The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. But for pet parents whose pets struggle with separation anxiety, this festive season can bring a mix of excitement and stress.
Balancing the desire to participate in holiday activities with the need to support a dog who struggles with alone time can be challenging. But here's the good news: there are alternatives to leaving your dog home alone, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without compromising your dog’s well-being.
Here are 7 top tips for enjoying the holidays while being mindful of your dog’s needs—this will allow you and your canine companion to celebrate the season together in harmony.
1- Host Celebrations at Home
One of the simplest ways to avoid leaving your dog alone during holiday gatherings is to bring the celebration to you. By hosting at your home, you can create a calm, familiar environment for your dog while still engaging in the festive spirit.
How To Make It Work
- Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area in a quiet room where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Fill it with favorite toys, bedding, and maybe a long-lasting treat to keep them occupied.
-Manage the environment: If you’re expecting a large group of people, consider placing baby gates in certain areas to allow your dog to participate from a distance or remain in their safe space.
-Take breaks: If your dog is still uneasy despite being home, take short breaks to check in with them, offer comfort, or engage in calming activities like a gentle game of fetch or a quick walk outside.
-Adjusting the setting to your dog’s needs allows you to enjoy time with friends and family without adding to your dog's anxiety.
2- Find a Trusted Pet Sitter or Friend
A great option is to ask a trusted pet sitter or friend to look after your dog. By picking someone who knows your dog's needs and routine, you can be sure they'll get the attention and care they deserve. This way, you can enjoy being out of the house for work or fun, knowing your dog is safe and supported, and getting plenty of love and companionship while you're away.
Choosing The Right Sitter
-Familiarity is key: A pet sitter your dog knows and trusts is ideal, especially if your dog struggles with separation anxiety. If your dog hasn’t met the sitter before, arrange a few meet-and-greets before the holidays to build a positive relationship.
-Comfort and routine: Ask that your pet sitter sticks to your dog’s regular routines as much as possible. This includes feeding schedules, walks, playtime, and any cues you use to calm them.
In-home sitting: If your dog feels more secure in familiar surroundings, opt for a sitter who can come to your home rather than having your dog stay elsewhere.
-Be sure that the sitter understands that your dog struggles with alone time and that they must avoid leaving their dog while caring for them.
Whether it's a family member, a close friend, or a professional pet sitter, having someone to care for your dog while you're away allows you to participate in holiday festivities worry-free. If you do not have a dogsitter, try this:
If you do not have a pet sitter, here are suggestions on how to find one:
-Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. People you trust may know a reliable sitter who has experience with dogs.
- Check with your vet or local pet store. Many veterinary offices and pet stores keep a list of trusted pet sitters or may offer sitting services themselves.
- Use a reputable pet-sitting app or website like Rover or Wag. These platforms allow you to find sitters with reviews and experience in your area.
- Look into local Facebook groups or community boards where people often recommend sitters or offer their services.
Contact a certified professional. Some pet sitters have certifications from organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), which can provide extra peace of mind.
Try local doggy daycares or boarding facilities. Some offer in-home sitting services or know experienced sitters they can refer you to.
Following these steps will increase your chances of finding a pet sitter who can provide excellent care while you're away.
3- Explore Pet-Friendly Holiday Activities
Why not bring your dog along to the festivities? With some creativity, you can find ways to include your dog in your holiday plans so they never have to experience the anxiety of being left behind.
Ideas For Dog-Friendly Holiday Outings
- Holiday markets and outdoor events: Many holiday markets and gatherings welcome dogs, making them a great opportunity to enjoy the season together. Check the event’s guidelines and ensure your dog feels comfortable in busy environments.
-Drive-through light displays: If your dog prefers the calm of a car ride, consider visiting a drive-through light display. It’s a fun way to experience the holiday spirit without leaving your dog at home.
-Small, dog-friendly gatherings: If you’re visiting family or friends, check if they are open to having your dog join. Many dog-friendly homes may even have a canine companion for your dog to socialize with!
When you choose pet-friendly holiday events, you create new traditions that involve your dog, keeping them close while you make memories together.
4- Plan for Short Outings
When you need to attend a holiday event without your dog, try to keep your absences short and manageable for your dog’s comfort level.
Tips for Shorter Outings
-Gradual departures: If you’ve been working on desensitizing your dog to your absences, this is a great opportunity to use those skills. Practice leaving for short periods before the holidays, always returning before your dog reaches their anxiety threshold.
Enrichment activities: When you leave, provide your dog with enriching activities to reduce stress. Puzzle toys, frozen food-stuffed KONGs, and slow feeders can help your dog stay engaged while you’re away. Remember that many dogs will not eat or play when stressed, so this may not work for you. Alternatively, it may calm them briefly, but panic ensues when the food is gone.
