Dog Safety Through the Holidays

Dog Safety Through the Holidays

Smart Dog Obedience | 3 Minute Read

The holidays bring excitement, family gatherings, and a lot of change to your dog’s usual

routine. Between decorations, new smells, and extra noise, the season can be overwhelming. A

few simple steps can help your dog feel calm and secure while keeping everyone safe.

Halloween: Excitement and Boundaries

Halloween can be one of the most stressful nights for dogs. Strange costumes, ringing

doorbells, and shouting kids can feel confusing and even scary. The best way to help your dog

handle it is by planning ahead.

If your dog gets nervous with the doorbell or visitors, set them up in a quiet, comfortable space

away from the action. Crates are excellent tools for this. They give your dog a familiar place to

rest and decompress. Add a chew, a favorite toy, or calming music, and let them relax until the

activity is over. If your dog is comfortable greeting people, have them on leash when the door opens. Reward

calm behavior and give them clear direction. Safety comes first, so keep candy out of reach and

always check that gates and doors close securely behind you.

Make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip information are up to date in case they slip out unexpectedly.

Halloween night can be busy, and dogs who are startled by costumes or fireworksnmay bolt before you realize it.

Thanksgiving: Calm Energy and Clear Boundaries

Thanksgiving is full of good food and company, but it can be overstimulating for dogs. Between

guests arriving, food being prepared, and children running around, it’s easy for dogs to feel

unsure or overly excited.

Keep things simple. Give your dog structure and predictability. Feed them in their normal spot

and maintain their usual walk or potty schedule. Avoid sharing rich foods like turkey skin, gravy,

onions, and casseroles. Safe treats include plain cooked turkey, pumpkin, or green beans.

This is also the time to protect your dog from too much attention. Young kids often mean well

but may grab, hug, or crowd dogs. It’s never fair to expect a dog to tolerate being touched

nonstop. Depending on where you are celebrating: Create a safe space such as a crate, gated

room, or quiet corner where your dog can rest without interruption. Encourage children to ask

before petting and teach them what calm, respectful interaction looks like.

If your dog starts to show signs of stress such as lip licking, yawning, or trying to walk away,

give them a break. Overstimulation often leads to reactivity, and a little quiet time can prevent

that.

Balanced training is about helping dogs feel secure through structure. Clear boundaries prevent

accidents and allow your dog to stay part of the celebration safely.

Winter Holidays: Routine and Safety

The Winter Holiday season often means visitors, travel, and a home full of new sights and smells.

Decorations and gatherings can be exciting, but they also create safety risks.

Holiday checklist:

● Keep tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments out of reach.

● Secure your tree so it cannot tip if bumped.

● Avoid poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly because they are toxic to dogs.

● Hide electrical cords and unplug lights when not in use.

● Store wrapped gifts that contain food away from curious noses.

Visitors may not know your dog’s boundaries. Remind everyone that your dog has rules, and it’s

okay for them to take breaks. For dogs that thrive on consistency, try to keep feeding and

walking times close to normal. Consistency builds trust, and trust creates calm behavior.

If your dog gets overstimulated, provide downtime in their crate or a quiet room. Short breaks

help them reset and prevent unwanted behaviors like jumping, barking, or pacing. Use those

quiet moments to practice simple obedience skills such as sit, stay, and recall. Calm repetition

keeps your dog mentally engaged while giving them confidence.

Keep the Season Simple and Safe

The holidays can be a wonderful time for both dogs and their families when structure and

respect are part of the mix. Crates, clear communication, and calm guidance give dogs the

confidence to handle change without stress.

At Smart Dog Obedience, we teach that a well-balanced dog is one that feels safe, respected,

and understood. Protecting your dog from overstimulation, setting boundaries with guests, and

using training tools properly all work together to keep the holidays enjoyable for everyone —

people and pets alike.

When your dog feels secure, they can truly be part of the celebration.

Need help preparing your dog for the holiday season?

Schedule a private training service with Smart Dog Obedience and set your dog up for a calm,

stress-free holiday experience.