A puppy’s first Christmas is a truly magical time, but we all know a sprinkling of mayhem often arrives alongside the fairy lights! Puppies are naturally curious, and they don’t yet know that the Christmas tree isn’t a climbing frame or that baubles aren’t balls.
So, pop the kettle on and snuggle into your seat as we get you ready for your puppy’s first Christmas covering everything from safety and etiquette to create stress-free, magical memories.
Download Zigzag for a personalised training plan covering everything from basic manners to fun festive tricks. Whether you have a new puppy or a rescue, our professional dog trainers are on hand 24/7 to help you navigate the chaos.
Setting your puppy up for success this holiday season
To help things run smoothly, a little planning goes a long way, so get your puppy into a gentle routine, introduce them to house guests confidently, and make sure your home is Christmas-ready and safe for curious paws.
Remember, rest is a must, your pup needs plenty of kip and time to relax between all the excitement.If this feels like a lot, don’t worry. You’ve got this! Our guides on socialisation and making your home puppy-proof at Christmas are all here to help.
What you’ll need to know this Christmas with your puppy
Christmas comes with a bundle of “firsts”- for you, and them. If the idea of puppy-proofing your Christmas tree made you giggle last year, it’ll probably feel much more real this time around.
Here are some simple ways to keep things calm for everyone:
Dog proof your home
Puppies can-and usually will-get into everything; the tree, the presents, those irresistible decorations…Some are perfectly safe, others considerably less so!
Manage your space so that your dog can safely explore and enjoy the festivities without worry.
How your dog greets Christmas visitors
Good manners matter and puppies love to greet new friends with exuberance! Sadly, all that excitement can lead to muddy paws on your guests’ sparkly jumpers.
- The Door Dash: With guests arriving, the front door will be opening constantly. Keep your puppy on a lead or in a safe room during arrivals to prevent ‘The Great Escape’
- Polite Greetings: Help your pup master polite greetings by rewarding them for keeping “four on the floor.” Be mindful of their body language, as it tells you how they are feeling. A little positive encouragement goes a long way to keeping everyone happy (and clean!).
Desensitising your dog to Christmas
With twinkly lights and inflatable Santas joining the fray, Christmas can be overwhelming for pups. Start gently: introduce your puppy to festive sights and sounds in small doses.
- Puppy and the Christmas Tree — Begin with an undecorated tree and build up, encouraging calm behaviour by rewarding with treats and plenty of praise.
- Puppy and Christmas Presents — Curious as they are, puppies find gift wrap and ribbons irresistible. Why not use a Christmas table for presents this year, or practise a gentle “leave it” cue with decoy gifts? Give your puppy a chew toy to keep them occupied during gift opening, and it should all go smoothly.
Puppy and Christmas stockings – Hang stockings out of reach, and never leave any edible treats (especially chocolate!) where curious noses can find them. This is an example of how management is often the easiest thing to do!
PRO TIP: If your puppy finds the tree too tempting, don’t be afraid to put a playpen fence around it to keep both the tree and your puppy safe.
Giving your puppy space at Christmas
Every puppy needs a cosy spot where they can retreat for some quiet time. Rest isn’t optional, it’s obligatory, and a well-rested puppy is much less likely to turn into a land shark!
If it’s your pup’s very first Christmas, think about crate training, or set up a comfy bed tucked away from all the excitement. Make it extra special with a soft blanket and a few favourite toys. Scatter a few treats inside, and practise gradually increasing alone time so your puppy feels happy in their retreat.
Christmas dinner with your dog
It’s natural to want your pup involved in the celebrations! Get into good habits early, by teaching them not to beg at the table, and resist giving in to those puppy dog eyes.
Safe Christmas foods for dogs:
- Plain, cooked turkey (no skin or bones)
- Steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans
- Small amounts of plain mashed potato (no butter or seasoning)
- Dog-safe fruits like apple slices or blueberries
Food to Avoid:
Keep anything rich, salty, or sweet away from curious noses, so no chocolate, grapes, onions, or fatty leftovers.
Tips to make your Christmas dinner time go well
- Practice “stay” and “leave it” cues before the big day
- Feed your puppy their special dinner in their safe space or crate
- Don’t feed them from your plate, consistency is everything!
- Offer a long-lasting chew or stuffed Kong if you’d like them to settle
Stick with gentle routines, loads of praise, and lots of patience to help your pup coast through Christmas with flying colours.
Other tips for a successful first Christmas:
Honestly, Christmas with a puppy is as enchanting as it is unpredictable and a little flexibility and a sense of humour help hugely.
Here are some extra tips to ensure a safe holiday:
Use it as a training opportunity
The break from routine over Christmas is a brilliant chance to reinforce basic cues like “sit”, “stay”, and “leave it”.
Manage the overwhelm
Christmas is but one day, keep the pressure low and if your puppy or you are feeling frazzled, step back for a bit. The real magic happens when you both get what you need, some time for rest and relaxation.
Keep your puppy safe
Puppy-proof your tree and decorations, and be extra cautious with seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia—these look festive but aren’t safe for dogs.
Keep a bin bag handy for wrapping paper, and watch out for silica gel packets or batteries falling out of toy boxes, these are dangerous if swallowed.
Adjust your routine if necessary
Life with a puppy is always a balancing act. Dogs love their routines, but can adapt when you need them to, especially if you’re consistent around essentials like toilet breaks and naps.
Teaching your dog “holiday” manners
The festive season is a wonderful time to boost your puppy’s life skills.
Try focusing on:
- Waiting calmly at the door or threshold (no jumping up on guests!)
- Practising polite greetings
- Encouraging your puppy to relax in their bed, even with people around
- Sticking to your “no begging” at the table rule
The perfect Christmas gift for a new puppy
We might be a bit biased, but we reckon the Zigzag puppy training app is the best present for your new companion. It’s full of step-by-step guidance, positive encouragement, and solutions for the challenges of puppyhood—leaving you feeling prepared and free to enjoy the journey.
And if you want to tuck a few new toys or treats under the tree, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for picking out something special.
Download Zigzag to help your new pup get off to the best start, and let your first festive season together be the beginning of many more joyful years.
Making your puppy’s first Christmas special
For a truly memorable first Christmas, why not:
Have a puppy photo shoot
Snap some festive photos of your puppy for this year’s Christmas card.
Bake Christmas Dog Treats
Try your hand at baking your own dog treats with dog-safe ingredients
You can learn more about making your own dog treats in our article on DIY dog food and treats.
Take part in Christmas Jumper Day
Join in with a Christmas jumper walk (only if your pup is up for it)
French Bulldogs or Chihuahuas often enjoy wearing jumpers as they like to stay warm, but your active Labrador might feel restricted.
Use plenty of rewards and treats and make sure the jumper isn’t too tight, so your pup stays happy.
Choose some festive walks
Go on local festive walks to see the lights together. Christmas light shows can be fun, though we’d say probably keep away from firework displays or things that might overwhelm your puppy.
Teach your puppy a Christmas trick or two
Why not try a festive “Spin”? Use a treat to lure them in a circle, then reward. It’s a cute, low-stress trick that keeps it light, happy, and positive. Learn more about tricks and clicker training in our articles.
Learn more about tricks and clicker training in our articles.
There you are—a toolkit to help you and your puppy enjoy a calm, safe, and genuinely magical Christmas. For more on puppy-proofing your home, check our other guides, and don’t forget: the Zigzag team is always here to help, 24/7, even on Christmas Day.
Here’s to a joyful festive season – full of new memories and all the wagging tails you could wish for!
