Holiday Season Dog Tips & Tricks - Weekly Series

By Marko Russell, Canine Lifestyle Specialist

Week 1: "Holiday Anxiety-Proofing Your Dog"

Picture this: Your doorbell rings for the third time in an hour, holiday music is playing, kids are running around with excitement, and your usually calm dog is panting, pacing, and hiding under the coffee table. Sound familiar?

The holidays can be overwhelming for our four-legged family members, but with the right preparation, your dog can actually enjoy the festivities alongside you.

5 Essential Steps to Anxiety-Proof Your Dog This Holiday Season:

1. Create a Safe Haven Zone
   Set up a quiet room with your dog's bed, favorite toys, and a piece of your clothing. This becomes their retreat space when things get too stimulating. I always suggest using a Kennel for this purpose. If your dog has the ability to move around, and start the pacing etc, the anxiety can build up. If your dog is not calm in a Kennel yet, work on Kennel training, and use it once they are. Practice using this space before guests arrive. I always put soft easy music on in the room, and another great tip for this room set up is the scent of Lavender, which offers a calming scent to the room for your puppy or adult dog.

2. Master the Pre-Party Tire-Out
   Give your dog a good 30-45 minute exercise session before guests arrive. A tired dog is a calmer dog. Mental stimulation works too - puzzle toys or training sessions can be just as effective.

3. Learn Your Dog's Stress Signals
   Watch for excessive panting, drooling,shaking, following close, pacing, hiding, or destructive behavior. These are your cues to intervene before anxiety escalates.

4. Use Calming Aids Strategically
   Thunder shirts, calming pheromone diffusers, or even soft background music can work wonders. Start using these tools a few days before your event so your dog associates them with relaxation. I suggest ONLY using these in severe cases, as an aid to helping your dog build enough foundation to be able to work without it.

5. Practice the "SETTLE" Command
   Teach your dog when party time is over. A simple "enough" followed by leading them to their safe space helps them understand it's time to decompress.

Client Success Story: I've worked with clients whose Golden Retrievers would shake uncontrollably during family gatherings. After implementing these strategies, one particular dog actually fell asleep under the Christmas tree during their holiday party - talk about a transformation!

The key is starting these practices NOW, not the day of your event. Your dog will thank you, and you'll actually be able to enjoy your own party.

What's your biggest holiday anxiety challenge with your dog? Drop a comment below - I read every single one!

Ready to transform your dog's holiday experience? Let's work together to create the calm, confident companion you've always wanted.

Connect with Marko Russell, Canine Lifestyle Specialist:
📱 Phone: 760.880.2252
📧 Email: markorussellcls@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.markorussellcls.com
📱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/markorussellcls
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkoRussellCLS/
🐕 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MarkoRussellCLS

#DogTraining #HolidayDogs #CanineLifestyle #DogBehavior #MarkoRussell