Managing Holiday Stress for Your Dog: Calm Amidst the chaos

The holidays are a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the end of the year. With joy and excitement filling the air, all the hustle and bustle can really shake up our usual routines, and our dogs can feel it too!

I often have clients come to me after the holidays saying, "My dog has started doing X behaviour and we don't know why." Sound familiar? If you make a change to your dog’s daily routine, rest assured that new behaviours are normal! And here’s why: many dogs are sensitive to changes in their environment. When they lose the structure of their  comfortable daily routine, they may take on new behaviours as a coping mechanism to adapt to their changing environment. And guess what? It comes out in new behaviours—like jumping, barking, or just generally losing their cool.

So, as we head into this holiday season, here are  a few tactics that can help you help your dog navigate the change and keep their stress levels (and yours) in check!

Tip #1: Stick to Your Routine as Much as Possible

We all know the holiday season tends to be a whirlwind of extra activity—more visitors, different schedules, louder noises, and, of course, more distractions. With this, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to try and maintain as much of their regular routine as possible.

Dogs thrive on consistency. Feeding times, potty breaks, and exercise should remain predictable. If you’re someone who likes to take a stroll every morning at 8 a.m., try to stick to that routine—even if you’re running around doing last-minute holiday shopping or preparing the house for company. I like to encourage dog owners to add these events into their calendar or to set reminders to ensure their dogs maintain a routine as much as possible. Amongst the activity of the holidays, a peaceful walk with your dog is a wonderful way for you to destress, too!

Tip #2: The "Place" Command is Your Dog's Safe Haven

The "place" command is one of the most effective tools for helping your dog handle the holiday season with ease. Think of it like an "invisible crate"—your dog has the freedom to move, but they must stay within the boundaries of their designated spot until released. Unlike a "stay," which requires your dog to remain in one position, the "place" command allows them the freedom to sit, stand, or lie down, but not to leave the designated space.

The beauty of the "place" command is that it becomes a safe retreat for your dog during times of stress or chaos. For instance, when guests arrive or when you're preparing for the holiday dinner, your dog can go to their "place" and relax in peace. This gives them a break from the overstimulation of the festivities, providing a space where they can feel calm and secure.

If you want to teach your dog the "place" command and transform their response to holiday chaos, I’d love to help! It’s a valuable skill that gives both you and your dog the ability to enjoy the holiday season together—without the stress. Connect with our team who can help you create  a relaxed space for your dog this holiday season!

Tip #3: Lick Mats and Scent Searches as Calming Activities

Now, I know you’ve likely seen all the cute holiday ads for dog toys and goodies, but there are some seriously effective ways to keep your dog calm during the hustle and bustle of the season. One of my favorites is using lick mats. These mats are an excellent way to engage your dog’s mind and calm them down. There are several options you can use on these mats. The easy one is peanut butter, but you can also try mashed banana, applesauce, pumpkin puree, raw food, or canned dog food—get creative and mix a few of your dog’s favourites! Once you spread it on the mat, consider freezing it for an extra-long-lasting activity. Voilà—your dog will be happily licking away, occupied and calm.

Another fantastic option is scent work. If you’ve ever wondered how to engage your dog mentally while burning off that extra holiday energy, scent detection is your answer. Hide some treats around the house and let your dog use their nose to find them. Not only does it provide great mental stimulation, but it also helps reduce stress. The concentration and focus needed for sniffing are exactly what your dog needs to take their mind off the busy environment around them. If you find your dog loves the activity of scent work, we have two scent detection courses to further explore this fun and engaging work! Trust us, they’re a heck of a lot of fun.

4. Tip #4: Guests? Let's Make Sure the Greeting is Calm

With  additional guests coming and leaving your home, your dog might be extra excited to greet visitors. To help manage this, be sure to set your dog up to successfully greet people calmly. Teach them to stay in their “place” command until it’s their turn to meet the guests. This prevents them from rushing to the door every time it opens and keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
Remember, the more calm and collected you are, the more your dog will feel comfortable. A calm owner leads to a calm dog (most of the time, anyway—dogs are still dogs!)

Tip #5: Keep Your Dog's Mind and Body Engaged

The holiday season is busy, so it is important to still prioritize  your dog’s exercise needs. Just like you would ensure your kids get their daily dose of playtime, your dog needs theirs too. Whether it’s a quick walk after dinner or a good play session, keeping their body and mind engaged will help burn off any pent-up energy and give them something to focus on. After all, a tired dog is usually a well-behaved and less-stressed dog.

Wrapping It All Up 

​Holiday stress is real—not just for you but for your dog too. By sticking to routines, utilizing calming tools like the “place” command, and offering mental and physical outlets, you can help your dog navigate the holiday excitement with ease. If all else fails, remember that dogs have a magical way of teaching us the importance of slowing down and enjoying the simple things—like a good lick mat or a game of “find the treats.”
So this holiday season, let’s give our dogs a break from the stress of change and provide them with the tools to remain calm and collected, while enjoying the holiday festivities with the family! Happy holidays, and may your home be filled with both joy and well-behaved pups!