Quick Guide: 3 Things to Get Your Puppy Ready for the Holidays
The holidays bring extra people, unusual schedules, delicious smells and plenty of excitement. For a puppy, that can be a lot to take in!
A little preparation now can help your puppy feel safe and confident—and help your holiday gatherings go much more smoothly.
Set Out a Kibble Reward Jar
Before your guests arrive, place a jar of your puppy’s kibble beside the pen.
Add a simple sign that says:
Give me one of these if I am sitting down and not whining.
Listen, you and I both know that people are going to give your puppy things when you are not looking, so why not solve this in advance!!! This gives visitors an easy way to interact with your puppy while reinforcing the behavior you actually want.
Ask guests to reward your puppy when they are:
Sitting quietly
Lying down
Watching calmly
Keeping four paws on the floor
We often give puppies the most attention when they bark, jump or fuss. This little jar helps everyone notice and reward the calm moments instead.
Remember to subtract the kibble your puppy receives from their regular meals so they are not being overfed.
Download and print our Treat Jar Label below: CALM REWARD STICKER
* You can click on this photo and choose to download it to your computer or phone.
Practice the Crate Before You Need It
Your puppy’s crate should feel like a comfortable place to rest, not somewhere they are suddenly placed when life gets busy.
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, use the crate for short, positive moments throughout the day:
Give meals inside the crate.
Offer a safe chew or stuffed toy.
Practice while you cook, wrap gifts or clean.
Let your puppy nap there before becoming overtired.
During holiday meals, the crate can give your puppy a quiet place to rest while everyone eats. This also keeps them away from dropped food, open doors and busy feet.
Use a Puppy Pen When Company Arrives
A puppy pen is wonderful when you want your puppy to be part of the gathering without having complete freedom. This is a game changer for getting your puppy ready for the holidays.
Place the pen where your puppy can see everyone, but not directly in the busiest walkway. Add a comfortable bed, water, and a safe chew.
Your puppy does not need to greet every person or be passed from one set of arms to another. Let them watch, settle, and approach people at their own pace.
This is not about excluding your puppy. It is about helping them experience company without becoming overwhelmed.
TIP: Prepare Your Puppy Before Guests Arrive
Before the doorbell starts ringing, give your puppy:
A potty break
A little movement or sniffing time
A short mental enrichment activity
Time to settle before the excitement begins
The goal is not to completely wear your puppy out. We simply want to meet their needs before asking them to relax.
REMEMBER: Keep the Plan Simple
You do not need a perfectly trained puppy before the holidays.
You simply need a plan.
Practice the crate. Set up the puppy pen. Prepare the kibble jar. Give your puppy breaks when they need them.
Every calm, positive holiday experience helps your puppy become a more confident adult dog. A little preparation now will allow your family, your guests and your puppy to enjoy the season together.
More Holiday Puppy Help
Planning for the holidays with a puppy? These posts can help:
Is It Safe for My Dog to Eat This? A Simple Holiday Food Guide
3 Easy Homemade Puppy Treats With 5 Ingredients or Less
20 Winter & Holiday Enrichment Ideas for Your Mini Aussie
From calm holiday routines to safe table scraps, homemade treats and winter activities, these simple guides will help make the season easier and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
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