Set up a dog cam: A pet camera lets you check in on your dog while out. If you notice signs of anxiety, you can return home before it escalates, maintaining your dog’s comfort.
Carefully planning shorter outings allows you to enjoy holiday moments with friends and family while ensuring your dog remains calm and comfortable.
5- Consider Doggy Daycare
If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs and has experience with daycare settings, consider sending them to doggy daycare during longer holiday events.
What to Look for in a Daycare
-Small, well-managed groups: Make sure the daycare you choose has staff who understand dog behavior and keep group sizes small to prevent overstimulation.
Calm environment: Some daycares offer a more serene environment where dogs can rest and relax rather than engage in constant play. This can be a great option for dogs overwhelmed by high-energy settings.
-Holiday reservations: Many daycares fill up quickly around the holidays, so be sure to book in advance and do a few trial days before the holidays if your dog is new to the daycare.
Doggy daycare can provide a safe, enriching alternative for your dog while you’re out enjoying holiday festivities.
6- Bring in Professional Help
For dogs with more severe behaviors when left alone, it may be helpful to work with a professional, like a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) like me, who can help guide you through the holiday season. If you have questions, contact me here.
Benefits Of Professional Guidance
-Personalized training plans: A CSAT can work with you to create a customized plan that meets your dog’s needs, incorporating gradual departures and behavior modification techniques.
Support during challenging times: The holidays can be stressful, but a trainer experienced in separation anxiety can help you navigate these situations and offer advice on managing your dog’s anxiety effectively.
Peace of mind: Knowing you have expert guidance can relieve some pressure during this busy season. It allows you to focus on enjoying the holidays while steadily progressing your dog’s training.
Reaching out for professional support can help you set realistic expectations and strategies for your dog, ensuring a smoother holiday experience for both of you.
7-Involve Your Dog in Holiday Preparations
Incorporating your dog into holiday preparations can be a fun and interactive way to keep them engaged while also keeping them close.
Ideas For Including Your Dog
-Dog-friendly holiday treats: Spend some time in the kitchen whipping up dog-friendly holiday treats! You can make simple recipes using pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats. Not only will your dog love the snacks, but the time spent together will reinforce your bond.
-Holiday crafts: If you enjoy DIY projects, why not make a special ornament or stocking for your dog? You can even involve your dog by making paw print decorations or custom dog tags for their collar.
-Include them in traditions: Whether setting up the tree or decorating cookies, involve your dog in the holiday fun! Just be sure to create a calming environment with breaks for quiet time if they feel overwhelmed.
By making your dog a part of the holiday process, you’ll create memories and shared experiences that strengthen your connection and reduce their feelings of isolation.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Holidays Together
The holidays don’t have to be stressful for you or your dog. With a little planning and creativity, you can find ways to enjoy the festivities without leaving your dog home alone. Whether hosting at home, finding a trusted sitter, or attending dog-friendly events, the key is to focus on what makes you and your dog comfortable. Remember that you’re not alone—many pet guardians face similar challenges, and with patience and flexibility, you can still enjoy all the magic this season has to offer.
Happy holidays to you and your furry companion!
Stephanie
About Stephanie Barger, Canine Zen
Stephanie Barger is a dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety and behavior modification. She spent the early years of her career teaching humans before transitioning to dog training over a decade ago. Her passion is helping you and your dog live more harmoniously together.
The name of her business, Canine Zen, embodies her approach to life with our dogs. She recognizes that dogs are living, breathing, sentient, social beings that need human support, compassion, and understanding to live beside us in our strange human world. She shows people how to effectively communicate with their dogs and understand what their dogs are trying to say to them. She strives to provide a safe environment for dogs and humans to learn and thrive together without fear, pain, or judgment.
If your life with your dog is not what you anticipated and "nothing has worked" to change things, Stephanie can help you understand and work with your dog to achieve your goals and a better life together. She is an amazing teacher, works compassionately with humans and dogs, and provides practical solutions for your dog training needs. Her goal is to calm the chaos in your home.
Feel free to contact Stephanie if you want to transform your relationship with your dog and create a more harmonious home. You can also ask questions in the comment box below.
Free Discovery Call with Stephanie: https://train.caninezen.com/book-discovery-call-page
Stephanie and Canine Zen's links/handles:
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBarger67
Facebook (business): https://www.facebook.com/caninezenusa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninezen/
Stephanie’s Certifications/Organizational Affiliations:
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)
Certificate of Completion-Aggression in Dogs Master Class
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFP-Trainer)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Member of the Association of Professional Trainers (APT)
Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Alignable Ambassador: Alliance of Central NM
Alignable Group Co-Leader: Pet Industry Group
Owner/Operator of Canine Zen LLC
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