Get Your Pup Holiday-Ready: 5 Easy Training Tips

The holiday season is almost here! ✨🦐🎁🐕

Parties, visitors, and travel can be exciting for us—but overwhelming for our pups. We are officially less than seven weeks out from the big day 🎅🏻, which is the perfect amount of time to teach your pup some new behaviours. With a little bit of training and the right tools, you can help your dog stay calm, confident and well-behaved through all the festive chaos. From mastering “table manners” to staying relaxed around guests, these five easy tips will help you both enjoy a stress-free and happy holiday season.

1. Practice Good Table Manners 🍗

Between Christmas roasts, BBQs and grazing platters, your pup will be surrounded by irresistible smells! Now’s the time to teach them to stay settled while you eat.

Give your dog a specific place to sit or lie down—like a mat or bed—so they learn that this is where they go when you and your guests are eating. Use the DOOG Good Dog Training Clicker to mark the correct behaviour when they stay in their “place,” followed by a small treat. Once you’ve finished eating, reinforce that behaviour again with another click and reward to help it stick.

Start by using the clicker to mark calm behaviour like sitting quietly beside you or lying on their mat. Follow up with a treat reward - a quick, easy way to reinforce that good manners equal yummy treats.

2. Get Comfortable Around Guests 🥂

Whether it’s a house full of family or a few close friends, your dog may feel anxious with new faces and extra noise. Desensitise them early by inviting one or two people over and practicing calm greetings.

Clip on a Dog Training Leash so your dog has freedom to move while you maintain gentle control if they try and jump. Reward calm sniffing, sitting or waiting patiently at your side with your a DOOG Treat Pouch with a handy hinge snap closure - perfect for quick access to treats while you chat or pour the bubbly!

3. Reinforce “Stay” and “Settle” Commands 🧘♀️

“Stay” and “settle” are essential skills during busy times like opening presents or when guests arrive. Begin by practicing these commands in short bursts each day. Gradually build up distractions—like background music or people moving around—to mimic the holiday hustle. Use your Taining Clicker to mark success, and reward with treats.

4. Prep for Travel and New Environments 🚗💨

If you’re hitting the road this holiday season, and your pup is new to being your co-pilot, start getting your them comfortable with short car rides and new places now. Practice calm entries and exits from the car.

The DOOG Car Seat is a great tool for anxious travellers. Its supportive design — with extra padding that works as a chin rest — helps dogs feel safe, comfy and secure on the move. Over time, your pup will learn that their seat is their own cosy “travel zone,” making longer ventures ahead much calmer for both of you. It even doubles as a bed at your destination! 

Make sure you bring along their favourite toy, treats and if needed, a Training Leash for exploring safely at rest stops or new backyards—it gives them a sense of freedom while you stay in control.

5. Reward, Play, Repeat 🎁

Training doesn’t always have to involve treats! Swap them out for play instead - toys make a fun, healthy, and highly motivating reward for good behaviour. Toys like the Fetchables or our award-winning Stick Toys are perfect for keeping your pup engaged while helping burn off that extra festive energy.

Holiday Harmony Awaits 🎄🐾

With a bit of consistency, the right rewards, and some patience, your pup will be ready to shine this festive season—no matter what surprises the holidays bring.

So grab your DOOG training gear, set aside a few minutes each day, and enjoy the gift of a well-behaved (and happy) dog all season long.