The holidays are here, which means twinkling lights, family gatherings, endless to-do lists… and for many dogs, total chaos. Between visitors, decorations, travel, and high energy in the home, even the most well-behaved dogs can start to unravel.
While the season is joyful for us, it often feels unpredictable and overstimulating for them. Suddenly, their world is louder, busier, and less structured, and that can trigger stress, reactivity, or anxious behaviors.
Why Holidays Stress Dogs Out
Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. When their environment changes—people coming and going, new smells, holiday music, kids home from school—their nervous system gets overloaded. Many dogs exhibit this behavior through restlessness, whining, barking at guests, or even engaging in destructive behaviors.
Add in less exercise and structure (because everyone’s busy), and it’s the perfect recipe for a stressed, overstimulated dog.
Common Behavioral Fallout
- Overexcitement with guests or when the doorbell rings.
- Destructive chewing or pacing from pent-up energy.
- Accidents or whining when left alone longer than usual.
- Heightened reactivity, barking, or lunging due to lack of regulation.
Even confident dogs can struggle to settle when the home’s energy levels spike. What’s really happening is that their nervous system isn’t getting time to rest and reset. They’re constantly “on.”
How to Keep Dogs Calm During Chaos
- Stick to structure. Keep walks, feeding times, and training sessions as consistent as possible.
- Use your crate or place command. Give your dog a calm, familiar space to decompress away from the noise.
- Practice impulse control before the big day. Rehearse polite greetings, duration “place,” and door manners ahead of guests arriving.
- Create short bursts of mental stimulation. Too cold or wet for walks? No problem. Don’t overlook the power of a 10-minute indoor training session. On or off leash, give your dog a quick refresher on their commands, and don’t move too slowly! Switch up the order and pace of commands to keep things engaging. This “power training” session helps your dog mentally lock in, burn energy through focus, and emerge calmer and more relaxed afterward. It’s also a great warm-up before outings or when guests are visiting.
- Don’t force interactions. Let your dog approach guests on their own terms (or not at all). Advocacy matters more than playtime.
- Model calm energy. If you’re rushing and stressed, your dog feels it. Slow down… your energy sets the tone.
Setting Boundaries for Family and Guests
It’s okay to ask visitors to ignore your dog until they settle, or to keep the dog leashed for structure. It’s also okay to give your dog breaks in their kennel; It’s not mean, it’s considerate. Your dog deserves moments of peace, even during the holiday bustle.
The Best Gift You Can Give Your Dog This Year
The holidays are meant to be a time of connection and joy, and your dog can absolutely be part of that! The key is balance. Maintain the structure in place, provide them with downtime, and help them feel secure amid the excitement. Because the best gift you can give your dog this year isn’t a new toy or treat; it’s calm consistency.
Need help bringing calm back into your home this season?
Our board & train programs are designed to help dogs (and their humans) navigate life’s chaos with confidence and ease. Contact us to discover how we can help your dog find calm, regardless of the season.
