Getting Your Pup Ready for Holiday Guests: A Complete Guide
Let’s be honest—we all tend to get a little anxious around the holidays, and that is especially true for a lot of our four-legged family members. Here at Hound HQ, we’ve seen even the most social pups get overwhelmed when their home turf suddenly turns into party central. Don’t worry though—we’ve got your back with some tried-and-true tips to help your friend handle the holiday hustle and bustle.
Why Are The Holidays So Tough For Our Dogs?
Think about it from your dog’s perspective—their peaceful and predictable home environment is suddenly filled with strange voices, unfamiliar routines, food smells, and general chaos. It’s easy to see how even the sweetest pup might find it to be a bit much! We’ve seen countless dogs at our daycare who needed a little extra support during the holiday season, which is why we’re sharing our favorite tips to help your pup get through in one piece.
Let’s Get Your Dog Ready
First things first, you’ll want to brush up on some training basics before everyone starts showing up at your door. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about teaching advanced tricks here!
Quick Training Refresher
Remember those basic commands that might have gotten a little rusty? Now’s the time to polish them up:
- “Sit” and “”Stay”
- “Come”
- “Leave it” – Trust us, you’ll need this one when someone drops a cookie
- “Go to your place”
Quick tip from our experience: Keep training sessions short and sweet.
Creating Your Dog’s Chill Zone
Let’s be honest, sometimes we could all use a short moment of peace during family gatherings. Your pup is no different. Let’s set up their perfect getaway spot:
- Find a quiet corner or room away from the chaos
- Make it cozy with their bed and/or crate
- Toss in their favorite toys
Meeting and Greeting 101
First impressions can be rough (just ask anyone who’s met their in-laws for the first time). Here’s how to make those initial hellos go smoothly:
For Your Furry Friend
- Keep them on a leash at first
- Shower them with treats when they’re calm – positive reinforcement works wonders!
- Let them set the pace
- Watch their body language – they’ll tell you if they’re feeling overwhelmed
For Your Human Guests
- Ask them to play it cool and give them some space
- Show them how your pup likes to be petted (every dog has their preferences!)
- Fill them in on any house rules
House Rules That Actually Work
We’ve all been there – that one relative who keeps sneaking treats to your dog under the table. Time to lay down some ground rules:
- No table scraps (no matter how cute those puppy eyes are)
- Some rooms are puppy-free zones during parties
- Jumping and begging aren’t cute, even during the holidays
When Your Dog Needs a Break
You know your dog best, but here are some signs they might need a break:
- Panting (when they’re just standing there)
- Tail and ears doing the sad tuck
- Hide-and-seek or unusual behavior
- Barking
If you spot these signs, it’s totally okay to take them to their getaway spot or take them for a walk around the block. Sometimes it’s a great excuse for a moment or two away for both of you.
Making It Work for Everyone
The secret to holiday success with your pup is preparation and consistency. Start practicing basic commands early and establish their quiet space ahead of any gatherings. When guests arrive, maintain a calm, controlled environment for introductions. While everyone may be excited , keeping the initial greetings low-key will help your pup stay relaxed throughout the visit.
Stay firm with your established boundaries too. Observe your dog’s behavior throughout the event for signs of stress or overstimulation. Remember that it’s perfectly fine to give them breaks in their quiet space when needed. Dogs, like people, can find extended social situations tiring and may need time alone to recharge.
Need a hand during the holiday madness? That’s what we’re here for! At Hound HQ, we offer daycare and boarding when your house gets too hectic. Sometimes a day with their furry friends is exactly what your dog needs during the holiday season.
Happy Howl-idays from your friends at Hound HQ!