Christmas is a magical time for us humans—but for our dogs and puppies, it can bring a whirlwind of strange smells, loud noises, tempting food, and unfamiliar visitors. Whether it’s your puppy’s first Christmas or your adult dog is facing another round of tinsel chaos, it’s totally normal for things to feel a bit wobbly.
In this post, we’re sharing practical, vet-safe advice for keeping your dog calm, happy and safe through the festive season—so you can both enjoy the holidays without the stress.
1. Calm Doesn’t Happen by Accident
With decorations going up, routines changing, and visitors popping by, it’s easy for dogs (especially puppies) to feel overstimulated.
Here’s how to help:
Stick to your usual routine as much as possible
Offer a quiet “safe space” where your dog can retreat (crate, pen or cosy corner)
Use scatter feeding, licki mats or chews during busier times
Keep greetings low key — calm dog = calm people!
👉 If you’ve been training with us this year, now’s the time to use those cues like settle, on your bed, and watch me in real life.
2. Festive Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Some of the tastiest holiday treats for us are risky—or even deadly—for dogs.
❌ Avoid:
Chocolate (especially dark)
Grapes, raisins, and mince pies
Cooked bones
Stuffing (onions + garlic = toxic)
Alcohol
Macadamia nuts
Rich or fatty leftovers (hello, pancreatitis…)
Instead, try safe alternatives like:
🦴 Kong stuffed with their own food
🎄 Frozen carrot sticks
🧀 A little bit of plain turkey breast (no skin or bones)
3. Christmas Chaos: How to Handle Visitors
Not every dog enjoys a full house of festive cheer. Think ahead to set your dog up for success:
Ask guests to ignore your dog at first (especially puppies)
Give your dog choice—let them leave the room if they want
Use calm enrichment like sniff mats or chews in another space
Watch for signs of stress: yawning, pacing, lip licking, hiding
This is a great time to use your “place” or “boundary” cue.
4. Managing Walks and Weather
Busy family days, icy pavements and dark evenings can throw off your usual walking routine. That’s okay!
Instead of skipping enrichment, try:
“Find it” games indoors
Slow, shaping-based trick training
DIY scent games using boxes or towels
A relaxing sniff walk in the morning before it gets busy
Even 5–10 minutes of calm brain work can tire your dog out beautifully.
5. Your Puppy’s First Christmas? Here’s What to Know
Puppies experience everything for the first time—including Christmas trees, shiny presents, and crinkly wrapping paper.
Watch out for:
Chewing fairy light cables
Eating dropped food or tinsel
Jumping up at the table
Stealing gifts (fun for them… less so for you)
Offer a calm, consistent structure, plenty of nap time, and limit the chaos. You’re not being boring—you’re being brilliant.
Looking Ahead: Keep the Momentum Going
Training doesn’t have to stop over Christmas. If you’ve just joined us—or want to start fresh in the new year—our class progression supports you and your dog every step of the way:
🎁 Pup Starters (Level 1) – A brilliant beginning for young pups
🎁 Rising Stars (Level 2) – Build on the basics with real-life skills
🎁 Shooting Stars (Level 3) – Confidence in distractions and public spaces
🎁 Hub Stars (Level 4) – Keep training fun, fresh, and flexible
🎁 Saturday Social Club – Ongoing support, connection and sniffy goodness!
Booking for January classes is now open—give your dog the gift of calm connection all year round.
👉 https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19928031
✅ Dog-Safe Christmas Checklist
Here’s a quick reference guide to keep things safe and simple:
☐ Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions & cooked bones
☐ Keep fairy lights and tinsel out of chewing reach
☐ Give dogs a quiet space to retreat if they’re overwhelmed
☐ Use enrichment toys to reduce stress and boredom
☐ Stick to familiar routines when possible
☐ Help visitors greet your dog calmly (or not at all)
☐ Supervise puppies closely around new sights & smells
☐ Watch for signs of stress and adjust your plan
Final Woof 🐾
Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to feel safe and settled for your dog. With a little prep, a few boundaries, and the tools you’ve already been learning in class, you’ll set your pup up for a season of calm and confidence.
Wishing you and your dog a very Happy Christmas, from all of us at The Canine Hub! 🎄💛
The Canine Hub 