17/11/2025
The holidays can be exciting for us, but they can be stressful for reactive pups!
Here’s how to help them feel safe and calm:
- Create a Safe Space: Give your dog a quiet area with a comfy bed, toys, and chews where they can relax without being disturbed.
- Manage the Environment: Use gates, leashes, or crates to help your dog stay calm and prevent stressful greetings at the door.
- Provide Enrichment: Keep them busy with puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, or sniffing games. Enrichment helps your pup decompress.
- Avoid Punishment: Reactivity comes from stress, not stubbornness. Stay calm, redirect, and give your dog space instead.
- Reward Wanted Behaviors: Notice and reward calm, relaxed actions. This helps your dog learn what does work in stressful moments.
- Don’t Force Interactions: Let your dog choose when (or if) they want to say hi.
Note: If your dog is muzzle-trained, using it during busy gatherings can add an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
Need help?
Reach out for your free consultation today!
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