The holidays are stressful for all sorts of reasons: shopping, relatives, bad traffic, the snow you prayed for arriving at just the wrong time and cleaning the house all come to mind.

But what about for our pets? Many people do not realize that the holidays may be stressful for their pets, even those that looooove having guests over. In order to avoid stressing out the humans, and the dogs, I have compiled a list of tips to help you make it through the holidays!

1. Have a Plan

The #1 thing you want is to have a plan for your dog. Does everyone visiting the house like dogs? Does your dog like people? If the answer is “Too Much, No, Maybe, or Sort Of”, you will want to have a plan for your dog. Use a gate to keep dogs separate from the people when everyone is arriving, and if both dogs and people are happy to co-mingle, then let the dogs out. If your dog seems tired, or stops going up to visit people but has people trying to pet them, but them back in a bedroom or behind a gate to give them some space.

If you are having guests over that are afraid of dogs, have a plan to keep your dog safe and occupied while that person is visiting, or if its a multi-day visit, have an honest and clear conversation about expectations before they arrive.

2. Go For A Walk

Plan a walk for you and your dog. Plan multiple walks for you and your dog! Leading up to hectic events, it is even more important for you to take time out to just be outside for your sake, and the dogs. If you are having company for the holidays, but find that stressful, plan strategic walks to keep you and your dog relaxed.

3. Know Your Training

Two days before you have 20 people over for a holiday dinner and you realize-- the dog lays under the table. It doesn’t bother you, so you never trained the dog to do something else. BUT... Your relatives see that as “begging”! Ah! What do you do?

First, accept that if you realized this two days before company arrives, there most likely is not enough time to train your dog to do something else. Second, come up with a management plan: crate your dog for meals, put a bed under the table so everyone thinks the dog belongs there, or prepare what you will say to relatives who make those digs at you in advance!

4. Go For MORE Walks

Really. Walking is good for your mind, body and soul. Its good for your dogs mind, body, and soul. Lots of nice walks will help make the holidays less stressful. Plan them out and make sure everyone you visit or everyone visiting you knows they are happening. Trust me on this one.

How do you like to keep the stress levels down during the holidays?