7 Holiday Training Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm During Family Gatherings
Keeping your dog calm during family gatherings can feel like a holiday miracle, right? The laughter, the food, and the noise all make the season fun for us—but overwhelming for our pups. If you’ve ever watched your dog bark, beg, or bolt under the couch when guests arrive, you know exactly what I mean.
I’ve been there too. My own pup, Max, once tried to steal a turkey leg right out of my uncle’s hand. Embarrassing? Oh, totally. But it taught me something important: with a little prep, your dog can stay calm, happy, and even be the star of the gathering (in a good way this time).
Why Keeping Your Dog Calm During Family Gatherings Matters
Before we fix the problem, let’s understand it.
Think about it: your dog lives in a routine. Then suddenly, strangers pile in, music gets louder, food smells fill the air, and everyone’s moving around. That’s a lot to process, right?
Common triggers include:
- Too many new faces at once.
- Loud noises—music, laughter, or even fireworks.
- Food temptations everywhere.
- Kids who don’t always understand boundaries.
Ever wondered why your pup acts out during these moments? It’s not because they’re “bad.” It’s because they’re overwhelmed.
Step 1: Prep Before the Guests Arrive
Preparation makes all the difference.
Exercise First
A tired dog is a calm dog. Before the party kicks off, take them for a long walk, play fetch, or do a training session. This burns off energy and helps them chill out later.
Safe Space Setup
Create a cozy retreat. Add a chew toy or puzzle feeder to keep them occupied. For a long-lasting, freezeable option, use our Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts recipe for stuffing their Kong.
Keep It Familiar
If you rearrange furniture for the party, keep your dog’s space the same. Dogs love familiarity—it makes them feel secure.
Step 2: Manage the First Greetings
This part usually causes the biggest chaos.
Control the Entrance
When guests arrive, keep your dog on a leash or in another room. After the excitement calms down, you can bring them out slowly.
Train Calm Greetings
Practice with friends before the big day. Teach your dog to sit instead of jumping up. This is a crucial skill—if you need help with foundational training, start with our Dog Training Tips for Beginners guide.
Communicate With Guests
Not everyone knows dog etiquette. Politely remind your guests:
- Don’t feed the dog from the table.
- Let the dog approach first.
- Keep greetings calm and gentle.
Ever notice how your dog mirrors the energy of others? If the greeting is calm, they’ll usually follow suit.
Step 3: Food Management (The Hardest Part!)
Let’s be real—holiday food is irresistible. And to dogs? It’s basically heaven on earth.
Teach “Leave It”
This command is a lifesaver. Start practicing weeks before the holidays with treats on the ground. Reward them for ignoring it.
Set Boundaries
Block off the kitchen with baby gates. During dinner, give your dog a long-lasting chew or stuffed Kong in their safe space.
Watch the Dangerous Foods
Many holiday foods are toxic to dogs, including:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Turkey bones
- Alcohol
- Review this comprehensive list of foods toxic to dogs before your guests arrive.
I once caught Max licking champagne off the floor (don’t ask). Since then, I’ve been extra cautious about spills and plates on low tables.
Step 4: Keep Kids and Dogs Happy Together
Kids adore dogs. But sometimes, excitement leads to accidents.
Set Rules
Tell kids (and parents) the ground rules:
- No pulling tails or ears.
- No climbing on the dog.
- Let the dog walk away if they want space.
Provide Alternatives
Give kids something fun to do with the dog, like tossing a ball or offering treats for tricks. That way, everyone wins.
Step 5: Calm Tools and Training Tricks
Sometimes, dogs need extra help staying chill.
Training Games
Play short games like “find it” (hiding treats) or obedience drills. It keeps their mind busy and stress down.
Calming Aids
Consider natural aids like:
- Calming collars with lavender or chamomile scents.
- Dog-safe CBD treats (talk to your vet first).
- White noise machines in their safe space.
Desensitization Training
If you know the holidays will be noisy, start training early. Play recordings of party sounds at low volume, reward calm behavior, and gradually increase.
Ever tried this? It’s amazing how quickly dogs learn that “noise doesn’t mean danger.”
Step 6: Managing Your Own Stress
Dogs feel our emotions. If you’re stressed, they’ll pick up on it.
So take a deep breath. Remember, the holidays are about joy, not perfection. If things don’t go exactly as planned, it’s okay.
Step 7: After the Party
Once everyone leaves, give your dog some quiet time. A walk, a snuggle, or just letting them nap in peace helps them reset.
And here’s the cool part: every gathering becomes easier. The more you practice, the calmer your dog gets over time.
Bonus: Holiday Gear
Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of stuff. Here are my favorites:
- Kong Classic Toy – Keeps them busy for hours when stuffed with peanut butter.
- ThunderShirt – Like a gentle hug for anxious dogs.
- Baby gates – Perfect for blocking off food zones.
- Puzzle feeders – Work their brain and keep them occupied.
Honestly, these items saved my sanity more than once.
Resources for a Calm Holiday
- Dog Training Tips for Beginners Guide (Master foundational commands like Sit and Leave It)
- Is Your Dog Bored? Guide (Prevent anxiety and destructive behavior with proper enrichment)
- Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts Recipe (Perfect high-value, long-lasting treats for safe space setup)
Quick Checklist Before the Guests Arrive
Want a simple rundown? Here’s a quick checklist you can follow every holiday:
- Exercise your dog (walk, play, train).
- Set up their safe space with bed, toys, and water.
- Have chews or puzzles ready to keep them busy.
- Block off food areas with gates.
- Remind guests and kids of the house rules.
- Stay calm yourself—your dog will mirror you.
Wrapping It All Up
Holidays don’t have to be stressful for you or your pup. With a little planning—exercise, safe spaces, calm greetings, and food management—you can actually enjoy the party instead of chasing your dog around.
I’ve seen the difference firsthand. Max went from a food-snatching chaos machine to the chill dog that guests now compliment. And honestly? It makes the holidays so much more fun.
So, are you ready to try these tips this season? Remember, your calm energy + a little prep = a relaxed, happy dog.