#1 Holiday Tip

12/17/2025

Have a Backup Plan, or Two

If I could only give people one tip to help them have a happy holiday celebration with their dog, it would be this. Have a backup plan. Think about the what if scenarios, and come up with some options for handling those situations if they arise, and then be prepared to put them in action if you need to. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but if it doesn't, then you can quickly move into plan B, or plan C if needed. Thinking through the possibilities in advance frees you up from having to do it in the moment, and allows you to make sure you have any needed management tools ready.

For Example

What if

Your puppy won't leave the resident adult dog alone?
Your dog keeps trying to grab food off the table?
Your nephew is afraid of dogs?
Your dog is afraid of the crawling toddler?
Your dog and the resident dog are having a ball chasing each other through the house?
Your dog isn't quick to warm up, and a visiting dog is coming?

Training

Don't get me wrong, there are many training options that can be helpful, however, you may not realize that your dog could benefit from some additional training or preparation until you find yourself in the situation, in which case the best plan is to manage the situation to keep everyone safe and happy, and then to put together a training plan for the future. That way you aren't trying to teach complex behaviours in the moment when your dog is already overwhelmed or overexcited. And if you find yourself in this situation, I'd be happy to help you prepare your dog for similar situations in the future.

Management

Often management consists of preventing your dog from accessing something that they aren't currently capable of interacting appropriately with, or giving your dog a private space to relax and recharge in.

Putting your dog on their leash inside can keep your dog from jumping up at people/food, chasing other pets, etc. Instead, they can settle beside you.
Utilizing a baby gated room or crate can give your dog a spot to relax and take a break from all the commotion. They can have a chew or stuffed Kong and take a break. (Please make sure everyone waits to pet and interact until they are out and about, so they can truly relax.)

Making sure to either have items you may want at home, or pack them if you are traveling makes it easier to choose these management strategies. Your list may include some of the following:

Non-retractable leash
Crate/baby gate
Dog bed/mat to settle on
Long lasting chew
Stuffed Kong, lick mat, etc.
Treats to reward good choices
A couple of toys if your dog likes to play

It's Not All or Nothing

Often management is flexible and varies depending on what is going on in the moment. For example, your dog may find it difficult to stay of the counter during meal prep, but may be happy to relax once people are settled at the table, or visiting in the living room. If so, you can use some management to keep your dog out of the kitchen during cooking and then let them roam the house after. Or, your dog may do well in the house, but get too excited if the kids are having a snowball fight, in which case putting your dog inside with a chew during the snowball fight could be an option. Or, your dog may be too excited when they first arrive, but do well after the family walk. Tailor the management to the moment.