Christmas is such a magical time—filled with family, friends, and more food than we know what to do with. But let’s be honest: for our reactive dogs, it can feel like a bit of a nightmare. All the noise, visitors, decorations, and changes can leave them feeling overwhelmed and on edge.
If your dog finds festive excitement a bit too much, don’t worry! There’s a lot you can do to help them stay calm and actually enjoy Christmas, without the stress. Here are my top tips to keep your reactive dog happy this holiday season:
1. Give Them a Safe Haven
Think of this as your dog’s Christmas sanctuary—a quiet, cosy spot where they can relax and escape the chaos. Set it up in a quiet room with:
- Their favourite bed or crate (if they love their crate).
- A couple of toys or a long-lasting chew.
- Soothing background noise—white noise or calming music works a treat.
- Maybe even a calming pheromone diffuser.
Encourage your dog to use their safe space whenever they need a break, and let them know it’s okay to step away from the action.
2. Brush Up on Boundary Games
Boundary games are absolute lifesavers! They teach your dog to settle on a mat or bed, even when there’s loads going on around them. This is perfect for when you’re busy with guests, opening presents, or trying not to burn the Christmas turkey.
Start practising now by rewarding your dog for calmly staying on their mat. Gradually add distractions, like wrapping paper rustling or the sound of the doorbell. By Christmas, your dog will be a pro at staying chill on their spot.
3. Plan for Guest Chaos
Visitors are part of the fun, but for a reactive dog, they can be a lot to handle. To avoid stress:
- Pop your dog in their safe space before guests arrive.
- Keep them busy with a stuffed Kong or puzzle toy.
- Introduce them to guests only if your dog is comfortable—there’s no need to force it.
If your dog reacts to the doorbell, try playing the sound at a low volume during training and reward calm behaviour. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference.
4. Embrace a Flexible Routine
While dogs do thrive on some level of consistency, sticking to a rigid routine can create its own set of challenges. Life is unpredictable—things come up, schedules change, and Christmas is the ultimate test of flexibility. The good news? Your dog doesn’t have to struggle when routines shift, as long as you’ve prepared them.
Here’s what I’ve learned: rather than following the same schedule every day, mix things up periodically throughout the year. This helps your dog adapt to changes so they’re less stressed when life happens—whether it’s Christmas chaos or a last-minute change to your day.
How to Build Flexibility:
- Change Wake-Up Times: Once or twice a month, get up 30 minutes earlier or later, even if you don’t need to. It’s a simple way to teach your dog that a slight change isn’t a big deal.
- Mix Up Walk Times: Walk in the afternoon instead of the morning now and then. Or take an evening stroll instead of your usual midday route.
- Shift Meal Times: Feed your dog an hour or two earlier or later a couple of times a week. You’ll be surprised how quickly they adjust and learn to relax, even if dinner’s not always “on time.”
- Be Random: Don’t create a predictable pattern with the changes. Keep it varied so your dog doesn’t anticipate the new routine—they simply learn to go with the flow.
Why This Works:
Dogs that are used to small, random changes in their schedule are more adaptable and less stressed when unexpected disruptions occur. By practising this year-round, your dog will handle the Christmas madness—like last-minute guests or dinner running late—with much more ease.
5. Go Easy on the Decorations
Let’s face it, Christmas trees are a bit weird from a dog’s perspective. Suddenly there’s this big, shiny thing in the house, covered in tempting dangly bits!
To avoid a tree-related disaster:
- Put the tree up early so your dog can get used to it before the decorations go on.
- Decorate slowly, and keep an eye on how your dog reacts.
- If they’re too interested, consider using a baby gate to block access (Izzy learned self-control, but it took a lot of training before she stopped thinking ornaments were toys!).
6. Mental Stimulation Is Key
If walks are shorter over Christmas, keep your dog’s brain busy with:
- Puzzle toys or snuffle mats.
- Scent work (hide some treats around the house and let them sniff them out).
- Quick training sessions to practise their favourite tricks or behaviours.
A tired brain equals a calmer dog. It’s like magic!
7. Watch for Stress Signals
Your dog will let you know when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Look out for:
- Lip licking or yawning.
- Pacing or whining.
- Avoiding interaction or trying to hide.
If you spot these signs, give them a break in their safe space and keep things low-key for a while.
8. Fireworks Prep (Just in Case!)
Fireworks aren’t just for New Year—they sometimes pop up over Christmas too. If your dog’s worried about them, plan ahead:
- Close curtains and pop on some music or the TV.
- Have their safe space ready.
- Make sure their ID tag is up to date, just in case they bolt (though fingers crossed they won’t!).
9. Communicate with Your Guests
Most people are lovely, but they don’t always know how to behave around reactive dogs. Let your guests know what your dog needs: “Please don’t approach them too quickly” or “Just ignore them and let them come to you.” A little heads-up goes a long way.
10. Be Flexible and Celebrate the Small Wins
Christmas might not be picture-perfect, but that’s okay. If your dog struggles, it’s not the end of the world. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and be kind to yourself too. A calm(ish) dog and a happy household are worth so much more than trying to do it all.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of preparation, Christmas doesn’t have to be chaotic for your reactive dog. By giving them the tools and support they need, you’ll both have a much more enjoyable time. And who knows? You might even find a moment to put your feet up and enjoy the festivities yourself.
Do you have your own tips for keeping dogs calm at Christmas? I’d love to hear them—pop them in the comments!
Leave a Reply