The Holidays Aren’t Always Fun for Dogs

We love the holidays. There’s food, family, laughter, and traditions that make the season special. But here’s something we sometimes forget: while we’re enjoying the festivities, our dogs might be quietly thinking, “What on earth is going on around here?”

Routines Get Messy

Dogs love predictability. Breakfast at the usual time, walks on schedule, cozy evenings in their favorite spot—that’s their happy place. The holidays can throw all of that out the window. Suddenly, the doorbell’s ringing nonstop, people are staying up late, and your dog’s dinner might be hours later than usual. To them, it feels like their world is upside down.

Crowds, Noise, and… a Tree in the Living Room?

Imagine being a dog and seeing your humans bring a whole tree indoors, cover it with lights, and then act like that’s completely normal. Add in loud music, clinking glasses, and a house full of strangers. For some dogs, that’s thrilling. For others, it’s overwhelming or even scary.

And those guests? Some might not know the rules. Kids may want to hug or chase the dog. Adults may sneak them table scraps. Your dog is left trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s not, and where they can go to breathe.

The Food Temptations

We all know holiday tables are loaded with rich, delicious food. Dogs know it too. Problem is, much of it isn’t safe for them. Chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and even turkey bones can cause serious harm. Your dog doesn’t know that; they just smell heaven coming from the kitchen.

What You Can Do for Your Dog

The good news is, a few small steps can make the holidays easier for your pup:

  • Keep routines steady whenever possible. Meals and walks on time are a gift of comfort.

  • Give them a safe retreat. A quiet room for your dog with their bed and toys can be a lifesaver when things get hectic.

  • Watch the food. Tempting as it is, keep the holiday goodies out of reach.

  • Advocate for them. Not all dogs like hugs, costumes, or crowds. It’s okay to say, “Let’s give the dog a break.”

The Best Gift of All

At the heart of it, the holidays are about love and connection. For our dogs, love looks like consistency, safety, and understanding. They don’t care about gifts under the tree. Our dogs just want to know we’ve got their back, even when the house is buzzing with activity.

So this holiday season, while you’re spreading cheer, take a moment to notice how your dog is doing. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give them is a little peace and quiet.

How to Prepare For Your Dog Training Session

Michael Baugh CDBC

Dog training on-the-fly can look too much like testing and not enough like teaching. Sure, there are some circumstances where a properly reinforced single-event training moment is acceptable, even preferred (example: randomly calling your dog to you for a click and treat). Most of the time, though, I recommend well-planned brief sessions for training with your dog, seven to ten minutes in duration, one to three times per day.

What Should You do Before Starting a Dog Training Session?

✅ Make sure you have all the props you’ll need nearby. (for example, your dog’s mat, or target stick)

✅ Have treats and your clicker if you are using one. (Carry your treat bag around for an hour before a session so your dog doesn’t automatically flip into “training mode.”)

✅ Create a low-stress, minimally distracting place to train.

✅ Imagine what a successful session will look like. Visualization works.

✅ Take a breath. Relax. I like to do a brief meditation before training. It helps me focus and pay attention.

Begin.

When we set ourselves and our dogs up for success, training is fun. It’s not always easy, but the challenges are easier to solve. Enjoy this moment. Keep in mind how your session connects to your larger dog training goals without getting lost in the future, or getting frustrated because you’re not there yet. Teach in the here and now. The days with your dog are passing, and this is all part of the joy you share with each other.

 

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston TX. He specializes in aggressive dog training.

What Does Behavior Have To Do With My Dog’s Health?

Dogs don’t just express themselves through cute quirks. They are also communicating their physical and mental health. Our dogs’ behavior and health are deeply intertwined.

How Does My Dog’s Health Affect Behavior?

  • Pain, illness or injury often show up first as behavior changes. Pacing, panting, withdrawing, sleeping more, or suddenly acting aggressive are all signs. Dogs can’t tell us when their joints ache or their stomach hurts, so behavior is a key early warning sign.

  • Hormonal and metabolic shifts can modify energy levels, mood, reactivity.

  • Chronic stress, fear or anxiety has measurable physiological effects like higher cortisol, altered immune function. For example, dogs with fear/anxiety disorders are more likely to get skin disorders and other immune or hormonal issues. (Dreschel 2010)

Early intervention is key. Any sudden change in behavior, especially in an adult dog, should begin with a thorough veterinary assessment.

How Does My Dog’s Behavior Affect Health?

  • Persistent anxiety in dogs keeps stress systems activated. Over time, that is linked to poorer immune function, greater risk of infections, slower healing, and shortened lifespan. (Dreschel 2010)

  • Poor sleep or disrupted activity cycles and also increased disease risk, especially on older dogs. (Modino 2014)

  • Euthanasia related to canine behavior issues is one of the leading causes of death in young, otherwise healthy dogs.

The encouraging news is that behavior can change. In fact, change is the nature of behavior in dogs (and humans).

What Every Vet Should Know About Behavior Change.

In practice, vets should screen for behavioral signs just as they do for physical ones: ask owners about noises that scare the dog, separation behavior, aggression, changes in sleep or appetite. Early detection means interventions can start before behavior problems worsen. Baseline interventions include:

  • Positive reinforcement training (rewarding desired behavior) is supported by both behavior science and welfare research. It tends to produce more reliable, less stressful results than aversive or punishment-based methods. It improves trust between dog and human, reduces fear.

  • Classical conditioning (associating neutral or formerly negative stimuli with positive outcomes) helps reshape emotional responses—for example reducing fear of loud noises, strangers, or new environments.

  • Medical Treatment by a licensed veterinarian is part of many behavior change plans, even when there is not an underlying physical malady. This often the case with dogs who have significant anxiety, fear, or aggression.

Two Professions Working Together.

Qualified trainers and certified dog behavior consultants will flag behavior changes that require a veterinary visit. Medical intervention can go a long way in changing even the most troubling behavior issues. Similarly, excellent veterinarians will have behavior professional to whom they can refer for behavioral functional analysis and intervention.

Your dog’s behavior is one of the clearest windows into his health. Behavioral changes often precede obvious medical signs. At the same time, behavior itself can contribute to disease risk, reduced well‐being, and even shorter lifespan. For veterinarians (and for dog owners) addressing behavior proactively using evidence‐based methods like positive reinforcement operant and classical conditioning isn’t just about better manners. It’s about longer, healthier, happier lives.