The holidays are a fun and busy time in New Hope and the surrounding area. Guests come and go, schedules change, and there are delicious smells everywhere. For your dog, all of this can be exciting, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming.
At Absolute Canine, we help families enjoy a calmer, more predictable life with their dogs. Below are practical, simple tips to set your dog up for success this holiday season, without diving into any “secret sauce” training methods that are better handled one on one.
1. Protect the Routine as Much as Possible
Holiday plans will change your schedule, but your dog does not know that. A consistent routine is one of the most powerful tools you have for good behavior.
Try to keep these things as close to normal as you can:
- Morning and evening walks
- Meal times
- Potty breaks
- Quiet or nap times
If you know a particular day will be hectic, build in an extra walk or short training session earlier in the day. A dog who has had some structured activity is more likely to settle when guests arrive.
2. Set Clear House Rules for the Season
Before the invitations go out, decide on your dog’s “holiday rules.” For example:
- Is your dog allowed to greet guests at the door or should they stay on a bed or crate?
- Are they allowed in the dining room while people eat?
- Are they allowed to beg at the table?
- Are they allowed on the couch when guests are over?
Once you decide, stick with it. Inconsistent rules confuse dogs and often lead to problem behaviors. Share these rules with family members so everyone responds to the dog the same way.
3. Create a “Safe Zone” for Your Dog
Even social, friendly dogs can get overwhelmed with extra people, kids, and noise. Help them feel safe and calm by giving them a specific “safe zone.” This might be:
- A crate in a quiet room
- A dog bed in a low traffic corner
- A gated off area away from the front door
Add familiar items like their bed, a favorite toy, or a chew. Let guests know that this area is off limits to children and visitors. Your dog should be able to relax there without being bothered.
You can also practice short periods of calm time in that space before the holidays so your dog already sees it as a place to settle.
4. Manage the Doorway Chaos
The front door is a high excitement zone during the holidays. People ring the bell, knock, or just walk in. Many dogs jump, bark, or try to bolt out.
Some practical ways to manage this:
- Use a leash before guests arrive. Clip the leash on a few minutes before you expect someone. This gives you better control when the knock or doorbell happens.
- Place your dog behind a gate or in their crate. Let your guests enter and settle before introducing the dog.
- Have a simple “greeting plan.” For some dogs, that might be sitting and waiting before being allowed to say hello. For others, it might mean no greetings at the door at all.
You do not need to achieve perfect obedience at the door. The main goal is safety and preventing your dog from rehearsing crazy, overexcited greetings.
5. Watch the Food and Holiday Treats
Many holiday foods are not safe for dogs, and excitement around the table can encourage begging, counter surfing, and stealing snacks from kids.
A few guidelines:
- Let guests know not to feed the dog table scraps.
- Keep chocolate, grapes, onions, and rich fatty foods out of reach.
- Be mindful of trash cans that may contain turkey bones or food scraps.
- Have healthy, dog safe treats on hand so you can reward calm behavior away from the table instead.
If your dog has a history of stealing food or crowding the table, use management. That could mean a leash, a gate, or crate time during meals.
6. Give Your Dog a Job
A dog with something simple and clear to do is less likely to get into trouble. During holiday gatherings, that “job” might be:
- Lying on a specific bed when guests are eating
- Chewing a long lasting chew in their crate
- Resting on a mat while you prepare food
You do not have to teach advanced obedience. Even a basic “go to your spot” combined with a comfy bed and a chew can make a big difference. Practice this in quieter moments before the big day so your dog understands what is expected.
7. Advocate For Your Dog With Guests
Not every guest knows how to interact with dogs, and not every dog wants to be hugged or touched by strangers. It is okay to speak up for your dog.
You can:
- Ask guests to ignore the dog at first so the excitement can settle
- Ask children to sit down before petting and to avoid grabbing or hugging
- Let people know if your dog prefers not to be petted on the head or approached directly
This is not being rude. You are protecting your dog and your guests, which helps prevent nips, jumps, and other issues.
8. Plan for Kids and Dogs Together
Kids and dogs can be wonderful together, but holidays can amplify chaos. A few simple rules help a lot:
- No running and squealing around the dog
- No taking toys or chews away from the dog
- No hugging or climbing on the dog
- Adult supervision at all times when kids and dogs interact
If you notice your dog getting stiff, licking lips, turning away, or trying to hide, give them a break in their safe zone.
9. Keep Up with Mental Exercise
Physical exercise is important, but mental exercise can be just as powerful in helping your dog relax. Short, simple training games or puzzle toys are great on cold or busy days. For example:
- Practicing a few basic commands like sit, down, or recall in different rooms
- Short “find it” games where you toss a few pieces of kibble in the grass or around a room
- Safe puzzle feeders or food toys that encourage your dog to work for their meal
These activities tire your dog out in a healthy way and give them something productive to focus on.
10. Know When to Get Professional Help
If your dog has a history of:
- Aggression toward people or other dogs
- Extreme anxiety when guests visit
- Resource guarding around food, toys, or space
- Bolting out doors or being impossible to control on leash
do not wait until the day of the party to address it. These issues are best handled with a professional. A customized training plan can make your holidays safer and less stressful for everyone.
At Absolute Canine in New Hope, we work with families across Bucks County to create calm, confident, and reliable dogs. If you are worried about how your dog will handle the holidays this year, we can help you put a plan in place before the guests arrive.
Enjoy the Season With a Calm, Well Behaved Dog
A well behaved dog during the holidays does not happen by accident. It comes from a mix of routine, clear rules, simple structure, and smart management. You do not have to do it perfectly. Even small changes can make a big difference.
If you would like guidance and a dog training plan tailored to your dog’s personality and your home, reach out to Absolute Canine. Our team of dog trainers in New Hope is here to help you enjoy a peaceful, happy holiday season with your four legged family member.