Holidays are full of emotion and activity, for us and for our pets. Many of us have dogs with big feelings. These dogs like routine, comfort, space of their own, and familiarity, and the holidays are anything but.
Some dogs love this time of year. They enjoy the newness, the crowds, the decorations, and every person who walks through the door. But if your dog is one of the sensitive ones, the season can feel very different from their side of the room.
1. They Notice Everything
A sensitive dog feels everything. They notice the decorations going up, the furniture that's been moved to make room, the suitcase sitting in the hallway, and the new sounds in the house. They notice the deliveries landing on the porch day after day. They also notice you, and if you're stressed or rushed, they pick up on that too.
Each one of those things on its own might be manageable. Stacked together over days or weeks, it adds up for a dog who depends on things staying the same.
Why it matters: Your dog may be having a hard holiday long before anyone sees a reaction.
2. The Tip of the Iceberg
When a dog with big feelings reacts, it can be unnerving for you and for your guests. But what you're seeing in that moment is the tip of the iceberg. A lot of things may have been different throughout the day, or over several days, and it's been building up.
Then the guests arrive, and the front door becomes a hotspot. The dog isn't used to having so much company, and the guests aren't used to meeting a dog with big feelings. Neither side knows quite what to expect or do.
Why it matters: A reaction at the door rarely comes out of nowhere. Days of change can pile up, even when the knock comes first thing in the morning.
3. Let Your Guests In on the Plan
It helps to plan ahead and let guests know about your dog before they arrive. Tell them a little about your dog's personality, where your dog sleeps, where they like to rest quietly, and how to greet them when they come in. Not every dog likes to be touched right away, and we need to respect that.
An easily overwhelmed dog also needs breaks. Visitors and deliveries can wear them down, and it's up to us to protect their quiet time. When family, friends, or strangers come by, your dog may need more space and fewer forced greetings than you'd expect.
Why it matters: A quick heads-up to your guests can make the visit easier for your dog and for everyone walking through the door.
4. Sensitive Cats Feel It Too
Dogs aren't the only ones affected. A sensitive cat can be just as unsettled by new people, louder rooms, rearranged furniture, and a front door that keeps opening. Cats often show it differently, by hiding or pulling away instead of reacting out loud, so it's easier to miss.
Why it matters: A quiet cat during the holidays may be a stressed one.
5. When You're the One Leaving
For many families, the holidays mean travel. That suitcase in the hallway is one more change, and then the person your pet relies on most is gone. For a sensitive or reactive dog, that's a lot to absorb.
This is where the right pet sitter makes a real difference. A dog with big feelings needs someone who can read them and knows what to do with what they see. As a Canine Reactivity Specialist and Fear Free Elite Professional Animal Trainer, I’ve trained our team to bring that same approach to every visit, including the cats in your home. If you're traveling this season, book early so we have time for a meet-and-greet before you leave. Your pet should know who is coming before the door opens.
Why it matters: Most pet sitters aren't trained to work with reactive dogs. When your dog is in our care, they're looked after by someone who is trained to handle reactivity.
6. Ask, Notice, and Sometimes Do Less
One thing I have learned through my study of reactive dogs is to ask questions, notice, and sometimes do less. The holidays tend to push all of us toward doing more, and a sensitive dog usually needs the opposite.
If you find your pet is struggling more during the holidays than on a regular day, you don't have to figure it out alone. Over the last five years, my studies have focused on a dog's well-being and on recognizing how to help, understand, and hear them.
In the coming year, I'll be launching online classes and in-person classes designed for sensitive dogs and the people who love them. These classes use Fear Free methods and ACE Free Work activities.
We hope you, your family, and your pets enjoy the holidays. Let's make the new year a better one for all of us.
If you'd like to book holiday pet sitting or want more information about the upcoming classes, give us a call at (252) 635-2655 or visit the contact page.
Jeanne Crockett
Fear Free Elite Professional Animal Trainer | Canine Reactivity Specialist | The Only Certified Professional ACE Free Work Trainer in NC
Crockett's Critter Care | New Bern, NC
