Holidays, Kids, Guests… and a Very Affectionate Dog

How to keep the season calm for everyone (including your dog)

The holiday season is full of excitement: new smells, guests, kids running around, food everywhere, a lot of movement and noise. For most dogs, this is a lot to process — and sometimes it leads to behaviors that owners find… awkward.

Mounting a pillow, pacing from room to room, attaching to a guest’s leg — these moments happen more often during high-energy days. And they’re not signs of “bad” behavior.

It’s instinct, amplified by holiday chaos

Dogs react to stimulation.
More people → more emotion → more arousal → more instinctive behavior.

Some dogs become overexcited, others stressed, others frustrated — and all three states can lead to the same expression: seeking an outlet.

Why it’s important not to punish

Your dog isn’t doing this “to embarrass you”. They simply don’t have a better channel to release tension — especially when the environment is overwhelming.

Punishment increases stress, which only strengthens the cycle. Instead, focus on two things:

1. Reduce triggers (when possible)

• Give your dog a quiet corner away from the center of the party.
• Use calming routines: short walk, sniffing break, licking time, gentle play.
• Watch for early stress signals: lip licking, turning away, pacing, asking for distance.

2. Provide a safe outlet

Dogs need a controlled way to release pent-up energy and natural instinctive tension. If you don’t provide one, they’ll choose one themselves (a pillow, a blanket, a guest’s leg…).

This is where tools for behavioral balance and emotional release become genuinely helpful.

A calmer holiday season starts with understanding

When your dog has a safe way to express instincts — and when the environment is set up to support them — the whole home becomes calmer.

Less stress for the dog.
Fewer awkward situations for you.
More peace during a busy season.

🎁 December Offer –35%

To support owners during this high-energy period, we’re running a December discount:
Use code FIONA35 at checkout.

Shop Fiona with –35% off