As we dive into the festive season, it’s easy to forget how overwhelming this time of year can be for our dogs. With our focus on family, food, and fun, our dogs may feel overstimulated, confused, or stressed. Dogs thrive on predictability, and Christmas can throw even the most confident dogs off balance.
How is Christmas looking?
Chilled, just the way i like it
Full of festivity, fido adapted
Full on, fido may need a little support
Fido is being opted out alot, so same same for them
Here are five practical tips to help keep Christmas calm and enjoyable for both you and your dog:
1. Schedules: Stick to a Routine (as Much as Possible)
The excitement of Christmas often means changing routines, but dogs feel most secure when their schedules remain familiar.
Try to keep meals, walks, and quiet times consistent.
Plan busy days carefully. If you’ve got a jam-packed weekend of family fun, give your dog a few calm days before and after (leave them home, to have a nap in the car or a quiet room, or a have someone pop in on them)
Remember: it’s okay not to involve your dog in every activity. For example, my dog Deri won’t join the Christmas Day walk—a manageable wander for us can be an exhausting “HIIT session” for him!
Bring familiar comforts: travel beds, blankets, and favourite toys can help them relax in unfamiliar settings.
Build in downtime for your dog: a quiet room, crate, or cosy corner where they can retreat is a must.
Workarounds for changing schedules:
Swap long walks for multiple shorter ones on busy days.
Use interactive toys, chews or food puzzles to keep them entertained if walks are missed.
Involve your dog in calm family moments, like sitting by the fire or enjoying a Kong stuffed with dog-safe treats. The boys love chilling during games nights
crate naps if your dog is trained, quite room time or chilling in a quieter room when things are busier - unwrapping presents = chews for the boys
Secure field booked for decompression with a friend, to get the wiggles out. We take a festive drink and let the dogs choose what they do, encouraging sniffing! We interrupt play so it remains calm. Running isnt needed to wear them out.
2. Food: A Season Full of Hazards
Christmas means indulgence for us, but it’s a potential minefield for dogs. Vets are busier than ever over the holidays due to dogs eating toxic or dangerous foods. Trust me, I’ve been there (a porridge-and-raisin incident taught me a valuable lesson!).
10 Common Christmas Hazards for Dogs: no 8 is often forgotten and a cheeky 11
Chocolate – even small amounts can be toxic.
Raisins, sultanas, and grapes – found in mince pies and Christmas puddings.
Onions and garlic – in stuffing, gravy, or leftover scraps.
Alcohol – spilt drinks or soaked desserts.
Bones – especially cooked turkey or chicken bones that splinter easily.
Nuts – macadamias are particularly dangerous.
Batteries – hidden in toys or decorations.
Wrapping paper and ribbons – tempting but can cause blockages.
Artificial sweeteners – xylitol is toxic and often found in sugar-free foods.
Leftovers and rich food – even “safe” foods in large quantities can upset their stomach. fatty foods can cause pancreatitis (Deri has this, 100% avoid)
Magnets - if more than 1 is consumes it can cause problems
Workarounds for food safety:
Keep dangerous foods out of reach.
Avoid frustration and reduce nibble trays testing your dogs leave it all day.
Have reward pots stocked so everyone can reward your dog for calm behaviours
Provide a dog-safe treat so they don’t feel left out.
Remind guests not to feed your dog scraps. Deri wears a bandana "dont feed me"
Management isnt cheating - have your dog on lead, crate time (if trained), stairgates or a playpen to keep things manageable
3. Environment: Safe and Comfortable Spaces
Christmas often means unfamiliar settings, new people, and increased activity. For some dogs, this is thrilling; for others, it’s overwhelming.
How to create a dog-friendly Christmas environment:
Provide water stations: Place multiple water bowls around the house.
Create calm zones: Set up beds in quiet (but not isolated) spots.
Supervise dog introductions: I wouldn't plan for your dogs to meet the families new puppy, Do it calmly and soberly. We love introducing dogs with a barrier and recalling them away from each other, then practicing calmness around each other.
No photo shoots: you don't need to dress your dog up or forcing interactions (your relative or friend try make your dog, its ok to say no) with unfamiliar people.
Limit access to risky areas: Use a barrier around the Christmas tree until all presents are unwrapped—there’s often something food-based hiding in there!
Adapt the environment: Deri wears socks on slippery floors (we practice this before we need them), and we use a ramp for sofa access.
Keep the energy low: Don’t force introductions when people are excited or drinking.
Provide distractions: Chews or lick mats are great for helping dogs settle.
Supervise interactions: Watch for signs your dog needs space, especially with children.
Plan backup exits: If the party gets too much, be prepared to take your dog home or let them retreat to a quiet room.
Quiet time behind a barrier and in a crate sleeping and topping up spoons 
4. Socialization: Manage Expectations
Christmas is a social time, but your dog may not be comfortable meeting every guest, especially if they’re noisy or unfamiliar.
Socialization tips:
Let your dog choose to engage or retreat. Never force interactions.
Supervise all meetings with other dogs or puppies—make sure they’re a good match.
Teach children how to interact respectfully with your dog - we mainly encourage trick displays with the dogs showing people what they know. this gives some structure and gives active supervision front stage. Some of the kids in our friend circle wont meet our dogs( fearful, shouty, excited, not dog safe- we want them to enjoy or be chilled around kids so we pick their friends)
5. Entertainment: Keep Them Engaged (Without Overwhelming Them)
A mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog. While you’re busy entertaining guests or cooking dinner, provide them with something to do.
Ideas to keep your dog entertained:
A Kong filled with frozen dog-safe treats.
Puzzle toys or snuffle mats.
A long-lasting chew.
sniffles in the garden (throw a handful of kibble in the garden for them to snuffle)
A Christmas to Remember (for the Right Reasons)
By planning ahead and keeping your dog’s needs in mind, you can reduce stress and ensure your dog enjoys the holidays too. Christmas is about family—and your dog is part of that—but it’s okay to give them a break from the festivities when they need it.
Make this Christmas one to remember, for all the right reasons!
Why? this seems extreme right?
Why do we do all this. Christmas can overwhelm dogs with changes to their routine, unfamiliar visitors, and heightened energy levels, leading to stress and anxiety. This stress often results in escalated behaviour's, including bites, prompting an increase in calls to behaviourists like us in January as owners seek solutions.
When we label our dogs, we risk overlooking what they’re truly communicating—signs of overstimulation, fatigue, discomfort, or stress. By focusing on their body language and behaviour, we can better understand their needs; remember, if they’re struggling, they’re not “giving you a hard time,” they’re having a hard time.
Want something fun to do - years of fun with our Roxy Rat gift set for your dog, or dog loving friends/ family. A program and gift for happier dogs
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8 program areas with written and video instructions/ tutorials
Access to a dedicated Facebook group
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