Tinsel, Trees, and Tail Wags: Decorating Safely with Dogs. How to Introduce Holiday Decorations Without Stress or Mess

Christmas/Yule Trees (and Other Decorations, Including Those Creepy Inflatables!)

The holiday season brings big changes to our homes, and with over 20,000 new puppy households in the UK each year (and likely more), it’s important to introduce these changes thoughtfully for our dogs and puppies.

Here are some tips to help your dog adjust to the decorations in a calm and positive way:

• Introduce Slowly and Mindfully – Allow your dog to explore new decorations at their own pace, without rushing them.
• Remember, dogs use their mouths and paws to investigate, so set them up for success by monitoring interactions.

• Use Positive Redirection – Have treats and favorite toys ready in case they investigate decorations a little too enthusiastically.
• Instead of correcting them, redirect their attention to treats or toys.
• Stay Calm and Reassuring – Avoid using high-pitched or overly excited tones, as these can sometimes startle or intimidate dogs.
• The key is to keep the experience low-stress and casual.
• Practice Patience – Repeat the process of introducing decorations as many times as necessary for your dog to feel comfortable.
• While decorating may be exciting for you, it’s more important to prioritize calm and happy dogs over nervous ones who might avoid the room entirely.
• During Decorating – Let your dog observe the process and engage in some calm activities, like puzzle toys or sniff games, to keep them relaxed while you work.
• Inflatables and Outdoor Decorations – If you’re setting up inflatables, allow your dog to observe them being inflated from a safe distance.
• Let them approach these strange new items on their own terms—sudden changes in the garden can be very intimidating.

Dogs Don’t Understand Holiday Changes:

Decorations, trees, and gifts are unfamiliar to dogs, and sudden changes to their environment can be confusing or stressful.

Plan Around Your Dog: If you have a chewer or a dog who scent marks, consider using a smaller tree placed on furniture, out of reach.

Avoid placing edible decorations on the tree, as many (like chocolate, essential oils, or dehydrated ornaments) are toxic to dogs.

Presents and Dogs Don’t Mix: Every year, people report that their dogs have torn into presents under the tree, often demolishing tins of biscuits, chocolates, or even new toys. For dogs, it’s a combination of fun scents and irresistible destruction! Keep presents stored safely out of reach until it’s time to unwrap them.

Final Reminder:

Enjoy your Christmas/Yule celebrations, but always be mindful of your dog’s well-being. Sharing your home with your dog means considering their needs and safety while you decorate.