Holiday guests and pets: keeping everyone calm
Give dogs and cats a quiet retreat, manage greetings, and set simple rules for visitors so holiday gatherings stay relaxed for people and pets alike.
Holiday gatherings bring new voices, strange smells, slamming doors and people who may or may not like animals. Some pets take it in stride. Others get overexcited or withdraw. A little planning helps both kinds.
Set up a retreat first
The American Kennel Club says every dog should have access to a quiet retreat space during gatherings. It suggests placing a crate in an out-of-the-way spot that is accessible to the dog but away from visitors, or designating a room where the dog can relax. A dog gate can keep the dog in that room for breaks, and a stuffed KONG or other safe chew toy can help the dog settle.1 The AKC also lists helping dogs settle when visitors come among the everyday uses of a crate.3 If your dog is new to crates, start with our crate training basics well before the event.
For cats, VCA Animal Hospitals suggests a fully stocked quiet room for cats that cannot settle around guests: food, toys, a litter box and a cozy bed.2 A tall screen or double baby gate can act as a barrier, and you should practice using it when no guests are present.2
Give a cat a perch, not just a hiding place
Not every cat wants to hide. VCA suggests setting up a perch or platform where the cat can relax and watch the visitors. You can train her to hop onto the perch on cue and give treats while she is there, without coaxing her down to interact.2 This works well in a home with a cat tree, and it fits with the ideas in keeping an indoor cat busy in winter.
Manage the greeting
An excited dog can make the first minute hectic. The AKC suggests putting an overly excited dog in a crate or another room before the doorbell rings, then bringing the dog out once the initial excitement fades. Keeping a dog leashed during festivities can also help.1 Reward calm behavior such as sitting or settling into a down, and keep greetings short and successful so the dog forms positive associations with guests.1
If you are working on door manners, stopping leash pulling uses the same reward-based approach.
Rules to give your guests
Pets cannot read a room full of strangers, but your guests can follow a few rules. Share these before they arrive or at the door:
| Rule | For dogs | For cats |
|---|---|---|
| Do not force contact | Nervous dogs should never be forced to interact with visitors1 | Let the cat make the first approach when she is ready2 |
| Do not chase or reach | Explain how guests should engage, whether ignoring the dog or rewarding "sit"1 | Do not chase or reach for her, and do not stare2 |
| Know the pet rules | Children should not interact with the dog unsupervised1 | Tell guests whether petting or lifting is fine2 |
If a cat is interested, guests can toss her a treat or use a favorite toy, and all visits should be supervised.2
Know when to give a break
Pets show overload in different ways. The AKC describes dogs that are overly excited, nervous or overwhelmed, and recommends a break, such as a walk or quiet time in a private area, when a dog becomes overwhelmed.1 For cats, VCA says to move her to the perch or safe room if guests become too active or she starts staring.2 Do not punish. VCA states that punishment, including shouts and water sprays, should not be used because it increases fear and can make things worse.2
Keep the routine steady
Whatever else changes, try to keep your pet's day as familiar as you reasonably can. A puzzle toy, such as those in our guide to dog puzzle toys, can keep a dog occupied in its retreat.
Finally, remember that new surroundings can be unsettling for a cat. If you are bringing home a new pet this season, introducing a new cat to your home covers the early days.
