Trainer top tips for introducing your dog to new people over the holidays

1. Keep to routine

As best as you can, try to stick to your and your dog’s usual routine, even when hosting festive parties!

A stable routine helps dogs to predict events and feel more settled and secure. To minimise anxious feelings during the party, stick to your usual feeding and walking schedule and make sure to exercise your dog before the guests arrive.

2. Create a safe space

If you can, dedicate a room in the house as a safe space where your dog can relax. Remind visitors that this is the dog’s room and to leave them in peace. You might even want to use a baby gate to

Make sure they’ve got all their favourite toys with them and a cosy bed where they feel comfortable.

Try to introduce this safe space in plenty of time ahead of the even to help your pup get used to it.

3. Puzzle feeders and other distractions

Keep your dog’s mind engaged with puzzle feeders like a snuffle mat or another food dispensing toy.

This will divert their attention to a fun challenge and help them remain calmer.

4. Set ground rules for kids

If there will be young kids around, make sure they understand that your dog needs space and might not want to play with them. Make stay away from your dog’s safe space and check out our advice on safe interactions with dogs and kids for more information.

Whether with children or other adults, try to supervise interactions especially those involving food. These can be moments of heightened excitement and stimulation for your dog and not everyone will be familiar enough with dog body language to understand your dog’s needs.

5. Greet guests outside

Another moment of heightened stimulation and excitement for your dog is when new people are arriving at your house.

To lessen any tension or stress this may cause, greet your guests outside if possible and ask them not to make a big fuss over your dog when they come in – as difficult as that may be!