The holidays bring so much joy — twinkly lights, festive treats, and long-awaited gatherings. But for our four-legged family members, the season can also come with a swirl of commotion. New faces, tempting kitchen smells, sudden doorbell rings, and the general buzz of celebration can leave even the most easygoing pet feeling a little overwhelmed.
The good news? With a few simple strategies (and maybe a little help from our counselors), you can set your pup up for a peaceful, confidence-boosting holiday season.
Practice Calm, Consistent Greetings
When the doorbell rings and guests pile in, many dogs go straight into wiggle-mode or bark-mode. Practicing structured greetings ahead of time can make a world of difference.
Invite guests to pause for a moment after entering, giving your dog a chance to sit or stay before saying hello. Reward that calm behavior with treats or warm praise. A few seconds of consistency now builds the muscle memory your dog will rely on when the holiday crowd arrives.
Refresh the Basics: Sit, Stay, Leave It
A quick training tune-up goes a long way during the holidays. Short daily sessions reviewing cues like sit, stay, and leave it make it easier for dogs to stay focused even when the environment is full of distractions — like platters of turkey or the occasional dropped crumb.
Reinforcing these simple skills helps your camper feel confident and capable, even when the energy level at home goes up.
Set Up a Safe Retreat Space
Even the most social pup needs a breather sometimes.
Create a cozy retreat such as a crate, quiet room, or comfy bed tucked away from the action where your camper can unwind whenever the festivities feel like “too much.” Add familiar blankets, enrichment toys, or calming scents to help them reset peacefully. For many dogs, having this predictable safe space reduces stress dramatically.
Lean On a Little Professional Help
If you’re seeing signs that your camper could benefit from a manners refresher before the holiday bustle, we’ve got your back.
Our Camper Cadet training program and K9 Enrichment sessions at the Ranger Station are designed to build the very skills that shine during the holidays: focus, confidence, and the ability to navigate excitement with ease.
Whether your dog needs help mastering polite greetings or developing steadier impulse control around guests and food, our counselors tailor sessions to your camper’s unique personality and learning style.
Because a well-prepared dog makes for a more joyful season — for everyone.
Ensuring Your Dog is Holiday Ready
The holidays don’t have to be stressful for your four-legged family member. With a little preparation and support, your camper can enjoy the celebrations right alongside you. And if you’d like help getting them holiday-ready, our team at Pet Camp is always here to lend a paw.
Looking for guidance on training or enrichment options? Reach out anytime! We love helping campers shine during the most festive time of year.