Dogs and Guests

If you are in the United States, I’m guessing that there’s a good chance you’re having people over for the holiday season at some point, or possibly visiting friends and family. You might even have a newly adopted dog or puppy and you’re excited about everyone getting to meet them.

I’ll get straight to my point- I’m here to say that, no, maybe your dog may not be as excited as you are about meeting all the grandkids. And no, your dog may also not want to have your sister’s dog share their home for an entire weekend. Or, they might be excited for all these events but may not quite know how to handle themselves, and things can boil over quickly.

The chaos and extended family time that the holidays bring might be something humans enjoy, but not all pets do, and at least not right away. Holiday calls are dreaded amongst dog trainers. We have all gotten that phone call or email from the family who’s dog bit their niece during christmas, or whose dog picked up a relative’s smaller dog by the neck and swung him around (true story). Even “friendly” dogs have their limits, just like friendly humans do. What matters is that you respect their limits and set them up so they can enjoy company safely, to the extent they want to.

By being mindful and taking it slow, even Kousa, who can be socially fragile, now seems to enjoy himself when we have company. We always keep an eye out for signs that he’s had enough, and never expect him to make the right decision when he’s scared or worried. Signs that may indicate your dog needs a break from socializing include yawning, slowing down or stiffening their body, and displaying what might seem like "tolerance" of unwanted attention, often accompanied by slow head turns to the side with the whites of the eyes showing. They might ask to be taken outside more frequently, or engage in “naughty” behaviors like counter-surfing or sniffing around the trash (especially if this is not something they normally do). Some herding dogs might try to run at other dogs or tiny humans in an effort to get them to stop moving.

For dogs meeting new family members and their pets for the first time, I suggest having the greeting outside. It’s usually less chaotic than inside the house, and therefore can be less intense. Try to stick to your pup’s “normal” routine as much as possible, especially their mealtimes. Make sure they’re undisturbed while eating, and that no children or other dogs wander near them. It’s perfectly fine for your dog to be in a separate room during or after the big dinner - this does not make you a bad pet parent! Keeping dogs separated when needed can help reduce stress and prevent conflicts. Set up quiet spaces for each dog where they can retreat and relax, away from the noise and crowd. Ensure they have their own toys, beds, and access to fresh water. This simple step can make a huge difference in their well-being, allowing everyone to enjoy a peaceful and joyful holiday season!

Kousa safely hanging out with a visiting baby.