The festive season is all about family, friends, and creating wonderful memories, and when your dog is part of the family, it’s only natural they get in on the Christmas fun. This year, Aggie and I are looking forward to heading up to Glasgow to spend Christmas with Elvis and his family. It’s a familiar tradition now, so Aggie is well-prepared for a house full of people, bustling activity, and, of course, plenty of treats and attention. She’s a pro at settling in, but I make sure to keep a few strategies in place to help her feel comfortable and happy.
Aggie has a soft spot for all the family members, but if I’m honest, her heart belongs to Calvin. She seems to save her warmest tail wags and snuggles just for him! And when it’s time to open presents? She’s right there, happily nosing into the wrapping paper and “helping” me unwrap her gifts. For those of you planning to spend Christmas in a busy, unfamiliar environment with your dog, here are my top tips for ensuring they enjoy the holiday as much as everyone else.
1. Create a Safe Space
Even if your dog is sociable and loves being around people, it’s important they have a familiar, quiet space to retreat to when they need a break. For Aggie, that’s the bedroom we both sleep in when we visit. It’s filled with familiar smells, making it the perfect place for her to unwind if things get too exciting. If she seems overstimulated, I pop her in there where she can settle happily, surrounded by the comforting scent of home. Having a dedicated retreat means she can recharge and come back out feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy more family time—including more playtime with her buddy, Elvis!
2. Keep a Routine (Even If It’s Modified)
Festive excitement means routines are often thrown out the window, but dogs thrive on familiarity. Try to stick to feeding times and take your dog for their regular walks—for us it means braving the Glasgow chill. This can help them feel secure amidst all the festive changes. For Aggie, our morning walk is a must. It lets her burn off energy, and after a good stretch of the legs, she’s more than ready to settle in for family fun.
3. Set Up Introductions Properly
If your dog isn’t as familiar with the family as Aggie is, start by giving them time to adjust at their own pace. Let them approach family members in their own time, rather than crowding or overwhelming them. A few treats can help make those first greetings extra positive! Luckily, Aggie knows everyone now, so I don’t have to worry about introductions, but when we first started this tradition, we eased her in by introducing family members one by one.
4. Supervise Present Opening
Aggie absolutely loves joining in on the present-opening excitement! She’s keen to explore each bit of wrapping paper and sniff out anything that could be for her. If your dog enjoys this too, keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t end up with any stray paper or ribbons that might end up in their mouth. If you want to let them “unwrap” a gift themselves, try hiding a few treats in easy-to-tear paper or a fabric gift bag for a safe and fun experience.
5. Treats and Food Safety
Christmas dinner often means extra goodies, but not all festive foods are safe for dogs. Watch out for things like chocolate, grapes, onions, and rich, fatty foods. To make sure Aggie doesn’t miss out, I pack a few of her favourite treats to give her something tasty and safe while everyone else tucks in. Remind family members not to feed her directly from their plates, as it helps avoid any mix-ups with unsafe foods.
6. Prepare for Lots of Attention
If your dog loves being the centre of attention, Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy extra fuss from family and friends. For those a bit shy, try giving them breaks throughout the day. While Aggie adores all the affection and belly rubs, I still keep an eye out for signs that she’s had enough. If she seems overstimulated, a short, quiet walk or a visit to her “safe space” helps keep her happy and settled.
7. Plan for Extra Exercise
The excitement and extra people can mean your dog has plenty of energy to burn. Getting outdoors for regular walks or even a quick game of fetch will help them relax and settle in better during the day. Aggie loves exploring new surroundings, and getting out for a Christmas walk is a great way to tire her out before we all settle in to watch Christmas movies.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a time for fun and family, and with a little planning, you can make sure your dog has just as wonderful a holiday as the humans do. Whether it’s finding a cosy corner, keeping some routines, or enjoying gift unwrapping together, small efforts make a big difference. For Aggie, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without her favourite person, Calvin, and her enthusiastic involvement in every stage of the festivities.
Wishing you and your dog a very merry Christmas—may it be filled with wagging tails, happy memories, and a few cheeky treats!
Want to read more Christmas tips from other canine professionals ? Click the link below to see Haigh Hounds blog https://www.haigh-hounds.com/blogs/2184224
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