When Holiday Guests Push Your Dog Too Far: What to Say, What to Do, and How to Have Your Dog’s Back

Does your dog shut down, act out, or just seem "off" during holiday gatherings — while everyone else thinks it’s no big deal?

If you've ever felt torn between family expectations and your dog’s emotional well-being, you're not alone. The holidays bring overstimulation, unpredictable environments, and pressure to “just go with it” — all of which can throw your dog’s behavior and emotional regulation out of balance. This episode dives into what your dog is really experiencing and why your response matters more than you think.

In this episode:

• How to recognize early signs of stress or overstimulation before they escalate

• Why honoring your dog’s emotional needs is a critical part of effective training

• How to confidently set boundaries with friends and family — without guilt

Press play to learn why protecting your dog’s peace during the holidays is one of the most powerful training decisions you can make.

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This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training through the lens of a canine nutritionist, dog coach, and retired vet tech—diving into reactivity, dog obedience, dog health, dog food, dog habits, dog lifestyle, canine enrichment, pet enrichment, dog myths, and what it actually takes to support reactive dogs safely and calmly. Whether you’re a dog mom navigating reactivity, building the human–dog bond, choosing dog products, or just trying to create a calmer dog life with your canine, you’ll find grounded strategies to build trust, improve dog behavior, and help your dog feel safe, understood, and supported.