The holiday season can be stressful for reactive dogs. The noise, excitement and constant flow of visitors can leave them overwhelmed. But don’t worry—there are simple steps you can take to help your dog stay calm and happy this Christmas!
7 Tips for a Calmer Christmas with Your Dog
1. Set Up a Safe Space
Prepare a quiet area where your dog can relax and retreat if things become too overwhelming. This could be a separate room, behind a baby gate or in a crate draped with a blanket to create a safe haven. Stock this space with their favourite bed, toys and perhaps some calming scents like lavender (dog-safe and used sparingly). Make sure guests know this area is off-limits so your dog can truly unwind. Creating a safe space is particularly important for reactive dogs during Christmas as it gives them a sense of security.
2. Take a Sniffy Walk Earlier in the Day
A relaxing, sniff-filled walk helps your dog burn off energy and promotes calmness before the festivities begin. Allow them to explore at their own pace, sniffing and investigating their surroundings. For reactive dogs during Christmas, this pre-emptive activity can help reduce stress before guests arrive.
3. Keep Them Away from the Door During Arrivals
The commotion of guests arriving—with ringing doorbells, loud voices and bustling movement can be especially triggering for reactive dogs. To prevent stress and potential incidents, keep your dog in their safe space or securely leashed and muzzled if necessary. Using a baby gate or crate near the back of the house can also help keep them away from the high-stress entry zone. Managing reactive dogs during Christmas means minimising exposure to situations that could overwhelm them.
4. Provide Calming Enrichment
Engage your dog with long-lasting chews, snuffle toys, stuffed Kongs or other food puzzles. These activities not only keep them entertained but also help them focus on something enjoyable instead of the hustle and bustle around them. Choose enrichment items that are safe and appropriate for their chewing style and dietary needs. Always ensure that whatever form of enrichment you choose is appropriate to your dog’s ability and doesn’t cause any frustration! Enrichment activities are a great way to help reactive dogs during Christmas associate positive experiences with the arrival of unfamiliar people in their home.
5. Introduce Guests on Your Dog’s Terms
If it’s necessary for your dog to meet visitors, do so in a controlled and calm manner. Have guests sit down quietly, avoiding direct eye contact and allowing your dog to approach when they feel ready. Remind visitors not to crowd or overwhelm your dog and to respect their boundaries. The dog should always enter into the guest rather than the guest coming into the dog’s space!
6. Decide If Meeting Guests Is Necessary
For many reactive dogs, skipping guest interactions altogether is the best choice. There’s no need to force your dog to greet people if it causes them stress. Let them stay in their safe space with some enrichment items. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to prioritise your dog’s comfort over social expectations.
7. Play Calming Music
Mask the noise of visitors and other activities with soothing background music. Classical music might be particularly effective. This gentle audio can help create a more relaxed environment.
Additional Safety Tips
Use a Muzzle if Needed: If your dog is reactive around strangers or in busy environments, a properly fitted muzzle can provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind. Dogs should always be muzzle trained before you use one to ensure their comfort with wearing one, rather than adding more stress for the dog by having them wear something they’re not familiar with.
Leash Up for Control: When moving your dog between areas or taking them out for a bathroom break, keep them leashed to maintain control and prevent any unexpected interactions.
Inform Guests: Brief your visitors on your dog’s needs and any ground rules, such as not feeding the dog or approaching their safe space.
Struggling with Your Dog’s Reactivity?
If your dog finds the holiday season overwhelming, help is at hand. As a professional dog trainer specialising in reactivity, I can work with you to create a tailored plan that addresses your dog’s unique needs. Imagine having a stress-free Christmas by this time next year?! Support and training are invaluable for reactive dogs during Christmas to help them feel safe and confident.
Book a free discovery call with me today to learn how my training services can make a difference for your reactive dog.
👉 Click here to book your call now.
Wishing you and your dog a happy Christmas and New Year!
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