What Your Toronto Dog Needs Over the Holidays (Hint: It’s Not More Toys)

The holidays are loud, busy, emotional, and full of good intentions. We decorate, we gather, we spoil, and we want our dogs to be right there with us enjoying every moment.

But for many dogs, Christmas is not relaxing at all, it can be even stressful.

More people, less routine, unpredictable energy, new smells, new rules, and a lot of excitement can quickly become overwhelming. When dogs struggle during the holidays, it is rarely because they are “bad” or “untrained.” It is usually because they are missing the things that help them feel safe and settled.

And none of those things come wrapped under the tree!

What Dogs Don’t Actually Need More Of

Before we talk about what helps, let’s clear something up.

Most dogs do not need:

• More toys

• More treats

• More attention

• More freedom

• More excitement

  
  

While those things feel loving to us, they often add fuel to an already overstimulating environment.

A dog who is pacing, barking, stealing food, jumping on guests, or unable to settle is not asking for more. They are asking for clarity.

What Your Dog Actually Needs at Christmas

1. Structure Beats Spoiling

Dogs thrive when they know what is expected of them. Holidays tend to loosen rules. Bedtimes shift, walks get skipped, boundaries blur, and suddenly dogs are left guessing.

Keeping a simple structure matters more than ever:

• Regular walks, even if they are shorter

• Consistent feeding routines

• Clear expectations inside the house

Structure creates safety. Safety creates calm.

2. The Importance of Keeping Up Daily Walks

One of the first things to disappear during the holidays is the daily walk. Schedules change, mornings feel rushed, weather is colder, and it becomes easy to skip or shorten outings.

But daily walks are one of the most regulating tools we have for dogs.

A walk is not just exercise. It is:

• Mental decompression

• Predictable structure

• A way for dogs to process their environment

• A chance to reconnect before a busy day

  
  

Even a calm, structured walk around the block can make a noticeable difference in how your dog settles inside the home. Dogs who miss their walks often struggle more with pacing, reactivity, and restlessness, especially when the house is full of people and noise.

If you can do one thing over the holidays, prioritize the walk.

Consistency outside creates calm inside. If walking is something you struggle to consistently add into your routine, hire a Toronto Dog Walker.

3. A Place to Truly Rest

Every dog should have a clear place to go where nothing is asked of them. Not a couch full of guests. Not under the table while food is being passed around.

A proper Place allows your dog to:

• Observe without engaging

• Turn off mentally

• Avoid constant corrections

Rest is a skill. If this is something that your dog struggles with, reach out for some Dog Training help!

4. Calm Leadership

Dogs take their cues from us. When humans are rushed, emotional, excited, or inconsistent, dogs feel it immediately.

Calm leadership looks like:

• Fewer words

• Clear follow through

• Neutral energy

• Predictable responses

You do not need to micromanage your dog. You need to be steady.

5. Permission to Opt Out

Not every dog loves crowds, kids, or chaos. Forcing dogs to participate because “they should get used to it” often backfires.

It is okay if your dog:

• Spends time away from guests

• Takes breaks in another room

• Is not the center of attention

Confidence grows when dogs feel respected.

If your dog is crate trained, this may be a good time to use that.

6. Lower Expectations

Social media shows dogs in matching pajamas sitting perfectly by the tree. Real life looks different.

Progress during the holidays might simply mean:

• Fewer reactions

• Faster settling

• Better recovery after excitement

That counts!

A Calm Christmas Is a Successful One

If your dog feels safe, rested, and understood, you are doing it right.

The holidays do not need to be perfect. They need to be manageable. When we stop trying to add more and instead focus on providing clarity and calm, dogs are finally able to relax.