As the holiday season approaches, many pet parents are busy planning gatherings and festivities. Hosting guests while ensuring your dog feels comfortable and well-behaved can be a delicate balance, especially if your dog isn’t accustomed to a bustling home. With a bit of preparation and thoughtful attention to their needs, you can help your dog navigate the excitement of the season while ensuring your guests feel welcome too. Freshpet reviews a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your dog for holiday hosting and create a cozy, pet-friendly environment for all.

1. Start Preparing Early

Preparing your dog for the holidays should ideally start weeks, or even months, in advance. This early preparation helps ease your dog into changes rather than introducing them abruptly. Here are some early preparation steps to consider:

• Desensitize to New Sounds and Smells: If your dog is sensitive to unfamiliar sounds and smells, try gradually introducing them. Play recorded sounds of doorbells, laughter, or clinking glasses at a low volume to get them used to holiday noises. Reward calm behavior with treats, increasing the volume slightly over time.
• Introduce Them to New People Gradually: If possible, invite a friend or two over before the main event to get your dog used to having unfamiliar people around. Start with a calm, quiet visit and let your dog warm up to these new guests at their own pace.
• Train Basic Commands: Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “go to your bed” can be invaluable when managing a dog during gatherings. Reinforce these commands before the holiday season to ensure they’re responsive in a potentially high-stress environment.

2. Create a Safe Space

One of the most important steps in holiday preparation is setting up a designated safe space for your dog. This can be a room or a quiet corner where they can retreat if the festivities become overwhelming.

• Set Up a Quiet Room: Choose a room away from the main activity area where your dog can relax without the commotion. Outfit it with their bed, favorite toys, and maybe an item with your scent, like an old T-shirt, for comfort.
• Use Gates or Pet Barriers: If your dog enjoys watching the action without being in the thick of it, use a pet gate or barrier. This allows them to see and hear guests without feeling pressured to interact.
• Provide Calming Aids if Needed: Consider natural calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, which can be placed in your dog’s safe room to help them feel relaxed. For dogs who are particularly nervous, consult your veterinarian about other calming options.

3. Give Your Dog Exercise Before Guests Arrive

A well-exercised dog is more likely to stay calm and relaxed during holiday gatherings. Before guests arrive, engage your dog in a good session of physical and mental activity. This can help reduce any extra energy they might have and make them more content to relax.

• Go for a Long Walk or Hike: Take your dog for a long walk or hike earlier in the day to burn off excess energy. For high-energy breeds, a run or a session of vigorous play might be even more effective.
• Include Mental Stimulation: Mental exercises like interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or a short training session can be just as tiring as physical activity. Use toys that reward your dog for figuring out how to access treats, or work on reinforcing those basic commands to help them burn off some mental energy.

4. Mind the Doorway Chaos

The doorbell, frequent comings and goings, and the excitement of guests arriving can easily lead to stress for your dog. Managing this part of the holiday gathering will help ensure a smoother experience for everyone.

• Teach Door Etiquette: If your dog tends to jump or get excited when the doorbell rings, practice greeting guests calmly. Work with a friend to practice scenarios where someone rings the bell or knocks, and you ask your dog to sit or stay calmly. Reward them with treats for remaining calm.
• Consider a Leash for Introductions: If your dog is overly enthusiastic or a bit fearful of new people, use a leash to keep introductions calm and controlled. You can then assess your dog’s comfort level and allow them to engage (or not) on their own terms.
• Post a Note or Use Visual Cues: For particularly nervous dogs, place a note on the door asking guests to ignore the dog until they feel comfortable. You might even designate an area away from the door for your dog during arrivals, allowing them to observe from a safe distance.

5. Educate Your Guests

While many people love dogs, not everyone is aware of the best ways to interact with them. Before the gathering, give your guests a few simple guidelines to follow to help your dog stay relaxed.

• Ask Guests to Ignore Your Dog Initially: For dogs who are shy or anxious, have guests ignore them at first. Let the dog approach guests on their own terms, as this helps prevent overwhelming them with attention.
• Teach Kids Dog-Friendly Interactions: If you have young children visiting, guide them on how to interact respectfully with your dog. Explain that they should avoid hugging, chasing, or grabbing the dog, and instead use gentle petting or give the dog space when needed.
• Provide Treats for Positive Reinforcement: If your dog is comfortable around strangers, ask a few trusted guests to offer treats when the dog displays calm behavior. This helps reinforce positive associations with the guests and can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

6. Offer Plenty of Distractions

To keep your dog occupied and calm, provide engaging toys and activities throughout the event. These distractions can give them a focus that helps minimize any stress from the bustling environment.

• Give Them a Chew Toy or Puzzle Feeder: Long-lasting chew toys, such as a durable bone or puzzle feeder stuffed with treats, can be great distractions. These toys give your dog something to focus on and reduce the chance of them feeling left out or acting up due to boredom.

7. Monitor for Signs of Stress

Even with the best preparations, the holiday environment may be overwhelming for some dogs. Be attentive to signs of stress, and don’t hesitate to give your dog a break if needed.

• Watch for Stress Signals: Common signs of stress in dogs include yawning, licking lips, panting, or showing the whites of their eyes (often called “whale eye”). If you notice any of these signs, guide them to their safe space or offer a calming break.
• Offer Breaks Throughout the Event: Periodically check in on your dog to see if they need a moment to unwind. Sometimes just a few quiet minutes alone can make a world of difference for their comfort level.

Preparing your dog for holiday guests can ensure a positive experience for both your furry friend and your visitors. By starting preparations early, setting up a comfortable space, and keeping them mentally and physically engaged, you’re helping your dog handle the seasonal excitement with ease. With these holiday hosting tips, you’ll be on your way to a peaceful and joyful gathering that includes every member of the family—fur included!