How to keep your dog merry and bright over the festive period

Is your dog feeling a bit frazzled this festive season? They won't be the only ones! So here are some wonderful ways to keep your four-legged family members happy and engaged during the festive season. Christmas can be overwhelming for our dogs, but we can make it a joyful time for everyone with thoughtful enrichment.

Creating calm in the Christmas chaos

We all love the excitement of Christmas, don't we? But for our dogs, the constant doorbell ringing, unfamiliar guests, and new decorations can be rather stressful. That's where enrichment comes in beautifully. Think of it as giving your dog their own special Christmas activities that keep them occupied and content.

Festive enrichment ideas that work

One of my favourite holiday enrichment activities is the Christmas snuffle box. Simply take a cardboard box, pop in some crumpled paper (not the shiny kind, mind you), and hide treats or their regular kibble inside. It's like giving them their own Christmas present to unwrap, and it keeps them happily busy while you're preparing the turkey.

For something even simpler, try freezing their favourite treats in ice cubes with a bit of low-sodium chicken broth. It's perfect for keeping them occupied when guests arrive as it will take them a while to get through to their treat.

Here's a lovely one my clients absolutely adore – the festive Kong rotation! Set up three or four Kong toys with different healthy fillings (perhaps some plain yoghurt, mashed banana, or their regular food mixed with a bit of mashed carrot), freeze them, and swap them out through the day. It gives your dog something to look forward to and prevents them from getting bored with one option.

And for something that exercises both mind and body, try what I call "Christmas Tree Hunt." Take three or four cardboard boxes, pop them around the room upside down, and hide a treat under one. Let your dog figure out which box holds the treasure! You can make it more challenging by moving the boxes between searches. It's remarkable how this simple game can tire them out both mentally and physically.

Safety first!

Now, let's talk about keeping these activities safe. Do avoid anything with string, ribbon, or small decorative items that could be swallowed. And while we're feeling generous during the holidays, remember that many Christmas treats – especially chocolate and mince pies – are absolute no-nos for our furry friends.

Creating a safe space

Whether they’re super chilled or more prone to becoming overstimulated, all dogs can find Christmas a little too much if it’s too busy. One of the most important things we can do is create a quiet retreat for our dogs. Set up their bed or crate in a peaceful corner of your house with their favourite toys. It's their own little Christmas haven where they can decompress when things get a bit much!

What to do if your dog gets overwhelmed

Owners, even with the best planning, sometimes our dogs can become overstimulated during the festivities – and that's perfectly normal! If you notice your dog panting excessively, pacing, or unable to settle, don't worry. Here's what we can do to help them:

First things first, watch for those early signs: excessive lip licking, wide eyes, or your dog seeking constant attention. These are your cues to step in before things escalate. Think of it as your dog saying, "Mum, Dad, I need a little break!"

If you spot these signals, gently lead your dog to their safe space – remember that quiet corner we set up? Give them something calming to do, like licking a frozen Kong or settling on their favourite bed. Sometimes, a gentle massage along their shoulders can work wonders.

One of my favourite techniques is the "Christmas Calm Down Game." Take five minutes to do some really simple training exercises they know well – perhaps some gentle sits or downs. It's amazing how returning to these familiar activities can help them regulate their emotions. Keep your voice soft and movements slow; you're their calm in the storm.

And remember, there's absolutely no shame in asking guests to give your dog space. A polite "Our boy/girl needs a little quiet time" is perfectly acceptable. After all, we all need a breather during the holidays, don't we?

Remember, enrichment isn't just about keeping them busy – it's about making them feel secure and loved during all the festivities. A happy dog makes for a much merrier Christmas!

Wishing you and your four-legged friends a wonderful holiday season!

Sandra x