Pet Companions in Idaho has published a concise set of recommendations aimed at helping dog owners reduce stress and unwanted behaviours in their pets during the holiday season.

The guidance frames the approach around three consistent moves: create a safe, quiet retreat, maintain regular routines for feeding and exercise, and offer familiar comfort items. The group says these measures are small and practical changes owners can make at home to keep animals calm when houses get busier than usual.

Pet Companions notes that the holiday period can present multiple stressors. “Common behavioral issues dogs face during the holiday season include increased stress and anxiety, shown as excessive barking, destructive behavior, pacing, hiding, or inappropriate elimination, often triggered by changes in routine, loud gatherings, travel, and unfamiliar guests or environments.” That list underscores why the organization emphasizes predictability and preparation. Simple Solutions to Dog Behavior Problems During the Holidays

The first recommendation is a designated, undisturbed retreat. Owners are encouraged to set aside a corner, crate or quiet room where a dog can go during gatherings; the space should be stocked with the animal’s regular possessions so the environment remains familiar even when visitors arrive. A cozy bed, favorite toys and familiar blankets are central to the group’s message, because those familiar items can help a dog feel secure amid new sights and sounds.

Maintaining the animal’s daily schedule is presented as equally important. Pet Companions stresses that keeping usual times for walks, meals and play helps stabilize behavior by preserving predictability amid holiday disruption. More broadly, “Pet owners can create a year-round, stress-free environment for dogs by maintaining a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercise, play, and sleep, since dogs thrive on predictability and structure.” The group adds that regular physical and mental exercise and a reliable quiet retreat contribute to long-term wellbeing. Anxious behavior: How to help your dog cope with unsettling situations

Pet Companions also addresses training and coping strategies. The group points owners toward established, welfare-focused approaches: “Reward-based training using positive reinforcement is most effective for calming anxious dogs, as it minimizes stress, reduces fear responses, and improves welfare compared to aversive methods like punishment or shock collars.” Techniques such as desensitization—gradual exposure to stressors—are noted as useful complements to positive reinforcement when owners are working to reduce fear or reactivity.

Beyond those core moves, the group’s advice includes pragmatic environmental adjustments: limit a dog’s access to high-traffic zones during parties, reduce exposure to loud or sudden noises when possible, and ensure tempting foods and decorations are out of reach. Those measures are presented as preventative steps owners can take before gatherings begin, rather than last-minute fixes.

Pet Companions also points owners to further materials from veterinary and training organizations for more in-depth guidance; resources are cited as places to find related techniques and background on stress and coping. The group pairs its written guidance with services and tips aimed at helping owners prepare before guests arrive and offer calm, consistent care through the holidays.

Officials at Pet Companions emphasize that the recommendations are intentionally modest and manageable: the goal is to reduce triggers that can lead to anxiety or unwanted behaviours, making holiday gatherings easier for both pets and people. By combining a quiet retreat, steady routines and familiar comforts, the organization says owners can limit disruption and help dogs remain content when the season brings extra activity.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.