Essential Holiday Dog Tips for a Stress-Free Season

The holidays are right around the corner, which means cozy evenings, family get-togethers, and maybe a few too many leftovers. But for your dog? It can be a whirlwind of new people, sounds, smells, and changes in routine.

If you’re hoping for a peaceful, stress-free season (without barking at guests or counter-surfing turkeys), now’s the perfect time to focus on a little holiday dog training.

Here’s some holiday tips on how to help your dog stay calm, confident, and well-behaved through all the festivities.

Practice Calm Greetings Before Guests Arrive

Holiday visitors can be a lot, even for the friendliest dog. Whether your pup is a jumper, barker, or serial tail-wagger, practicing polite greetings ahead of time will make a big difference.

Try this:

• Set up “mock greetings” with family members or friends.

• Ask your dog to sit before they say hello.

• When your dog stays calm, reward with praise or a treat!

Consistency is key. A few short sessions a day can help your dog master calm greetings before guests start rolling in.

Get Your Dog Comfortable With Crates and Travel

Whether you’re hosting family or hitting the road, crate comfort is a must. A crate gives your dog a safe, cozy place to relax, especially when things get busy.

Start by:

• Making the crate part of your dog’s daily routine.

• Feeding meals inside or giving special chews while they rest.

• Practicing short crate sessions while you’re home, gradually increasing time.

If you’re traveling, practice car rides now, even short ones, to help your dog associate travel with calm, happy experiences.

Keep a Routine (Even When Life Gets Busy)

Dogs thrive on predictability. With all the holiday chaos — guests, errands, and later nights — it’s easy for routines to slip.

Try to keep feeding, walks, and bedtime as consistent as possible. Even small bits of normalcy will help your dog stay balanced and relaxed.

If you know things will get hectic, plan some mental enrichment (like puzzle toys or training games) to keep your pup’s brain busy when your schedule is packed.

Watch the Holiday Treats

Between chocolate, grapes, turkey bones, and all the tasty temptations around, it’s easy for dogs to sneak something unsafe.

Keep food out of reach, remind guests not to feed the dog scraps, and have a few safe dog treats on hand so your pup doesn’t feel left out.

Holiday Dog Tip Wrap Up: Make This Season the Calmest Yet

A little preparation goes a long way. By practicing calm greetings, reinforcing good manners, and setting your dog up for success early, you can enjoy the holidays together, without stress, frustration, or chaos.

And if you need some extra help before the season kicks off, Belly Up Dog Training is here for you!

We’ll help you and your dog get ready for guests, travel, and all the excitement that comes with the holidays, so you can spend less time managing and more time making memories.

Ready to start your holiday dog training? Contact us today and get your dog holiday-ready before the chaos begins!