The holiday season can be a source of stress for both us and our dogs.

With a surge of new guests arriving and the excitement of festive meals and decorations, anxious dogs might react unpredictably — leading to potential bites or dangerous eating.

“The holiday period is all about togetherness and having more guests than usual,” explained Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian at the Wellness Pet Company. “However, if you have an overly enthusiastic dog, one with poor manners, or a timid dog that gets anxious, along with a Labrador who drools next to diners, it can be tricky.”

Being aware of your dog’s behavior can help ensure that family get-togethers are enjoyable, emphasized Dominik Feichtner, founder of The Dog Behaviorist training firm based in Brooklyn, New York.

“Be realistic about your dog’s temperament,” Feichtner advised. “If your dog gets anxious every time a delivery person knocks, chances are they’ll struggle even more with multiple guests coming through the door.”

Establishing guidelines, especially for children, can prevent overwhelming situations, according to Bernal. It’s important for kids to know how to interact with dogs and to stay alert for warning signs such as growling or exposed teeth, Feichtner said. New sounds and the presence of many people can escalate into chaos, but many stressors can be avoided or handled effectively.

“Setting some clear ground rules might feel intimidating, but it can really help everyone feel more comfortable,” Bernal remarked.

Understanding why incoming guests can unsettle dogs

Welcoming long-awaited friends and family can be heartwarming, but dogs often don’t know how to react when unfamiliar visitors cross over their threshold, Feichtner explained.

“Dogs are not clear on the expectations,” Feichtner noted. “Should they protect their space, hide away, or jump up to seek affection?”

Pet owners can teach their dogs how to respond appropriately when the doorbell rings and guests enter. Feichtner mentioned a technique called the “place command.” This allows dogs to learn to go to a designated spot, like their bed, when someone arrives. By doing this, dogs have a clear action to take and can receive a reward for behaving correctly. Additionally, Bernal suggests having your dog perform a simple “sit” command as guests enter.

If your dog seems overwhelmed, it may react out of fear, Feichtner warned.

“That’s the situation where bites can occur,” he noted.

For dogs that might specifically be fearful of certain guests, Feichtner recommends taking the dog outside with that person for 5 to 10 minutes before reentering the house, treating it as a normal scenario.

Create a ‘Bark-cuterie Board’

During the holiday season, visits to the vet tend to increase due to more dogs consuming the wrong foods or being offered inappropriate snacks by well-meaning guests, according to Bernal and Feichtner.

Bernal recommends preparing a “bark-cuterie” board with safe snacks for dogs, including carrots, apple slices, and plain yogurt, providing a fun and safe activity for kids who want to feed the dog.

“You can make it enjoyable, especially for kids who love spending time with the dog,” said Bernal.

Feichtner advises keeping the dog’s leash on while indoors. This makes it easier to redirect the dog if they start to leap onto counters or tables in hopes of stealing a nibble of holiday food.

With hosts busy entertaining guests, it’s easy to forget to put away food or keep items out of the dog’s reach, which is why vigilance is important, Bernal cautions.

“Dogs have a natural instinct to scavenge and explore. Their incredible sense of smell means many of them are true food enthusiasts,” explained Bernal.

Provide a Designated Space for Your Dog

One effective way to prevent unwanted behaviors in dogs is by placing them in a separate, closed room with engaging items such as a dental chew or puzzle treat, as suggested by Bernal.

If keeping the dog away from guests is not an option, try to involve the pet in a constructive manner. For instance, inviting guests to take the dog for a walk can be beneficial for the pet’s routine, Bernal advises.

“Pets have increasingly become part of the family, so including them in holiday celebrations can enhance the experience for everyone,” noted Bernal. “If we create a wonderful day for them, it will lead to a more enjoyable day for us, too.”