The holiday season is a time for joy, gatherings, and festive fun—but it can also bring chaos for puppy owners. Between curious noses sniffing out decorations, excited barks at new visitors, and boundless energy during the busiest time of year, puppies can quickly become overstimulated.
This ultimate guide provides everything you need to help your puppy navigate the holidays calmly and safely, ensuring a joyful season for the entire family.
1. Understand Why Puppies Get Overexcited During the Holidays
Puppies thrive on routine and familiarity, which are often disrupted during the holidays. Overstimulation can be triggered by:
Unfamiliar guests or crowded gatherings.
New sights and smells, like festive décor or food.
Lack of exercise due to busier schedules.
Pro Tip: Watch for signs of overstimulation, such as barking, jumping, pacing, or excessive chewing.
2. Prepare Your Home for a Puppy-Safe Holiday
Decorations can be a hazard for curious puppies. Here's how to create a safe space:
Anchor your tree to avoid tipping accidents.
Keep breakables, tinsel, and lights out of reach.
Avoid toxic plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly.
Set up a puppy-proof zone with gates or barriers to keep them away from risky areas.
Bonus Resource: ASPCA’s List of Holiday Pet Hazards
3. Establish a Holiday-Friendly Routine
Consistency is key to keeping your puppy calm. Stick to regular schedules for:
Feeding times.
Walks and potty breaks.
Play and training sessions.
If your schedule changes, try to maintain their key activities to minimize stress. A structured day provides a sense of stability amidst the holiday chaos.
4. Tire Them Out Before the Action Begins
Puppies with pent-up energy are more likely to misbehave. Before a holiday event or gathering:
Take them for a long walk.
Engage in a game of fetch or tug-of-war.
Offer mental stimulation with a puzzle toy or training session.
Pro Tip: Incorporate training exercises like “sit” or “stay” during these activities to reinforce calm behavior.
5. Teach Holiday-Specific Commands
Basic obedience commands can be lifesavers during the holidays. Focus on:
“Leave it”: For food scraps, decorations, or gifts.
“Go to your place”: To guide them to their calm space.
“Wait”: To prevent door-dashing when guests arrive.
Practice these commands in holiday scenarios to set expectations.
6. Help Guests Interact Calmly with Your Puppy
Visitors can unintentionally overstimulate your puppy. Set your guests up for success by asking them to:
Greet your puppy calmly without encouraging jumping.
Avoid offering table scraps or toys that could reinforce bad behavior.
Respect your puppy’s space if they retreat to their safe area.
If your puppy is particularly excitable, consider using baby gates to separate them from guests while still letting them observe.
7. Use Calming Aids if Necessary
If your puppy struggles with overstimulation despite your efforts, calming aids can help. Popular options include:
Adaptil diffusers or collars that release calming pheromones.
Calming chews with natural ingredients like chamomile or melatonin.
Anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt for a sense of security.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new products.
8. Prepare for Travel with Your Puppy
If you’re traveling with your puppy during the holidays, plan ahead:
Pack essentials like food, water, toys, and a travel bed.
Use a secure crate or harness for car rides.
Take frequent potty breaks during long trips.
Help your puppy adjust to new environments by bringing familiar items from home.
Pro Tip: Schedule short practice trips before the big travel day to help your puppy acclimate.
9. Manage Holiday Meals and Snacks Safely
Holiday foods can be dangerous for dogs. Protect your puppy by:
Keeping chocolate, cooked bones, and fatty foods out of reach.
Avoiding artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Offering safe treats like plain pumpkin or dog-friendly holiday snacks.
DIY Idea: Make your puppy holiday-themed frozen treats with plain yogurt and diced apples or blueberries.
10. Plan for Downtime and Decompression
Even the most social puppies need breaks. Create a quiet space where your puppy can decompress with:
Their crate or a soft bed.
A favorite chew toy or stuffed Kong.
Minimal noise and activity.
Encourage regular naps to prevent overtired behavior, which can lead to hyperactivity.
11. Reward Calm Behavior
Reinforce good behavior with positive reinforcement. If your puppy stays calm during a gathering or ignores decorations, reward them with:
Praise.
A treat.
A quick play session.
Over time, your puppy will learn to associate calmness with rewards.
12. Troubleshoot Common Problems
Jumping on guests? Keep them on a leash when visitors arrive and reward them for sitting instead.
Barking at everything? Redirect their attention with a toy or training exercise.
Chewing decorations? Puppy-proof your space further and provide safe chew toys as alternatives.
Make This Holiday Season Joyful for You and Your Puppy
By preparing ahead and managing your puppy’s needs, you can reduce stress for both you and your furry friend. With a calm puppy by your side, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of the holiday season.
Happy holidays from our pack to yours!
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