The holidays are a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, but when you’re a pup parent, hosting takes a bit of extra planning. Dogs are creatures of habit, and a house full of unfamiliar faces, noises, and holiday excitement can sometimes throw them off balance. On the other hand, guests may not be familiar with dogs or may feel uneasy around them. With a few proactive steps, you can create a holiday celebration where everyone—furry friends and human guests alike—feels comfortable and welcome. Here’s how to get started.

Prepare Your Pup for the Holiday Festivities

Prioritize Physical and Mental Exercise

A well-exercised pup is a calmer dog. To help reduce any pent-up energy or stress, take your pup for an extra-long walk or arrange a high-energy play session before guests arrive. Engaging your pup in physical exercise, such as a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to a dog park, can help them relax and be more settled once your holiday event kicks off.

Tips for Mental Stimulation:

• Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are excellent ways to keep your pup mentally engaged. Try hiding some of their favorite treats in puzzle toys or use slow-feeder bowls for mealtime to give them a bit of an intellectual challenge.
• For pups who enjoy it, a sniffing game (like scattering treats or kibble around the yard) can be both a mentally and physically tiring activity. Allowing them to sniff and search satisfies their natural instincts and reduces excess energy.

Create a Calm, Safe Zone

Even if your pup is sociable, they may need a break from all the excitement. Designate a “safe zone” or a quiet room where they can retreat if they feel overstimulated. This space should have familiar items like their bed, toys, and water bowl, so it feels like a comforting refuge. Consider placing a baby gate at the entrance to keep it dog-only or simply let guests know that it’s a dog-specific retreat.

Preparation Tips for the Safe Zone:

• Place a few of their favorite chews or toys in this area, and consider using a calming blanket or pheromone spray if they’re sensitive to noise.
• Make sure they have a way to signal when they need to go outside for bathroom breaks so they don’t feel trapped.

Practice Basic Commands

Refresher training on commands like “sit,” “stay,” “place,” and “leave it” can be invaluable. Practicing these commands before the holiday gathering can prepare your pup to follow them more easily, even with distractions. These cues can help redirect their attention or settle them when needed.

Tips for Using Commands During the Event:

• Reinforce good behavior with treats when they listen to commands, especially when guests first arrive.
• If they start to get too excited or if guests are coming in all at once, using commands can give you control over the initial interactions.

Set Expectations for Guests on Dog Etiquette

Communicate Pup Rules with Guests

Some of your guests may not have pups or may be unfamiliar with pups, so it’s essential to set some simple boundaries to ensure everyone feels comfortable. For instance, ask guests to avoid feeding your pup from the table and not over-excite them with rough play or sudden movements.

How to Communicate Rules Kindly:

• Let guests know that you’re happy to have everyone, and share any boundaries for interacting with your pup in a friendly way. For example, “Buddy loves attention but can get a bit too excited if he’s hugged too tightly, so feel free to let him come to you for affection.”
• If children are present, gently guide them to approach your pup calmly, teaching them to extend a hand for sniffing and avoiding grabbing, which helps your pup feel more comfortable.

Provide Pup-Safe Treat Alternatives

The holiday season means treats everywhere, but many human foods are harmful to dogs. Make it easy for guests to include your pup safely by offering some dog-friendly treats that they can give as a substitute. It’s a win-win: your guests get to bond with your pup, and your pup gets something safe to enjoy.

Dog-Safe Snack Ideas:

• Place a few dog-safe treats or chews in small bowls in your kitchen or living room so guests can easily access them if they want to offer a treat.
• Avoid chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and any sweets containing xylitol, as these can be particularly dangerous for dogs. Instead, choose simple, low-ingredient treats that are easy on your pup’s stomach.

Manage Pup and Guest Interactions for a Relaxed Atmosphere

Make Introductions Calmly

When introducing your pup to new people, it’s often best to start slow. A calm introduction sets the stage for a positive experience for everyone, especially if your pup is nervous or excitable around new faces. Begin by having guests ignore your pup upon arrival to give them a chance to get comfortable with the new energy in the room.

Tips for Calm Introductions:

• Use a leash for initial greetings if your pup tends to jump or get overly excited.
• Allow your pup to approach guests on their own terms, and encourage guests to let your pup sniff their hands before trying to pet them.

Use Distractions to Prevent Overstimulation

Even with all the preparation, some dogs may get excited by new people or the smell of holiday food. If you know your pup is prone to begging or getting underfoot, plan ahead with engaging toys or chews that can serve as a positive distraction.

Creative Ways to Distract Your Pup:

• Offer a long-lasting chew that can keep them entertained away from the main dining area.
• Give them a favorite toy filled with peanut butter or a bit of canned pumpkin (as long as it doesn’t contain any added sugar or spices) to keep them busy in their safe zone.

Pet-Safe Décor and Holiday Safety Tips

Decorate Mindfully for Pup’s Safety

Some holiday decorations can pose a risk for curious pups. Avoid using fragile or potentially toxic decorations like glass ornaments, candles, and tinsel. Instead, consider shatter-proof ornaments and pup-friendly décor that looks festive but won’t harm them if they get too close.

Pup-Safe Holiday Decorating Tips:

• Use battery-powered LED candles instead of real ones to avoid accidental burns or spills.
• Place holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly out of reach, as these can be toxic if ingested.

Stick to Their Routine for a Stress-Free Day

The holiday season can be unpredictable, but sticking to your pup’s usual routine as much as possible will help them feel more secure. Keeping to regular mealtime, walk schedules, and rest times can provide much-needed structure and comfort.

Routine Tips for Holiday Success:

• Feed your pup at their regular times, even if it means sneaking away from guests for a few minutes.
• Maintain their regular walk schedule, and give them some fresh air breaks during the gathering to provide a change of scenery and relieve any holiday tension.

Make Your Pup Part of the Festivities—Safely!

Interactive Activities for Guests and Dogs

If your pup enjoys socializing, plan some structured activities that involve guests and your pup. These can be fun ways to entertain both your guests and your pup while also creating memorable moments.

Holiday Dog-Friendly Activities:

• Play a simple hide-and-seek game with treats around the room, or let guests take turns tossing a ball for your pup.
• Set up a photo area with some holiday props and let guests take festive photos with your dog if they’re comfortable with it.

Help Your Pup Wind Down at the End of the Evening

After a day of excitement, help your pup relax as things wind down. Offer them a favorite toy or calming treat in their quiet area, and spend a few minutes with them to signal that it’s time to settle.

Wind-Down Tips:

• Sit with your pup in their safe zone as guests leave, offering soothing petting or a long-lasting chew to help them decompress.
• Close doors or blinds if needed to reduce any remaining noise or visual stimulation from outside.

A little preparation can go a long way toward creating a harmonious holiday celebration that includes everyone—your pup included. By setting up a safe environment, guiding your guests on dog etiquette, and keeping your pup’s needs in mind, you’re setting the stage for a gathering that is both enjoyable and stress-free. Hosting with a dog may require a bit more planning, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to share the season’s joy with both your human and furry loved ones.