Your Dog’s First Christmas
Christmas is a whirlwind of sparkle, smells, and snacks—pure magic for us, but for your dog? It might be a sensory overload! If this is your pup’s first Christmas, it’s worth thinking ahead to keep them calm, happy, and out of trouble. Here’s how to help them through the festive season with their tail wagging.
Crate Training: A Den of Zen
With trees sprouting in the living room, mysterious parcels arriving daily, and visitors pouring through the door, it’s no wonder your dog might want their own quiet corner. A crate or pen can become their safe haven, their little “Santa-proof bunker.”
Find a calm spot (ideally far from the chaos of festive dance-offs or kitchen mishaps) and set up their crate. Line it with comfy blankets, pop in some toys or chews, and cover the sides for extra cosiness. Think of it as their doggy version of a log cabin retreat.
But remember, crate training takes time—so start before the Christmas crackers come out!
Separation Anxiety: The Other Side of the Festive FOMO
If your dog is used to you being home all the time, suddenly leaving them for Christmas shopping marathons or office parties might make them worry you’ve joined the elves permanently.
Dogs with separation anxiety often let you know their feelings—with chewed cushions, howling symphonies, or a dramatic display of escape artistry. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to create a plan to help them feel more secure when alone.
Keep outings short, hire a pet sitter if needed, and check out resources on how to gradually reduce your dog’s dependency. Want tailored advice? Separation anxiety happens to be my speciality—drop me a message for help!
The Christmas Tree and Decorations
A Christmas tree covered in shiny, dangling decorations is a puppy’s dream come true—but it can also spell trouble! Puppies are naturally curious, and trees can be tempting for chewing, climbing, or pulling. To keep your tree safe:
- Place it in a sturdy stand to prevent tipping.
- Use a barrier or playpen around the base if needed.
- Hang breakable ornaments higher up, out of reach.
It’s also a good idea to avoid tinsel, as it can cause serious issues if ingested. If you have a real tree, watch out for fallen pine needles, which can irritate paws or upset little stomachs.
Introduce the tree and decorations gradually. If your puppy shows interest in nibbling or pawing, gently redirect them to an appropriate toy instead. With consistency, they’ll learn to ignore the tree—at least most of the time!
Taking Christmas Walkies
Christmas strolls can be magical—until your dog pulls you headfirst into a festive market. If your pup isn’t keen on crowds or flashing lights, don’t force it. Start slow, with some people-watching from a safe distance. Reward calm behaviour, and don’t push them past their comfort zone.
Out in the countryside? Keep your dog on the lead in busy areas and check before letting them greet other dogs (not every pooch appreciates a surprise festive sniff).
Planning to visit a pub or café? If your dog hasn’t mastered the art of sitting politely while you sip mulled wine, now’s the time to practise settling behaviour at home. Bonus points if you can pre-book a quiet corner for minimal distractions.
Visitor Training: Manners Matter
When Aunt Susan arrives in her best Christmas jumper, the last thing she wants is paw prints all over it (even if they’re festive). If your dog tends to launch themselves like a missile at visitors, it’s time to refine their greeting routine.
Train your dog to sit calmly when the door opens and reward all four paws staying on the floor. It’s also OK to use baby gates to manage the excitement—just don’t leave it to the big day to figure this out. And don’t forget to brief visitors: no squealing “HELLO!” or accidental encouraging of overexcited behaviour.
If things get too much, their crate or pen is a perfect retreat, giving everyone (including your dog) a much-needed breather.
Food Safety for Puppies
Christmas is all about indulgence, but not everything on the menu is safe for your puppy. Many festive foods, like chocolate, mince pies, and stuffing, can be toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of fatty foods can upset their stomachs or lead to serious issues like pancreatitis.
Instead, have some dog-safe treats ready, so your puppy doesn’t feel left out while you’re enjoying your meal. You could even prepare a special dog-friendly Christmas treat, like frozen peanut butter in a Kong, to keep them occupied during mealtimes.
Preparing for the Big Day
If your puppy is still learning basic behaviours, now is a great time to practice skills like:
- Settling on a mat: A great way to keep them calm while the family is eating or opening presents.
- Recall: With doors opening and closing for guests, it’s important to ensure your puppy comes back when called.
- Polite leash walking: Perfect for when you’re out and about enjoying Christmas markets or winter walks.
Short, regular training sessions in the weeks leading up to Christmas will help your puppy feel more confident and capable. Remember to be patient and reward their progress!
Keeping to a Routine
The holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, but your puppy will thrive on consistency. Try to stick to their usual schedule for meals, walks, and rest times as much as possible. Puppies need a lot of sleep to process all the new experiences they’re taking in, so make sure they have plenty of opportunities to rest in a quiet space.
Christmas Morning: What to Expect
On Christmas morning, it’s tempting to dive straight into unwrapping gifts, but don’t forget your puppy! Take them for a walk or play with them first to burn off some energy before the excitement begins. This helps them settle and makes the rest of the day more manageable.
If you’re giving your puppy a new toy, supervise their first play session to ensure it’s safe and suitable. Avoid toys with small parts or materials that could easily be chewed off and swallowed.
Keeping Calm During Festive Chaos
Dogs are like toddlers on Christmas morning—excited, overwhelmed, and one mince pie away from a meltdown. If your dog is getting overstimulated, a little “calm corner” time works wonders.
Pop them in the garden with some treats to sniff or settle them in their crate with a frozen Kong (pro tip: prep a few Kongs in advance and freeze them—it’ll save you the frantic Christmas Day scramble). Ask your guests to give them a bit of space so they can relax.
Over time, you’ll learn to spot when they’re on the verge of a meltdown—and heading it off early is always the best plan.
Here’s to a Merry Christmas!
The festive season can be full of joy for everyone, including your dog, with a little preparation and a lot of patience. At Haigh Hounds, we’re here to help with any training tips or behavioural advice you need to make your dog’s first Christmas a memorable one—for all the right reasons.
Have a wonderful Christmas from Haigh Hounds!
Im part of a blog circle with other doggie professionals - Have a nosey at Helen's from Love to Paws for some more useful info! https://lovetopaws.co.uk/blogs/f/christmas-pampering-for-your-pooch-%F0%9F%8E%85%E2%9C%A8%F0%9F%90%BE
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