Christmas With Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog Calm, Safe and Emotionally Secure

Christmas is meant to be a joyful time, but for many dogs it’s one of the most stressful periods of the year. As a dog behaviourist, I see the same pattern every December: dogs labelled as “naughty”, “grumpy”, or “anxious” when in reality they are overstimulated, overwhelmed, and simply not being listened to.

Busy houses, broken routines, visitors, children, noise, and food everywhere can push even the most tolerant dog past their coping threshold. Understanding canine behaviour at Christmas is key to keeping everyone safe and relaxed.

Here are 10 behaviour-based ways to support your dog during the festive season.

1. Keep routines predictable

Dogs thrive on predictability. Regular walks, meals, and rest times help regulate stress hormones. Even during Christmas chaos, consistency provides emotional safety.

2. Give your dog a choice to opt out

A quiet space away from guests is not “rude” or isolating — it’s essential. A retreat allows your dog to decompress and prevents stress from building.

3. Never force greetings

Dogs should always choose whether to interact. Forced greetings can lead to fear responses, snapping, or shutdown behaviours.

4. Manage guests (especially children)

Advocate for your dog. No hugging, looming, grabbing, or cornering. Teaching visitors how to interact respectfully protects your dog’s wellbeing.

5. Watch arousal levels, not just behaviour

Barking, pacing, or zooming aren’t “bad behaviour” — they’re signs your dog is struggling to regulate excitement or stress.

6. Be mindful around food

High-value treats, dropped food, and bones can increase tension and resource guarding. Management is far safer than hoping for good manners.

7. Respect stress signals

Growling, freezing, hiding, lip-licking, and yawning are communication. Punishing these signals removes warnings and increases bite risk.

8. Use enrichment to decompress

Sniffing, chewing, licking, and food puzzles help calm the nervous system and reduce stress naturally.

9. Control doorways

Entrances and exits are high-pressure moments. Baby gates, leads, or separate rooms prevent overwhelm and accidental escapes.

10. Put your dog’s needs first

A calm dog is safer than a “polite” dog. Behaviour changes when emotional needs are met.

Christmas Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful for Dogs

Small changes make a huge difference. When we understand dog behaviour and prioritise emotional safety, Christmas becomes calmer for everyone — humans and dogs alike.

If your dog struggles with stress, anxiety, reactivity, or overwhelm during busy periods, working with a qualified dog behaviourist can help you create lasting change, not just festive survival.

From all of us at Help with Hounds, we wish you and your dogs a calm, safe, and happy Christmas.