A Canine Christmas Primer: Supporting Your New Puppy or Dog

Christmas morning is magical. Twinkling lights, familiar traditions, and for some of us… a brand new furry family member. Welcoming a puppy or newly adopted dog during the holidays can be incredibly joyful, but it also comes with unique challenges.

As a trainer, I work with many families once things have already gone off the rails, and I often find myself wishing I could have worked with those households earlier. Many common behavior problems are far easier to prevent than to undo later.

If you’re welcoming a new puppy or dog this season, here are some tips to help you start off on the right paw.

A Whole New World

Dogs don’t arrive knowing how to live in a human environment. Puppies, in particular, come with a set of pre-installed behaviors: toileting when the urge hits, chewing anything that fits in their mouth, crying when left alone, jumping up to greet, and using their mouths during play. These behaviors are completely normal for puppies and untrained adult dogs, yet very few of them align with what humans expect.

Never punish a dog for being a dog. Instead, we can use good management and reward-based training to set them up for success and a smooth transition.

Start Small with Socialization

The holidays bring extra movement, guests, noise, and excitement. A dog-proofed puppy pen or safe area lets you socialize your pup thoughtfully and allows:

• Easier supervision

• Fewer accidents and chewing mishaps

• A calm place for your puppy to rest and observe

Your puppy can still be gently exposed to people coming and going, household sounds, and new experiences, just in ways that help them feel secure rather than overwhelmed.

Supervise Closely

Puppies are learning all the time. Close supervision allows you to prevent potty accidents or chewing before they turn into habits and redirect your puppy to the right place or item.

Make the Right Choices Easy

Support your pup by setting them up for success:

• Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and play with them together.

• Take puppies out very frequently (every 30 minutes for young puppies). Reward outdoor potty trips immediately.

• Begin reward-based training early to build skills and confidence

This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a professional early: instead of guessing, you have a clear, cohesive plan tailored to your household and your puppy.

Gently Build Comfort With Short Absences

Independence doesn’t need to involve crying. Rather than leaving and waiting for distress, practice very short absences that your puppy can handle comfortably.

Step away briefly to use the restroom or to grab something outside, then return calmly before your puppy becomes upset.

Balance Enrichment With Rest

Exercise is important, but puppies need a great deal of sleep. Extra-long walks or constant stimulation, can lead to overtired, cranky pups.

Instead, focus on:

• Short walks (if first round of vaccinations is completed) and gentle exploration

• Brief training and enrichment sessions

• Play, sniffing, and problem-solving

• Plenty of uninterrupted rest

Get in touch if you need help getting the right balance and routines.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means there’s a staggering amount of DIY advice online. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is outdated, or, in some cases, outright dangerous.

When choosing a trainer, look for professionals who have graduated from a reputable academy with a modern, science-based, and humane curriculum.

If you’re welcoming a puppy or dog into your home this holiday season, my Welcome Home Puppy and Best Friend Basics packages provide structured, compassionate support during those crucial early weeks. Build the habits you want and avoid the problems you don’t.

You can learn more or get started at www.tailsdogtraining.com.