Holiday Guests + Your Dog: A Stress-Free Manners Guide

If your dog suddenly forgets all their training the second holiday guests walk in, you’re not failing. You’re experiencing real-life dog behavior during the most exciting season of the year. And honestly? You’re not alone.

Every winter, clients tell me the same thing.

“My dog is amazing… until people come over.”

“I swear they know basic manners, but December wipes their memory."

Luckily, holiday dog manners can be taught, refreshed, and protected—without turning your home into a boot camp or ruining the fun.

Let me show you exactly how I help clients fix this, using real examples, simple steps, and a few tools that make life easier.

A Real Client Story: Juniper the Maltese

Last December, one of my clients reached out about her Maltese, Juniper. Tiny dog. Huge holiday energy.

Juniper weighed under ten pounds, yet greeted guests like she was auditioning for a trampoline team. She jumped. She spun. She barked happily. She attempted face kisses with Olympic confidence.

At first, everyone laughed.... Then drinks spilled...Then coats got muddy...

So, we created a holiday manners plan that worked with Juniper’s excitement instead of against it.

By Christmas Eve, Juniper wasn’t perfect. However, she was calm enough to greet guests politely, settle on her mat, and relax while people chatted. Even better, her owner felt confident—not embarrassed.

Here’s how we got there.

1. The Calm Door Reset (Your Holiday Lifesaver)

The doorbell is not neutral. Instead, it’s a party alarm for dogs. Therefore, we teach a clear rule: Calm behavior makes the door open. Excitement pauses it.

How to Practice

• Walk toward the door
• Ask for a sit
• Touch the doorknob
• Reward if your dog stays calm
• Reset if they pop up

Because this is short and predictable, dogs learn fast. Moreover, repetition builds clarity.

This is where many clients add a small, soft, high-value training treat.

2. Build a Holiday Chill Zone (Before Chaos Hits)

Every dog needs a calm escape during holiday gatherings. That’s why I help clients set up a Holiday Chill Zone ahead of time.

This area should include:

• A cozy blanket
• A calming chew
• One enrichment toy
• One scent-based activity

As a result, dogs decompress instead of spiraling. Many clients use a snuffle mat here to encourage calm focus

Because dogs relax through engagement, not force, this works beautifully.

3. Polite Greetings Start Before the Party

Waiting until guests arrive is too late. Instead, practice greetings during calm moments.

• The Greeting Game
• Walk toward your dog like a guest
• Reward four paws on the floor
• Step back if jumping happens
• Try again calmly

Soon, your dog learns that calm brings attention. Jumping doesn’t.

Juniper picked this up quickly. In fact, once she realized sitting made people come closer, she started offering it on her own.

Some small dogs do better when holding a toy during greetings

4. When Guests Don’t Follow the Rules

Let’s be honest. Not every guest listens.

So, I give clients a simple phrase:

“She’s working on calm greetings—ignore her until she sits.”

Most people comply once they understand. However, if they don’t, your dog goes back to the Chill Zone. Training progress matters more than politeness.

5. The Pre-Guest Walk That Changes Everything

Before guests arrive, take your dog on a slow sniff walk.

• Not rushed.
• Not structured.
• Not exercise-focused.

Sniffing lowers stress. Therefore, calmer dogs greet guests better. Juniper’s owner noticed the biggest improvement after adding this one habit.

6. Prevent the Two Biggest Holiday Dog Problems

Door Dashing

Doors open constantly during the holidays. Teach a default sit anytime someone approaches an exit.

Counter Surfing

Holiday food smells incredible. Instead of correcting your dog, give them something better.

Try This Today (Quick Wins)

• Practice five calm door sits
• Set up a Chill Zone
• Take one sniff walk
• Practice three polite greetings
• Prep one calming activity
• Small steps matter. Consistency matters more.

Final Thoughts from a Trainer

Holiday dog behavior doesn’t reflect bad training. Instead, it reflects excitement, change, and overstimulation.

With clear expectations, smart setups, and a little preparation, dogs like Juniper can absolutely thrive during the holidays.

Try one strategy today. Then try another tomorrow. Progress adds up faster than you think.

And if your dog surprises you with a calm moment? Celebrate it. Those wins count.