet moment with their favorite chew, or just a little predictability can make all the difference.
Wishing you and your four-legged friends a happy, stress-free Christmas and all the best for the New Year!
Sandra Dlugabarskiene x
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