Practice Calm Greetings
If your dog loves to jump or bark when guests arrive, start practicing calm hellos now.
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Have family members enter the house one at a time and reward your dog for staying seated.
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Keep treats near the door to reinforce calm behavior.
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Ask visitors to ignore your dog until all four paws are on the floor.
With repetition, your dog will learn that calm greetings earn attention — not chaos.
Create a Safe Space
Even social pets need a break from the holiday excitement.
Set up a quiet room with your pet’s bed, toys, and water bowl where they can retreat if things get too noisy.
This is especially helpful for cats or anxious dogs who may feel overwhelmed by crowds or kids.
Bonus tip: Play soft music or use a white noise machine to help mask the sounds of guests and laughter.
Brush Up on Basic Commands
“Sit,” “Stay,” and “Leave it” are lifesavers during the holidays.
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“Sit” keeps dogs polite when guests have food in their hands.
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“Stay” helps prevent door dashes.
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“Leave it” can stop curious noses from getting too close to the turkey platter!
A few five-minute refresher sessions each day can make a big difference.
Teach Food Manners
Holiday meals mean tempting smells — and dropped crumbs.
Train your dog or cat to stay off the table and counters by rewarding them for keeping all four paws on the floor.
Remind guests not to slip table scraps (especially dangerous foods like onions, chocolate, or bones).
Consider having a pet-safe treat bowl so they can enjoy the feast too — safely.
Socialize Gradually
If your pet isn’t used to a lot of people, introduce them slowly. Invite one or two friends over before the big event to help them practice being around new faces. Offer treats and praise for calm behavior.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s confidence. A little exposure ahead of time helps your pet feel more at ease when the full guest list arrives.
Stay Patient and Positive
The holidays can be hectic, but your pet looks to you for reassurance. Stick to their normal routine for feeding, walks, and playtime as much as possible. Consistency helps them feel secure.
Most importantly, celebrate their progress — even small wins!
With a bit of training and preparation, your pet can be the perfect holiday host — calm, confident, and well-mannered. Start now, stay positive, and soon your guests will be saying, “Wow, what a good boy (or girl)!”
Your pet will thank you for making the holidays less stressful — and much more fun for everyone.
