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The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity—decorations everywhere, unfamiliar guests, disrupted routines, and lots of exciting (or overwhelming) energy. While you might relish the post-Christmas calm, your dog might find it tricky to adjust as the festivities wind down. Restoring normalcy for your dog after such a lively period is crucial to its well-being. This guide will help you smoothly transition your furry friend back to their routine while reducing any stress they may feel.
Why Dogs Need Help Re-Settling After Christmas
Christmas often means a temporary departure from the norm. Your home may have been full of visitors, holiday decorations, and a flurry of activity. This sudden burst of stimulation can be exciting, stressful, or a mix of both for your dog.
When the celebrations end, dogs can struggle with the abrupt change as their environment shifts back to its quieter self. They may show signs of stress, such as:
- Excessive barking.
- Restlessness or pacing.
- Changes in appetite.
- Sleeping more (or less) than usual.
Recognizing these behaviours and taking proactive steps can help your dog feel secure and relaxed again.
Re-Establish Their Routine
Routine is everything for dogs. They thrive on predictability, and restoring a consistent schedule after Christmas is one of the best ways to help them feel grounded.
Feeding Times
Return your dog to its’ regular feeding schedule as soon as possible. If mealtimes shifted during the holidays, gradually bring them back to their usual times over a few days. Consistent feeding provides stability and reinforces the idea that everything is back to normal.
Walks and Exercise
Make sure their daily walks and playtimes are back on track. Whether it’s’ a morning stroll or an afternoon fetch session, sticking to the exact times each day helps your dog feel secure.
Quiet Time
If the holidays meant a house full of guests, your dog might have had little peace. Now’s’ the time to reintroduce their designated quiet time. Create a calm space where they can rest undisturbed—a cosy corner or crate works well.
Gradually Remove Holiday Decorations
For many dogs, Christmas decorations can be fascinating (or intimidating). The sudden appearance of lights, tinsel, and trees creates sensory overload for some pets. When the holidays are over, avoid removing all decorations at once.
A Gradual Approach
Take down decorations slowly over a few days to allow your dog to adjust. Start with items your dog interacts with most, such as decorations near their bed or food area. Leave larger items, like the tree, for last.
Restoring Familiarity
Once the decorations are gone, return your dog’s space to its usual arrangement. Familiar scents, objects, and layouts will help your dog feel at ease.
Monitor and Address Stress Signals
Pay close attention to how your dog behaves in the days following Christmas. If you notice signs of stress, take steps to reassure them:
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or cuddles. This helps reinforce the idea that their environment is safe and predictable.
Provide Chew Toys or Enrichment Activities
Chew toys and puzzle feeders can help reduce anxiety by keeping your dog’s mind engaged. These activities are beneficial if your dog is restless or seems bored after the festive excitement.
Reclaim Their Environment
The post-Christmas clean-up is an excellent opportunity to make your dog’s environment feel familiar and safe again.
Remove Holiday Scents
Candles, potpourri, and other festive scents can linger in your home. Replace these with neutral or pet-safe scents that won’t overwhelm your dog’s sensitive nose.
Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas
If your dog has many visitors or other pets in the house, clean the areas where they spend the most time. Vacuuming and washing their bedding can help eliminate lingering scents that might confuse or unsettle them.
Address Behavioral Chang
Some dogs may exhibit new behaviours after the holidays, such as increased barking, clinginess, or reluctance to be alone. These changes are often temporary and can be managed with patience.
Be Patient
If your dog seems unsettled, give them time. Abrupt behavioural shifts often react to the changes around them and should resolve as their routine stabilizes.
Consider Professional Advice
Consult a professional trainer or behaviourist if your dog’s stress doesn’t’ improve. They can provide tailored strategies to help your dog feel more secure.
Maintain Positive Energy
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and pick up on your emotions. They are likely to feel they if you’re calm and relaxed.
Avoid Overcorrecting
Avoid harsh corrections if your dog makes a mistake, such as having an accident indoors or barking excessively. Instead, redirect their behaviour gently and focus on positive reinforcement.
Spend Quality Time Together
After the busy holiday period, your dog will appreciate one-on-one bonding time. Whether it’s a long walk, cuddling on the couch, or playing their favourite game, these moments help rebuild trust and security.
Get Back to Training
If the wayside neglected training during the holidays, now, resume them.
Start Small
Begin with simple commands like “sit” or “stay.” These are a “sy f” or yo”ur dog” to succeed at, boosting their confidence and reinforcing your bond.
Make It Fun
Turn training sessions into games. For example, incorporate treat rewards or use their favourite toy as motivation. Training doesn’t have to be serious—it doesn’t be an enjoyable way to reconnect with your d
Final Thoughts
The post-Christmas period is a time to restore calm and stability for your dog. With patience, routine, and love, you can help them transition smoothly back to normalcy.
Remember, every dog is unique. Paying attention to their needs and behaviour can create a supportive environment that helps them feel safe, happy, and loved.
Here’s to a peaceful and joyful year! Here’s New Year to you and your furry friend!