The holiday season is full of excitement — trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell, family gatherings, delicious meals on the counter, and a busy schedule that keeps you out more than usual. While this is a joyful time for us, it can be overwhelming for our dogs.
That’s why October is the perfect month to get ahead and train the skills that will help your dog stay calm, confident, and stress-free when the chaos begins. I call this the October Calm Challenge: five core behaviors that build impulse control and prepare your dog for the holidays.
Here is a guide to the 5 behaviors https://www.canva.com/design/DAGiv70ejXQ/8OOH54qCdLnjkY3BA4O-iw/edit
1.
WAIT
– Teaching Patience
The “Wait” cue teaches your dog to pause until you give permission. Start by practicing at mealtimes — holding the food bowl, waiting for calm, and then releasing them to eat.
Holiday Uses for WAIT:
- Waiting at the doorway before greeting guests
- Pausing before rushing outside when the door opens
- Staying put before crossing a busy street
- Holding still in the car until released
2.
LEAVE IT
– Ignoring Temptation
“Leave It” teaches your dog to turn away from something tempting and look to you for guidance.
Holiday Uses for LEAVE IT:
- Food on the counters or dropped during meal prep
- Chocolate, candy, or holiday treats that are unsafe for dogs
- Sparkly ornaments or wrapping paper on the floor
- Gifts under the tree or shoes by the door
- Wildlife or distractions on festive walks
3.
PLACE
– A Calm Retreat
“Place” means your dog goes to a mat or bed and relaxes until released, giving them security and structure.
Holiday Uses for PLACE:
- Staying on their bed while guests come through the door
- Relaxing during dinner so you can enjoy your meal without begging or underfoot behavior
- Giving them a safe spot away from children, noise, or new people
- Keeping them settled while you wrap gifts or cook
4.
ON/OFF SWITCH
– Balancing Energy
The “On/Off Switch” exercise teaches your dog how to transition between play and calm on cue.
Holiday Uses for ON/OFF SWITCH:
- Helping your dog shift from rowdy play with kids to calm downtime
- Regulating excitement when visitors arrive
- Preventing over-arousal during tug, fetch, or play sessions
- Building emotional balance so your dog can enjoy fun without getting overstimulated
5.
POLITE GREETING
– Calm Hellos
By teaching your dog that calm behavior earns attention, you create safer, friendlier introductions.
Holiday Uses for POLITE GREETING:
- Trick-or-treaters at the door on Halloween
- Guests arriving for holiday meals or parties
- Delivery people dropping off packages
- Meeting friends or neighbors while out for walks
A Personal Story: Why These Skills Matter
Over the last 12 weeks, I’ve been recovering from a total knee replacement. With six dogs over 50 pounds each, you can imagine how challenging it was to maneuver around the house using a walker, then crutches, then a cane — and eventually, no support tools at all. Stability was everything.
I was so thankful I had taken the time before surgery to make sure my dogs had reliable impulse-control behaviors in place. They truly made my recovery safer and less stressful:
- WAIT was a lifesaver when setting food bowls on the ground. Instead of jumping on me or circling dangerously, my dogs sat calmly until released.
- LEAVE IT became critical when I dropped items on the floor — especially during that first week on heavy pain medication. It gave me peace of mind knowing they wouldn’t snatch something unsafe.
- ON/OFF SWITCH helped me manage moments when Josie, my spirited 18-month old pup, started zooming in circles around the living room while I was resting on the couch. A quick cue helped shift her from chaos to calm.
- POLITE GREETING still had its challenges. Josie wasn’t quite as prepared as I’d hoped and did jump on a visitor once. But because of our training foundation, I was able to calm her verbally without needing to put a leash on her — important since I wasn’t strong enough to handle a 90-pound dog on leash yet.
These behaviors weren’t just “nice to have.” They gave me independence and safety when I needed it most. And if they can help during a major surgery recovery, imagine the difference they’ll make for you and your dog during the busy, unpredictable holiday season.
The Gift of Calm
By starting in October, you give your dog the chance to practice these skills before the holiday season is in full swing. Aim for reliability — when your dog can perform a behavior about 80% of the time without extra prompting, you’ll know it’s ready to use in real life.
A calm, confident dog makes the holidays more enjoyable for everyone. With a little training now, you’ll be able to relax and focus on the season’s joy, knowing your dog has the tools to handle it all.
Ready to start the October Calm Challenge? It’s not too late. Pick one behavior this week, practice daily, and build from there. By the time the holidays arrive, you and your dog will be celebrating in calm, happy harmony.
