How Doggy Daycare Can Help Your Dog Through the Festive Season
How Doggy Daycare Can Help Your Dog Through the Festive Season
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, but let’s be honest, it can also be absolute chaos!
Between Christmas shopping, work parties, family gatherings, visitors arriving, presents to organise and a million things on the to-do list, December has a funny way of getting away from us. At FurBaby, we see it every year. Owners are rushing around trying to get everything done before Christmas, the grooming salon is busy with everyone wanting their dog’s perfect festive groom, and our daycare dogs are often ready for a good rest after a busy day.
But while we’re busy getting everything ready for Christmas, it’s worth remembering that our dogs are experiencing all these changes, too.
Their usual routine might look a little different. There are more people coming and going, the house might be noisier than normal, and their owners may be out more often than they’re used to. For some dogs, that’s exciting. For others, it’s a lot to deal with.
So, how can we make the lead-up to Christmas a little easier for our four-legged family members? Sometimes, the answer is to keep things as normal as possible, and that is where doggy daycare over Christmas can really help.
Christmas can be a lot for dogs, too
Dogs thrive on routine. They get used to knowing when it’s time to wake up, go for a walk, eat their meals, spend time with their people and settle down for the evening.
When that routine changes, some dogs can become unsettled. Add unfamiliar people, extra noise and a house full of excitement, and even a normally well-behaved dog can find things a little overwhelming.
It’s particularly important to remember that not every dog loves having visitors in their space. While one dog might be thrilled to greet every person who walks through the door, another might prefer to keep their distance.
We sometimes assume that because someone is a friend or family member, our dog should automatically be comfortable around them. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Your dog doesn’t necessarily understand why there are suddenly lots of people in their home, why everyone is talking loudly or why their favourite spot on the couch is occupied.
Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour and give them the support they need. They don’t have to be involved in everything happening around them, and they certainly don’t need to greet every visitor.
Signs your dog might be feeling the festive overwhelm
Dogs can’t tell us that they’re feeling stressed about the Christmas rush, so we need to pay attention to their behaviour.
You might notice your dog becoming more restless, barking more than usual, following you around constantly or finding it difficult to settle. Some dogs become clingier, while others might get into mischief because they’re bored, unsettled or struggling to cope with changes in their normal routine. These are some of the signs that a dog could do with a little more structure in their week.
You may also notice your dog seems a little different from their usual self. Most dogs can be a bit off when their routine changes, and they may need some extra love, patience and support while they adjust.
Rather than assuming your dog is being naughty or difficult, take a step back and consider what’s changed in their environment. Have they had less exercise? Have they been left alone for longer? Has the house been unusually busy? Are they getting enough opportunities to rest?
Sometimes, a little more structure and some time away from the Christmas chaos can make a real difference.
Doggy daycare is about more than just playing
One of the biggest misconceptions about doggy daycare is that dogs simply spend the entire day running around and playing with other dogs. At FurBaby, that’s not what we’re about.
Yes, social interaction and play are important parts of daycare, but we also spend time working on social skills, manners, boundaries and calm behaviour. Dogs need to learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs, how to respect boundaries and, just as importantly, how to settle.
A free-for-all isn’t necessarily what’s best for every dog. In fact, too much excitement without enough structure or rest can leave a dog overstimulated rather than happily tired.
Our approach is about helping dogs enjoy their day while also learning the skills they need to feel comfortable around others. That includes having opportunities for interactive activity, enrichment and rest throughout the day. Mental stimulation matters, too. Giving a dog something appropriate to think about and engage with can be just as valuable as physical exercise.
And what does a successful daycare day look like when your dog heads home? A relaxed dog.
We’re not aiming to send dogs home completely exhausted. We want them to have enjoyed their day, had positive experiences, practised their social skills and had the opportunity to rest when they needed it.
Keeping their routine can make a big difference
If your dog already attends regular days with us, our biggest piece of advice is simple: try to keep their routine going throughout December.
It’s tempting to stop everything while you’re busy preparing for Christmas, but maintaining familiar routines can be particularly helpful during a time when so many other things are changing.
Your dog still gets to see familiar faces, enjoy their usual activities and spend time in an environment they know. They have something predictable in their week, even if things at home are a little different. For dogs who enjoy daycare, that consistency can be a real positive.
It also gives you a chance to get through some of those Christmas errands, shopping trips and preparations knowing your dog is spending the day somewhere familiar, with people who care about them.
And please, don’t feel guilty about it! Making sure your dog is happy, supported and appropriately occupied is part of being a responsible dog owner. You don’t need to take your dog everywhere with you or include them in every festive activity to prove how much you love them.
Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is give them a familiar day of their own while you get on with yours.
Of course, daycare isn’t the right fit for every dog, and it should always suit their individual needs and temperament. But if your dog enjoys their regular days with us, there’s no reason to assume they need to miss out just because Christmas is approaching.
Hosting visitors? Give your dog some space
If you’re hosting family or friends this Christmas, there are a few simple things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable.
- Give them somewhere to escape. Make sure your dog has access to a quiet, comfortable space away from the activity. If they want to retreat for a nap or some time alone, let them. They don’t need to be part of every conversation or family photo.
- Don’t force interactions. If your dog isn’t comfortable around strangers, don’t expect them to suddenly become social butterflies because it’s Christmas. Let them approach people in their own time, and make sure visitors understand that your dog needs space.
- Keep an eye on the food. Christmas tables are full of tempting treats, and well-meaning visitors may want to share a little something with your dog. Ask everyone not to feed your dog without permission. Rich foods, bones, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion and other festive foods can be dangerous for dogs, so it’s best to keep human food out of reach and stick to treats you know are safe for them.
- Keep them occupied. Appropriate enrichment, familiar toys, walks and other activities can help your dog have something positive to focus on, rather than becoming caught up in all the excitement.
- Protect their downtime. A busy house can make it difficult for dogs to switch off. Make sure they have opportunities for exercise and rest, and don’t mistake constant activity for a happy dog.
Most importantly, remember that your dog doesn’t have to enjoy the same things you do. Give them the support they need to feel safe and comfortable, and let them enjoy Christmas in their own way.
Don’t leave your December daycare bookings until the last minute
December is a busy time for everyone, and daycare is no exception.
We know that plans can change, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, so we always try to be as flexible as possible to help our dogs and their owners. If you’re hoping to keep your dog’s regular daycare routine going, get in touch with us about your dates as early as you can.
If you’re not sure what you’ll need, have a chat with the team. We’ll always do our best to help where we can, although availability will depend on the days you’re after.
And if your dog hasn’t visited FurBaby before, now is a good time to start the conversation about a trial day. A trial gives us the opportunity to get to know your dog, see how they settle into our environment and make sure daycare is a suitable fit for them.
We want every dog to have a positive experience, and that starts with getting to know them as individuals.
FurBaby welcomes small dogs weighing 12kg and under, and our daycare is designed around their needs, with indoor and outdoor areas and a team who genuinely cares about the dogs in our care.
We’re based in Westminster, making us a convenient option for families in Westminster, Balcatta, Osborne Park and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Every FurBaby is family
Christmas should be an enjoyable time for the whole family, and that includes the four-legged members.
You don’t need to create a perfect Christmas for your dog. You just need to think about what helps them feel comfortable, safe and settled while everything else is happening around them.
Keep their routine where you can. Make time for exercise, enrichment and rest. Give them space when they need it, and don’t assume they want to be involved in every festive activity. And if daycare is already a happy part of your dog’s week, there’s no need to feel guilty about keeping it that way.
At FurBaby, we know that every dog is different. Some are social butterflies, some need a little more encouragement, and some are happiest when they can enjoy their day without too much fuss. Our job is to get to know them, support them and make sure they feel like part of the family. We love what we do, and being trusted to care for your dogs is something we never take for granted.
If you’d like to keep your dog’s routine going through the busy lead-up to Christmas, get in touch with our team to discuss your December daycare days. And if you’re new to FurBaby, we’d love to meet your little one and chat about whether daycare could be a good fit.
Because while Christmas might be a little chaotic for us humans, our dogs still deserve their familiar faces, happy days and a little bit of normality. From our FurBaby family to yours, let’s make the lead-up to Christmas a little easier for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep my dog in daycare over the Christmas period?
If your dog already enjoys daycare, keeping their routine going through the busy December weeks can help them stay calm and settled while the household is hectic. It also gives you a familiar, safe place for them while you handle shopping and preparations.
Why does my dog seem unsettled at Christmas?
Dogs thrive on routine, so extra visitors, noise and owners being out more can leave some dogs restless, clingy or mischievous. A little more structure, exercise and rest usually helps them settle.
How do I help my dog cope with visitors over the holidays?
Give them a quiet space to retreat to, don’t force interactions, keep festive food out of reach, and protect their downtime. Let them enjoy Christmas in their own way rather than being part of every activity.
How early should I book December daycare days?
As early as you can. December is busy, so getting in touch about your dates ahead of time gives the best chance of keeping your dog’s regular routine going.
