If you’re traveling for the holidays this winter, it’s always helpful to know how to keep dogs calm during holiday visits. You and your pup both want to have fun. Having a peaceful visit with no problems can help increase that fun! So, are you looking for ways to easily keep dogs calm during holiday visits?
To keep your dog calm during holiday visits, first understand what rules, if any, your host has about animals in their home and proceed accordingly. Always have dog toys and puzzle games to occupy their time. But don’t forget to go outside and find quality time alone with your dog!
What do you do with pets during vacation?
On your vacation, you can take your pets to a boarding facility or have a pet sitter watch them in your home. You can also have a friend or family member watch them if you don’t take your pets along with you!
How to Keep Dogs Calm During Holiday Visits
1. Understand Your Host’s Rules
First, you should always start any holiday visit by completely understanding what rules your host has about having pets in their home if they have any. For example, ask if they mind if your pet goes on their furniture, or if your pet has the freedom to go throughout their home and into all rooms.
Understanding your host’s rules can help set your mind at ease. As a result, this is one of the best ways to keep dogs calm during holiday visits.
Dogs can get nervous around the holidays as they meet so many new people, regardless of whether they’re at home or in a new space. If you know what to keep your dog from doing, you can help stay in control and exude calmness, which your dog will pick up!
2. Supply Games and Toys
As you visit with others throughout the day, your dog might become a little excited. They’ll want to talk to the people you’re talking to. They’ll also likely want to eat the food you’re eating.
They may also become rather bored, especially if nobody is paying them any attention. To help quell any feelings of boredom or excitement, try supplying them with toys and games throughout the visit.
If they have a favorite toy that can easily occupy them while you visit with others, give it to them. However, if your pup needs someone to play with them and their toy — rather than them playing with the toy by themselves — a different solution may be needed.
Enter puzzle games. Dog puzzle games, which hide food and treats within the puzzle, are great ways for dogs to stay alert and engaged while you visit with others.
Puzzle games are also wonderful to give your dog while you’re eating. They’ll be too preoccupied with their own food or treats than with your dinner!
3. Go Outside
Obviously, making time for outside visits throughout the day is necessary. This little tip can often be forgotten when thinking about how to keep dogs calm during holiday visits.
As you’re in a new place, it might be best for you to physically go outside with your dog during any potty breaks they have. If they have an enclosed yard to run around in, this can help them calm any nerves or excitement they have with the new surrounding and new people they’re around.
A little leashed walk around the neighborhood might also be nice before or after guests come and go. In this way, you can try to help exert some pent-up energy your dog has.
4. Spend Time Away From Other Dogs
If there are other dogs at this holiday celebration, try to give your pup time away from them every now and then. Even if your dog loves other animals, they might benefit from some alone time where they don’t have to always be looking for another pup.
Taking your dog outside on a potty break by yourselves can help accomplish this task. If your dog is especially nervous around other dogs, see if your host has a quiet space where your dog can run off to and relax by themselves!
5. Find Quality Time With Your Pup
Finally, it’s important to remember to find quality time to spend with your dog when you’re thinking about how to keep dogs calm during holiday visits. As you’re meeting with people and spending time with others, always keep an eye on your dog.
Throughout the day, find a few moments to spend quality time with them. This can be as simple as petting your dog as you’re talking to another person. Going outside with them to get away from other people and dogs can also bring about some special time, just you and your pup!
A dog that feels loved and seen throughout the event will likely be on their best behavior, as they’re by your side! If you have a dog that gets nervous or timid easily, giving them quality time and attention is the best way to help keep them at ease!
Have a Fun, Peaceful Holiday Visit
Having an enjoyable holiday visit at a friend or loved one’s house is possible for both you and your dog with these tips!
Still nervous about taking your pup with you? Check out our boarding services! While you’re gone, we’ll watch your pup and give them their own little vacation! We take care of your pet as if they were our own. Get more information and schedule a reservation here!
