Loving Dogs, Loving People — How to Handle Your Pup During the Holiday Chaos

Ah, the holidays — that magical season when your house smells like cinnamon, twenty different side dishes, and at least one relative’s cologne that hasn’t changed since 1983. It’s also the season when your normally peaceful home suddenly becomes Grand Central Station.

If you’re a dog person (like me), your four-legged friend is part of the household rhythm. But holidays aren’t always their scene. And as much as we love our pups — sometimes more than certain relatives — holiday gatherings are really about people, and making those people feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.

So, let’s talk about how to keep the peace, honor your guests, and protect your dog’s sanity all at the same time.

Why You Need a Plan — Not a “We’ll Figure It Out When They Get Here” Moment

Holiday gatherings come with noise, smells, excitement, and the occasional shriek from the kitchen. Even cool, collected dogs can get overwhelmed. The ASPCA says dogs can get anxious with sudden noise and commotion, which honestly makes them just like us.¹

But here’s a big no-no: don’t wait until your guests step inside and then chirp, “Do you mind if Casper Corgi mingles too?” 

Your guests will lie.
They will lie straight to your face.

Not because they’re bad people, but because they’re polite, and you put them on the spot. They could be afraid, allergic, wearing fancy clothes, or simply not in the mood for a surprise Corgi greeting committee. They’ll still say, “Oh sure!” while screaming internally.

Planning ahead is the kind choice — for them and for Casper.

Experts at the AKC say giving your dog a quiet space or crate during gatherings doesn’t just help your guests; it keeps your dog from spiraling into sensory overload.² It’s a win-win.

For the Nervous, Shivery, “Guests Are Scary” Pup

Some dogs see guests and think the world is ending. A knock at the door? Panic. A new voice? Panic. Someone sitting in their spot on the couch? Major panic.

PetMD notes that anxious dogs do best with a consistent, calm environment — not one full of jingling keys, perfume clouds, and Aunt Janet’s high-pitched laugh.³

So, here’s the deal: If you know your pup is a Nervous Nellie, give them the gift of a quiet room or their crate before guests arrive. No shame in this. It’s like sending them to a spa retreat while the humans hang out and make small talk.

Set them up with a cozy blanket, their favorite toys, fresh water, some calming music, and a treat puzzle to keep them busy while the humans sort out the mashed-potatoes-versus-stuffing debate.

And if your dog gets really anxious, talk to your vet ahead of time. There are safe, natural calming options — just don’t DIY medicate your dog because “it worked for your cousin’s neighbor’s beagle.”

For the Giant, Bouncy, “Everyone Is My Best Friend” Dog

Now let’s talk about the opposite personality: the dog who thinks every guest arrived specifically to see them.

You know the type — 85 pounds of enthusiasm, big smile, tail like a helicopter, or a baseball bat, ready to greet every visitor like a long-lost soulmate. I adore these dogs. But your guests might not adore being body-slammed in a freshly dry-cleaned holiday outfit.

Even the gentlest gentle-giant dog can be intimidating. And no matter how many times you say “Oh, he’s harmless!” your guests are silently calculating the jaw strength of your beloved furry linebacker.

The AKC even says that if your dog is overly excited or your visitors aren’t dog people, giving your dog some time away from the action is simply respectful hosting.⁴

If boarding wasn’t an option, you can still make things easier by crating your dog, using a baby gate, keeping your pup leashed for controlled mingling, or talking with your vet about calming tools for big-energy dogs. And if you’re reading this and thinking, “My dog is not remotely like the ones in this article,” that’s fair — I definitely described the extremes. But that doesn’t change the main point of this whole friendly rant: it’s important to respect both your relatives and your dog by giving your pup a peaceful place to relax so everyone can enjoy the holidays as much as possible.

Remember: keeping Rover separate isn’t mean — it’s considerate. And he’ll survive one evening without being the life of the party.

Why People Should Come First (Just This Once)

You adore your dog. I adore your dog. Everyone here is Team Dog. But holidays are about reconnecting with people we love — or at least tolerate in good spirits.

Putting your guests at ease is one of the most loving things you can do. And sometimes that means letting your dog chill in the next room instead of being the furry centerpiece of the evening.

Think of it this way: You’re not locking your dog away. You’re giving them a calm, safe break.

Meanwhile, you’re giving your guests the chance to enjoy the gathering without worrying about slobber, jumps, allergens, or being herded into the kitchen by an overzealous Corgi.

In the end, creating space for your guests to relax — and your dog to decompress — is the best gift of the holiday season.

 

1. ASPCA – Keeping pets happy and healthy around visitors
https://www.aspca.org/news/hosting-holiday-guests-keep-your-pets-happy-and-healthy-around-visitors

2. American Kennel Club – Helping dogs handle visitors during holidays
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/help-your-dog-deal-with-visitors-during-the-holidays

3. PetMD – Managing pet stress during holiday gatherings
https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-to-keep-pets-safe-during-holiday-gatherings

4. American Kennel Club – Should your dog attend holiday parties?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/should-your-dog-attend-holiday-parties

 

I’m Lauren—a writer, educator, and novelty quilter with over 30 years of experience in service and sales. I’ve taught high school English, worked as a journalist, and now run Artisan Shop USA, a marketplace supporting handmade artistry and the sharing of faith, family, and country. I’m also a wife, mom, and lifelong lover of storytelling.