Christmas is meant to be joyful, but for many dog parents, it’s the most overwhelming time of the year.

Routines change. Visitors arrive. Emotions run high. And suddenly, your dog feels more unsettled, reactive, or needy than usual. When that happens, it’s easy to blame yourself or feel like you’re “doing it wrong.”

This guide is here to help you prepare for Christmas with your dog in a calmer, kinder way, without pressure, guilt, or trying to force progress. You’ll learn why dogs (and humans) struggle more at this time of year, how overwhelm affects behaviour, and what actually helps you both feel safer and more settled through the festive season.

Feeling overwhelmed with your dog, despite trying all the “right” training strategies? You’re not failing - you’re just overloaded. In this honest blog, I explore what dog parents actually need when things feel too hard, and why pressure-based plans aren’t the answer.