How to Survive Christmas with a Hyper Dog 🎄🐾
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration… and for many of us, one very excitable dog going completely bonkers with the change in routine, visitors, food smells, wrapping paper, flashing lights - you name it!
Here’s how to keep your cool (and theirs) through the chaos:
1. 🧠 Start the Day With Mental Enrichment
Before the presents, before the roast potatoes, give your dog a task.
Try:
A snuffle mat breakfast
Frozen peanut butter in a Kong
DIY treat scavenger hunt around the house
This burns energy and sets a calm tone for the day.
2. 🎁 Let Them Unwrap Their Own Presents
Dogs love to sniff, tear, and forage. So give them something of their own to unwrap:
A toy wrapped in paper
A paper-stuffed box with treats inside
A “Christmas cracker” made from a toilet roll and dog snacks
Bonus: It keeps them out of everyone else’s gifts!
3. ☃️ Book a Christmas Morning Field Session
This is one of the best ways to burn off excitement before the house fills up.
You can book a 55-minute solo session
The park is fully enclosed (off-lead zoomies!)
You’ll get peace and quiet before the mayhem
🟢 Gift Cards and Bundles available – www.thedogplaypark.com
4. 🧘 Create a Quiet Chill Zone
Dogs can get overstimulated too — especially with:
Kids playing
Guests arriving
Loud music or films
Set up a calm space with:
Their bed
A chew or stuffed Kong
White noise or calming music
Let them retreat whenever they need a break.
5. 🚫 Don’t Share the Turkey!
We know - those eyes are hard to resist. But avoid giving:
Cooked bones
Fatty leftovers
Stuffing, gravy or chocolate
Stick to dog-safe Christmas snacks - or better yet, make them a doggy dinner of their own.
6. 🐾 Stick to (Some) Routine
While it’s tempting to toss the whole schedule, keeping some elements in place can help:
Feed at normal times
Offer a walk or park visit where possible
Keep bedtime consistent
It helps them stay grounded amid all the excitement.
🎅 Final Tip: A Tired Dog = A Happy Christmas
If there’s one golden rule… it’s this:
The more energy they burn early on, the calmer they’ll be for the rest of the day.
Whether it’s a morning run, a sniffy field session, or a stuffed Kong marathon - make sure they’re fulfilled before the guests arrive.
