Hosting This Holiday Season? How to Help Your Dog Settle When Guests Arrive

Holiday hosting means a lot of doorbells, new faces, coats piling up and good smells coming out of the kitchen. Some dogs love every minute. Others find it a lot. Either way, a little planning helps everyone, including you, enjoy the day.

Before anyone arrives

• Burn off some energy. A longer walk or play session in the morning makes it easier for your dog to settle later.
• Set up a quiet spot. A bed, water and a familiar blanket in a calmer room or corner. A baby gate can help your dog watch what's going on from a comfortable distance.
• Prepare something to lick. Get a lick bowl ready with a dog-safe filling, so it's waiting when the first guest knocks.

When guests arrive

• Give your dog their job right away. Set the lick bowl down in their spot as people come in. Your dog gets something enjoyable to focus on, and you get to take the coats.
• Let your dog choose. If they want to come and say hello once things calm down, great. If they'd rather stay in their spot, that's fine too.
• Watch the front door. With people coming and going, it's easy for a curious dog to slip out.

A quick word with your guests

Holiday food is one of the easiest ways for dogs to end up with an upset stomach. Ask guests not to share from their plates. Cooked bones, fatty trimmings, anything with onion or garlic (stuffing and gravy often have both), grapes, raisins and chocolate desserts should all stay off the floor.

After the party

Give your dog some quiet time once everyone has gone. A familiar routine, like their regular dinner at the usual time, helps the day wind down.

Our Lick and Roll Bowl stays put on smooth floors, keeps your dog licking with a rolling ball in the center, and rinses clean once the last guest has left. For filling ideas, see our list of dog-safe lick bowl fillings.