The holidays always feel a little more magical when there’s a dog trotting around in a holiday bandana, sniffing wrapping paper, and plotting how to steal Grandma’s sugar cookie. But let’s be honest, between traveling, hosting, and navigating the Christmas chaos, our dogs may need a little extra support this time of year.
As a dog trainer, I’ve seen the full range of holiday behavior from the dog who thrives in the noise to the dog who is clearly counting down the minutes until January 2nd. Here’s your go-to guide for making Christmas merry, calm, and safe for everyone (especially the four-legged family members).
Traveling for the Holidays? Here’s What to Pack for Your Pup
Nothing says “holiday spirit” like realizing you forgot the dog’s food halfway to your in-laws’ house. Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and pack these essentials ahead of time:
✔ Crate or Travel Kennel
Even if your dog doesn’t need one at home, it’s a lifesaver on the road and in unfamiliar spaces. Think of it as their portable bedroom.
✔ Extra Leash
Because leashes grow legs and disappear when you need them most.
✔ Their Regular Food — Plus Extra
Holiday schedules get messy. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
✔ Favorite Toys
A familiar chew or toy can help your dog settle in new environments.
✔ Training Treats
Great for pit stops, polite greetings, and reminding your dog that yes, good manners still matter at Grandma’s house.
✔ Updated ID Tags + Current Photos
Worst case scenario insurance. If your dog slips out the door during holiday chaos, a current photo is GOLD.
✔ Stashios Soothing Sauce
This one is a game changer:
-
Works brilliantly as a splash free water dish!
-
Doubles as a quiet-time enrichment option so your dog can relax while you sip hot cocoa by the tree
-
Encourages calm licking (perfect for overwhelmed holiday dogs)
Hosting Visitors? Know Whether Your Dog Thrives or Just… Survives
Let’s be honest, some holiday gatherings are not always the picture-perfect Hallmark moment we pretend they are. Sometimes Christmas feels less like “cheer” and more like the annual family cage match, complete with mashed potato shrapnel.
And trust me, your dog picks up on every ounce of that energy!
Some dogs LOVE the chaos as it means more people, more attention, more snacks falling from the sky. Others? They’re sitting there like, “Yeah… I didn’t sign up for this.”
So ask yourself:
Does my dog truly enjoy holiday visitors, or are they quietly suffering through it?
If your dog is more of a “survivor,” set them up with a calm retreat:
-
Create a quiet space away from the crowd (bedroom, office, spare room).
-
Give them their crate or a cozy bed, familiarity helps them decompress.
-
Use white noise, a fan, or soft music to buffer all the “festive” noise.
-
Offer calming enrichment, the Stashios Soothing Saucer and Soothing Sauce is perfect here. Licking encourages relaxation and gives them something peaceful to focus on while you survive… I mean celebrate… the holiday.
Traveling to family instead? Here’s your permission slip:
If Christmas at your family’s house historically turns into the Great Holiday Meltdown of the year:
-
Don’t bring your dog. They do NOT need front-row seats to the theatrics.
-
Bonus tip: use your dog as your exit strategy. “Oh darn, I’d love to stay longer… but you know… the dog.”
Holiday Baking? Include Your Dog with Magic Mix
Holiday baking is practically a sport. And since you’re already in the kitchen, include your dog with Magic Mix. You can make them their own dog safe Christmas cookies. You can even decorate them with dog safe icing like Greek yogurt (mix in some blueberries for a healthy flavor boost and festive color).
Christmas Tree Safety You Shouldn’t Skip
Your Christmas tree may look like a magical winter wonderland… but your dog may see it as the world’s largest fetch stick.
A few simple precautions go a long way:
-
Use a baby gate if your dog is a “stick enthusiast” or the “grab-everything” type.
-
Avoid low-hanging ornaments. Your dog may see them as a potential toy... or snack, depending on your dog.
-
If you have cats, skip the tinsel entirely. Cats eat it. Tinsel and intestines do not get along.
-
Secure the tree to prevent a full takedown during holiday zoomies.
Keep Wrapped Gifts Out of Reach
Dogs LOVE a mystery box. Unfortunately, the mystery might be chocolate truffles, jerky sticks, or scented lotions.
If your dog likes to “open” gifts that aren’t theirs, keep packages:
-
On a table
-
Behind a gate
-
Or away from the tree entirely
Don’t Forget the Dogs on Your Gift List
Include your dogs, and the dogs of your family and friends, in the holiday fun.
Great choices include:
-
Soothing Saucer® with a bag of Soothing Sauce™ for any dog that enjoys a tasty treat
-
Magic Mix™ for DIY treats
-
Wrap-Ups®
for those dogs that need to take medication
Spoiling dogs is part of the Christmas spirit, honestly.
Final Thoughts
With a little prep and the right tools, the holidays can be enjoyable for everyone; two-legged and four-legged.
Give your dog structure.
Give them safe choices.
Give them something to help keep them occupied like a Soothing Sauce or their favorite toy.
And above all, do what’s best for your dog and your sanity this Christmas.
Happy Holidays,
Stephanie Beetsch CCN, CYNX-L
