When the Holidays Stress Our Dogs Out

(and what you can do about it)

Let´s be real for a second. Most of us dog owners have an expectation and a picture in mind about how holidays with our dog look like.

And for a lot of families, it looks like this: matching family PJ´s, the scent of ginger bread, and pine needles, laughter, happy faces, smiles, presents, music.

In short: The holidays are supposed to be joyful — full of family, food, and fun. But for our dogs, that same excitement can be a lot to process.

New people. Different smells. Strange decorations. Disrupted routines.
Even the calmest dogs can feel thrown off balance — and for high-drive or sensitive dogs, it can be downright overwhelming.

In fact, I usually see an influx in clients that reach out to me for training for their dogs around the holidays - especially for their dog`s increased reactivity.

Let’s talk about why this happens, what signs to look for, and how to help your dog find calm in the chaos this season.

Why the Holidays Can Be Hard on Dogs

Dogs thrive on predictability. It’s how they make sense of their world.
During the holidays, everything changes — their routine, environment, even your energy.

Here are some of the biggest stressors:

• Visitors and gatherings: New people mean new scents, sounds, and unpredictable movement. Some dogs love it — others feel invaded.

• Travel and boarding: Being in a new space or away from their person can create major stress, especially for dogs who rely on routine.

• Decorations and noises: Flashing lights, rustling gift wrap, loud music, fireworks — it’s sensory overload.

• Schedule changes: Late dinners, skipped walks, less sleep. It all adds up.

• Our stress: Dogs are emotional mirrors. When we rush, worry, or lose patience, they pick up every bit of it.

For high-drive or reactive dogs, these changes can tip the balance from “manageable” to “meltdown.”

The Invisible Build-Up: Trigger Stacking

Think of your dog’s stress like a bucket.
Each small stressor — the doorbell, visitors, loud laughter, missing their walk — fills it up a little more.

Eventually, one tiny thing (like a dropped fork or someone hugging too tightly) makes the bucket overflow. That’s when you see the bark, growl, or overreaction.

This is called trigger stacking, and it’s one of the most common reasons we see more reactivity and accidents around the holidays.

How to Help Your Dog Cope This Season

Here are a few practical ways to help your dog stay grounded — even when life gets busy:

1. Protect their routine.
   Try to keep meal times, walks, and rest periods consistent. A little structure goes a long way.

2. Create a safe retreat.
   Set up a quiet space where your dog can rest undisturbed — especially when guests are over. Add a comfy bed, chews, and soft music.

3. Manage greetings.
   Some dogs don’t want to say hi right away (or at all). Advocate for them — calm introductions only when your dog is ready.

4. Add decompression time.
   Sniff walks, solo play, or simply sitting outside together can help your dog regulate and release pent-up tension.
   
   
   A Gentle Reminder: If your dog’s behavior feels “off” this season, it’s not because they’re being stubborn or dramatic.
   It’s because they’re trying to cope with change the only way they know how.

   When we pause to see their behavior as communication, we can respond with empathy instead of frustration — and that’s where the real connection happens.