The holiday season is an exciting time filled with events, family gatherings, and festive parties. However, all this excitement can be overwhelming and overstimulating for dogs. The constant stream of visitors, changes in routine, and general holiday hustle and bustle can make it difficult for many dogs to stay calm and relaxed—especially during the peak of Christmas activities.

To help your dog navigate this busy season with ease, we've put together practical tips, training techniques, and management strategies that will ensure a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday for both you and your furry friend.

1. Provide Adequate Physical Exercise

A tired dog is a calm dog. While outdoor walks may be limited during the winter months, here are some fun ways to keep your dog active indoors:

At-Home Agility: Create a simple agility course using household items like chairs, cushions, and boxes. Teach your dog to jump, weave, and crawl through the course.
Dog Park Visits: For dogs with limited recall, consider visiting a secure dog park where they can safely burn off energy.
Chase and Tug Games: Use tug toys or flirt poles to engage your dog in high-energy play sessions.

2. Increase Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise is essential, but mental stimulation is equally important for keeping your dog calm. Try these activities:

“Find It” Games: Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out.
Teach New Tricks: Use the holiday break to teach your dog fun new tricks like “spin,” “paw,” or “bow.”
Enrichment Puzzles: Invest in puzzle toys or slow feeders that challenge your dog to work for their food.

3. Enhance Calming Activities

Active calming activities can help your dog relax and settle, even in a busy household.

Kongs and Lick Mats: Fill Kongs and lick mats with high-value treats like peanut butter, mashed banana, or wet food. Freeze them for a longer-lasting challenge.
Offer Chews: Long-lasting chews such as yak chews, deer antlers, or bully sticks can help soothe your dog by satisfying their natural chewing instincts.

Tip: Rotate enrichment toys and chews to keep things interesting!

4. Teach and Reinforce Boundaries

Dogs need structure and boundaries to feel secure, especially during the chaos of the holidays. Teaching them where to go and when to settle can reduce stress.

“Go to Bed” Command: Train your dog to go to their bed or designated spot when asked. Reward calm, relaxed behavior with treats and praise.
Use House Leads and Crates: If your dog struggles with self-control, use a house lead to guide them to a calm spot. A crate or baby gate can provide a quiet space for them to decompress.
Reinforce Calmness: Reward your dog when they settle quietly on their own, reinforcing that calm behavior is desirable.

5. Manage Your Dog’s Environment

Creating a calm environment is key to helping your dog relax during the festive season.

Create a Quiet Space: Set up a cozy area away from the main activity where your dog can retreat when they need a break.
Play Calming Music: Soothing music or white noise can help mask the sounds of visitors, fireworks, or other holiday noise.
Use Calming Products: Consider using natural calming aids like lavender sprays, pheromone diffusers, or calming supplements.

6. Give Your Dog Proper Downtime

Dogs need time to rest and recharge, especially when there’s a lot going on around them.

Establish a Routine: Stick to a consistent schedule for walks, meals, and rest periods to provide stability.
Limit Overexposure: If you’re hosting guests, limit your dog’s exposure to new people and allow them to retreat when needed.
Supervise Interactions: Ensure that children and guests interact with your dog calmly and respectfully, avoiding overstimulation.

Final Thoughts

Christmas can be a magical time for the whole family, including your dog. By providing adequate physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a calm environment, you can help your dog navigate the holiday season with ease.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Relaxed Over the Christmas Period