🎄 How to Make Christmas Dog-Friendly: A Guide to a Calm, Happy Holiday with Your Dog 🐾

As the festive season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of Christmas decorations, food, entertaining and presents. But while we’re decking the halls and sipping mulled wine, our four-legged companions, especially gundogs, are experiencing Christmas a little differently. The change in routine, extra visitors, and tempting scents can be both exciting and overwhelming. 

At Lead and Listen, we believe that the festive season should be as joyful for your dog as it is for you. So, here’s our Christmas tips to help you create a calm, safe, and happy festive period for your gundog using ethical, positive reinforcement training principles. 

1. Routines Still Matter (Even at Christmas) 

Dogs, like us, thrive on routine. Late nights, skipped walks, and unfamiliar guests can throw even the steadiest dog off balance. 

Top Tip: Try to keep feeding and walking times consistent, and allow for time to decompress from the excitement of visitors and extra business during the day. Your dog’s nervous system will thank you for the rest periods and predictability! 

2. Keep Christmas Treats Off the Menu 

We all love indulging at Christmas, but many festive foods are toxic to dogs; chocolate, mince pies, stuffing with onions, and even turkey bones can cause serious harm. 

Instead, treat your dog to: ✅ A frozen Kong with mashed sweet potato and a bit of turkey ✅ A sprinkle trail of tasty treats in the garden to encourage natural foraging ✅ A long-lasting natural chew while you're tucking into your own roast 

3. Christmas is Prime Time for Enrichment 

If you're stuck inside more than usual due to cold or rain, make use of indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog stimulated and content. 

Ideas for festive brain games: 

• Hide and seek with their favourite toy   

• Scentwork using bits of kibble or low-fat treats   

• A homemade “snuffle stocking” (just like a snuffle mat, but Christmassy!) 

  
  

4. Christmas Trees, Lights, and... Stress? 

Let’s be honest, trees indoors, flashing lights, and musical ornaments are enough to confuse any dog. Some may find the changes exciting, others might feel unsettled. 

Set your gundog up for success: 

• Introduce decorations gradually and let your dog investigate safely   

• Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour near the tree   

• Create a “safe space” or den where your dog can retreat to if things get overwhelming   

  
  

5. Keep Training Fun and Festive 

Training doesn’t need to stop over Christmas; in fact, it’s a great way to maintain structure and connection with your dog. Short, regular sessions help keep their mind sharp and give them something productive to do. (ie. can you walk to “heel” in the house, “sit stay” training with duration and going out of sight). 

Try these festive training games: 🎅 “Santa Says” (like Simon Says, but with dog-friendly cues) 🐾 Place training under the Christmas tree (great for impulse control) 🎁 “Find the present” using scentwork 

6. Mind the Visitors: Advocate for Your Dog 

While many gundogs are sociable, sudden crowds or overenthusiastic relatives can be too much. Your dog should never be expected to cope without support. 

Remember: 

• Consent-based interaction is key, always let your dog choose whether they engage   

• Teach children to respect the dog’s space (no hugging, pulling, or chasing)   

• Have a quiet room ready if your dog needs a break   

• House leads can be super helpful to manage your dog when visitors are around or you are visiting family or friends with your dog.  

Smells and scents 

Scented candles or similar products can be very pleasant to our noses, but your dog may find the scents overwhelming. Please observe your dog’s body language and always allow them to leave the room.  

Strong perfumes can irritate your dog’s nose. Strong scents can overwhelm a dog's respiratory system, causing coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.  

7. The Gift of Time Together 

More than anything, dogs crave connection. Amidst all the busyness, a quiet walk, a cuddle on the sofa, or a gentle training game can be the highlight of their day. 

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, but with a bit of thought, it can be peaceful, positive, and deeply bonding for you and your dog. 

🐾 Wishing You and Your Dog a Calm, Joyful Christmas! 

At Lead and Listen, we’re passionate about helping owners build strong, trusting relationships with their dogs through kindness, not coercion. Whether you’re heading out for a Boxing Day walk or snuggling by the fire, we hope this Christmas brings moments of connection, calm, and canine joy. 

Need support over the festive season? Check out our training guides, online resources, or get in touch. We’re here to help you and your dog thrive.