#27 – Keeping Puppy Calm during Holiday Rush

It’s that time of the year when it seems like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything you need and want to get done for the upcoming Holiday season. Shopping for gifts, decorating, present-wrapping, baking, caroling,…the list goes on and on. Along with your awareness of a growing to-do list, maybe your anxiety is increasing too. With the disruption of the day to day routine, it is possible your Habibi Bear puppy could also be experiencing increased tension as well.

Some things that can increase stress in dogs during the holidays are: 

• Christmas Trees
• Furniture that has been rearranged
• More and unknown people
• Different schedules
• Unfamiliar holiday decorations especially automated figures

While your Habibi Bear puppy has been exposed to different stimuli and experiences ever since their birth, sometimes the combination of multiple stressors can lead to the overstimulation of your pup. One of the most common signs of overstimulation is panting, followed by jumping and an inability to sit or settle, and shaking or scratching. Just like an overactive toddler, puppy’s brain is having difficulty “turning off” and shifting down into a more normal, relaxed state.

If you notice any of these symptoms, here’s some tips to help calm your puppy down:

• Keep calm and speak in quiet, firm tone
• Give a treat “time-out” for puppy in their crate with a favorite chew toy (Kong or antlers, etc)
• Take puppy out for a short, slow walk for you both to relax and regroup.

Maintaining the crating schedule for your Habibi Bear puppy is one of the most important tools in your toolbelt in regards to providing a safe, calm space of their own where puppy can decompress and “reboot” after the holiday hubbub and commotion. Their crate is a place of refuge and comfort to your puppy. By recognizing your puppy’s stress level and providing a positive “time-out” will help settle puppy back down to their normal state in no time at all.

During the Holiday season, consider investing in a few puzzle chew toys and high value treats to give to puppy only in their crate to keep your little guy or gal busy and occupied while you and your family celebrate. If you have gotten off track, there is still time to reestablish good crating routines.