Welcome back to The Doodle Pro® Podcast, where I help you create a calmer, happier life with your beloved Doodle. For those of us in the US, Thanksgiving is here, and for everyone, the winter holidays are just around the corner. While this season is full of joy for us, it can be overwhelming for our pups.

Today, I’m sharing 10 ways to keep your Doodle safe and calm this holiday season.

Tip 1: Give your dog space from visitors if needed.
Sometimes the best way to help your Doodle is to give them a break. Set up a quiet, cozy retreat where they can decompress. If your pup gets stressed by guests or kids, provide a safe spot for them to relax away from the chaos. If you’ve taken my Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™, you already know how powerful a solid mat settle routine can be.

Tip 2: Keep jumpers on a leash or put them away until they settle.
We love how social Doodles can be, but not everyone appreciates a full-body jump as a greeting. Use a leash to guide polite hellos or keep your Doodle in their safe space until they’re calm. Exercise before guests arrive works wonders to curb excitement.

Tip 3: Keep decorative plants out of reach.
Holiday decorations are beautiful but can be dangerous. Keep toxic plants like poinsettias and mistletoe far from curious noses. Opt for pet-safe greenery or, better yet, Doodle-proof faux decorations.

Tip 4: Be mindful of table scraps and trash.
The smell of turkey can tempt even the best-behaved Doodle to counter-surf. Watch out for unsafe foods like bones, chocolate, and onions. If your pup doesn’t know the “leave it” command yet, now’s a great time for a refresher. Also, secure trash bins to avoid tempting smells leading to mischief.

Tip 5: Provide exercise and enrichment before guests arrive.
A tired Doodle is a calmer Doodle. Before festivities begin, take your pup on a long walk or engage them with mentally stimulating toys, like a puzzle feeder or frozen Kong. This can help prevent unwanted behaviors like barking or jumping.

Tip 6: Separate dogs from kids.
Holidays bring extra excitement, and young guests may not know how to interact safely with dogs. Protect your Doodle and the kiddos by setting boundaries. Supervise interactions or give your pup a break from the action.

Tip 7: Ask visitors to call or text before they arrive.
Unexpected doorbells can send your Doodle into overdrive. Ask guests to text when they’re close so you can prepare your pup, whether by leashing them, providing a calming activity, or using relaxation exercises.

Tip 8: Post notes on doors asking guests to close them.
With guests coming and going, doors often get left open. A simple note reminding visitors to keep doors shut can save you from a stressful runaway Doodle situation.

Tip 9: Practice the Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™.
One of the most powerful ways to keep your Doodle calm this holiday season is with my Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™. This step-by-step program teaches your pup how to settle and focus, no matter the distractions around them. It’s quick, easy, and can be done at home in just 5–10 minutes a day. If you haven’t started yet, check the link in the show notes to get started today and see results in just a couple of weeks.

Tip 10: Ensure your Doodle wears their collar with accurate tags and has a registered microchip.
Make sure your pup is wearing a secure collar with up-to-date ID tags, and verify their microchip is registered and updated if you’ve moved. With all the holiday excitement, open doors, and unfamiliar faces, there’s always a risk of your Doodle slipping out unnoticed. Accurate tags ensure a quick reunion, and a registered microchip is an essential backup.

I hope these tips help make your Thanksgiving and winter holidays joyful, safe, and calm for both you and your Doodle. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast—it helps other Doodle parents find us and spreads the word about positive, science-backed training.

Until next time, remember: Doodles are different, wonderfully so.

Happy holidays, everyone! 🎄🐾