The holiday season is officially here — a time filled with cozy gatherings, family traditions, delicious food, and festive celebrations. But while the holidays may bring joy for humans, they can also bring stress, excitement, and confusion for our four-legged family members. With new visitors arriving, unfamiliar noises, changed routines, and tempting holiday treats everywhere, it’s important to prepare your dog ahead of time to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable holiday for everyone.

At A Dog’s Way Inn, we know how much you love your pups and want them to feel comfortable and confident during Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or having guests trickle in throughout the season, the key to success is preparing your dog early. Below are the top expert-approved tips to get your dog ready for holiday guests — with a special focus on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s gatherings, and everything in between.

1. Start With a Pre-Holiday Routine Refresh

Dogs thrive on routine, and the holidays tend to shift everything — from mealtimes to walk schedules to household noise levels. Before guests start arriving, take a week or two to tighten up your dog’s daily routine.

Helpful adjustments include:

• Re-establishing predictable feeding times

• Structuring potty breaks so your dog knows exactly when to go outside

• Scheduling regular exercise (morning walks, training sessions, or playdates)

• Building in quiet time so your dog learns to settle even during busy hours

The more consistent your routine is, the less stress your dog will feel when guests come and the household suddenly becomes busier.

Pro Tip: If your dog attends daycare at A Dog’s Way Inn, maintaining their normal daycare schedule during the holiday season can help regulate their energy, provide structured socialization, and prevent cabin fever.

2. Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise Before Guests Arrive

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog — and this is especially true during holiday gatherings. When dogs have excess energy, they’re more likely to jump on guests, bark at noises, or get into mischief.

Before your guests arrive:

• Take your dog for a long walk

• Let them enjoy playtime, fetch, or a run

• Offer mental stimulation like puzzles or sniffari walks

• Bring them to daycare for socialization and energy release

Burning off physical and mental energy helps your dog stay calm and relaxed when the doorbell starts ringing.

3. Practice Greeting Behavior (No Jumping, Barking, or Over-Excitement)

If your dog tends to get overly excited when people come to the door, now is the perfect time to practice polite greeting behavior.

Teach or reinforce:

• Sit before greeting

• Four paws on the floor

• Place or settle commands

• Going to their bed when the doorbell rings

Start slow — rehearse with family members, neighbors, or even delivery drivers (if appropriate). The more repetitions your dog gets, the easier it will be for them to behave politely when guests arrive on Thanksgiving Day or during winter holiday gatherings.

Training Tip: High-value treats during practice sessions go a long way!

4. Create a Safe, Quiet Space Just for Your Dog

Even the friendliest, most social dogs can become overwhelmed by:

• Crowded rooms

• Loud guests

• Kids running around

• New smells

• New routines

• Holiday activities

Give your dog a dedicated “safe space” where they can decompress anytime they need a break.

Great options include:

• A crate with a comfy bed

• A gated-off room

• A quiet bedroom

• A cozy corner with blankets and chew toys

Add soothing items like a long-lasting chew, a frozen Kong, or calming music. Teach your dog ahead of time that this space is a positive, relaxing area.

This ensures your pup has somewhere to retreat during Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas morning chaos, or lively holiday parties.

5. Address Any Anxiety Ahead of Time

Some dogs experience anxiety during the holidays due to:

• Increased visitors

• Loud gatherings

• Changes in routine

• Travel activity

• Fireworks (especially around New Year’s Eve)

If your dog is anxious, take time before the holidays to understand and support their needs.

Helpful approaches include:

• Practicing desensitization to doorbells, knocks, and noise

• Using calming supplements or anxiety vests (ask your vet first)

• Ensuring they get adequate sleep before big gatherings

• Offering plenty of exercise to relieve nervous energy

• Providing safe hiding spaces away from guests

For dogs with more significant anxiety, speak with your veterinarian early to discuss options that can help them remain comfortable through the holiday season.

6. Teach Children and Guests How to Interact With Your Dog

Not all guests — especially children — know how to properly interact with dogs. To keep your pup calm and safe, gently remind guests:

• Not to grab your dog’s face or tail

• To avoid hugging or overwhelming your dog

• To pet under the chin or on the chest, not over the head

• To let the dog approach them first

• Not to touch the dog while they are eating or sleeping

Clear communication helps protect both your guests and your dog, ensuring positive interactions throughout the holiday festivities.

7. Brush Up on “Leave It” and “Drop It” — Especially During Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving and holiday meals feature irresistible foods for dogs — from turkey skin and stuffing to dessert plates and snack trays. Many of these foods can be dangerous for dogs, including:

• Onions

• Garlic

• Grapes and raisins

• Chocolate

• Cooked bones

• Fatty or seasoned meats

This is why refresher training on “leave it” and “drop it” is crucial.

Practice these commands daily in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and holiday parties so your pup is ready when temptation strikes!

8. Prep for Travel and Overnight Guests

The holidays often mean:

• Overnight visitors staying in your guest room

• New luggage, smells, and items on the floor

• Suitcases full of food and treats

• People coming and going

Make sure your dog is ready by introducing them to changes early on.

Tips include:

• Let your dog sniff guest bedding before guests arrive

• Reinforce boundaries around guest rooms

• Remind visitors to keep doors closed and items zipped

• Keep trash cans securely closed

If travel is part of your plan, consider booking boarding or daycare at A Dog’s Way Inn early — the holiday season fills quickly!

REMINDER: A Dog’s Way Inn Doggy Daycare CLOSED Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 through Friday, Nov 28, 2025.

Keep an eye out for Christmas/Winter Holiday Closures.

9. Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated During the Holidays

Mental enrichment reduces stress and prevents boredom-related behaviors like chewing, barking, or pestering guests.

Great seasonal enrichment ideas include:

• Holiday-themed puzzle toys

• Snuffle mats with fall-flavored treats

• Frozen Kongs with pumpkin puree

• Chew toys during family movie nights

• Short training games throughout the day

Mental work is just as important as physical activity — it helps your dog feel calm and fulfilled even when the house is busy.

10. Remember: Your Dog Feels Your Energy

During the holidays, your dog picks up on:

• Your excitement

• Your stress

• Your rushing

• Your overwhelm

Try to stay calm and keep holiday prep fun for both of you. Set aside extra bonding time, whether it’s a walk, playtime, or couch cuddles. Your dog will feel more secure, and the holiday season will feel more enjoyable for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your dog for guests during Thanksgiving and the winter holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With consistency, planning, and a focus on your dog’s emotional needs, you can create a holiday environment where your pup feels safe, confident, and included.

At A Dog’s Way Inn, we’re always here to support you and your pets — whether through daycare, training, boarding, or helpful seasonal tips like these. With a little preparation, your dog can enjoy the holidays just as much as you do!