12/21/2025
Extra people, noise, and routine changes can easily push some dogs past their limits. But a little planning goes a long way and can help prevent a holiday mishap.
🐾 New guests, smells, and constant activity can make dogs feel on guard or overwhelmed.
👉 Solution: Give them a designated “safe zone” away from the action—crate or closed room with their bed and water, and coach guests to ignore the dog when they retreat there.
🐾 Routines for walks, meals, and sleep often get messy, and many dogs rely on that predictability to feel safe and settled.
👉 Solution: Decide in advance who is in charge of walks and feeding, set alarms on your phone, and protect those times like appointments so your dog’s day still has a clear rhythm.
🐾 Extra people and kids mean more chances for your dog’s space or patience to be crossed.
👉 Solution: Use baby gates or leashes for “on‑duty” supervision, and have clear rules: no hugging, no grabbing toys from the dog, and no feeding from plates.
🐾 Holiday food, décor, and gifts add tempting hazards.
👉 Solution: Keep counters clear, secure garbage, and provide appropriate chew options so your dog doesn’t self‑entertain with wrapping paper, chocolate, or ornaments.
🐾 Owner stress tends to rub off on the dog.
👉 Solution: Build in short decompression breaks for both of you—10–15 minutes of calm walking, training, or quiet cuddles can reset everyone’s nerves.
For dogs who really struggle despite management, a structured boarding stay can be a better option than forcing them to “power through” in the middle of the chaos.
We still have a few spots open for Overnight Boarding. Reserve your spot here: https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/complete-k9-care?location_id=2876&service_id=24815
