Preparing for a dog friendly New Year’s Eve doesn’t need to be as discombobulating as you might think. Everyone knows that fireworks are likely to make an unruly appearance, which makes it so important to know how to keep your dog calm around them. But fireworks are just the beginning. You’ll also have to get them used to screaming people coming in and out of your home, and all of that delicious food floating around New Year’s Eve Parties. New Year’s is just a lot, isn’t it?
Let’s not wallow in worry. New Year’s is supposed to be fun! This article is all about helping you figure out how to make sure the year goes out with a bang, but doesn’t end in chaos with your puppy.
Our certified dog trainers have plenty of tips for keeping your dog calm on New Year’s Eve, as well as amazing ideas for pup-friendly New Year’s activities — maybe some New Year’s Resolutions are on the list?
If you’re looking to get some training in to prepare for the holidays, or you’re taking some time out over the Holiday season to start training your new puppy, look no further than the Zigzag app.
We’ve got plenty of lessons for any situation — whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog, or an older pup or adult dog who needs a fresh start with their training. And you shouldn’t worry — our team of professional dog trainers are there to help you along the way, across any hurdles or trouble.
Our expert training tips for keeping your dog calm on New Year’s Eve
Having a calm New Year’s Eve with your pup takes a bit of planning. With fireworks, noisy people, and loud music on the agenda, here’s our tips to make things go smoothly:
Tire your pup out before the festivities begin
Start your dog-friendly New Year’s Eve with an exciting walk or a fun training session, way before the sun goes down for the last time in the year…and fireworks begin.
When pups are well exercised, they become naturally calmer and will be far more likely to rest during the evening festivities. In your chosen activity, consider incorporating mental stimulation exercises, puzzle toys or making the walk longer than usual to make sure their sniffy needs are well met before the (very loud) celebrations begin.
Keep your dog away from harmful stuff
Puppy-proof the living space by making sure any decorations, ornaments or unsafe foods are well out of your dog’s reach. No one needs to spend the end of the year at the vet’s office because your dog had New Year’s food FOMO.
Create a Safe Space at Home
Transform a quiet room or their favourite space into a cosy retreat. Include their bed, their most loved toys, and maybe some calming music or a white noise machine to muffle out all the noise. This designated safe space will act as your dog’s peaceful escape when the celebrations become just a little too rowdy.
If your dog has grown accustomed to crates or playpens, you can always use them instead if it makes them feel more comfortable.
We’ve got loads of good advice on how to build safe, comfy spaces for your dog in our articles on how to crate train a dog or choosing the best playpen.
Practise Training Early
Here’s an idea: Don’t wait until December 31st to prepare your dog for New Year’s celebrations. In the weeks leading up to it, expose them to firework sounds gradually (using an audio or video tracks), as well as to visiting guests — always remembering to reward their calm behaviour. This progressive training will help them enormously in building their confidence for the big night, and not turn it into a big deal.
Is your dog scared of fireworks? They’re not alone. Our article on why are dogs scared of fireworks will take you by the hand for this time of year.
Maintain Regular Routines
Schedules and routines make life predictable for dogs. They are also an incredible way of helping them cope with other changes or unexpected events, such as the thunderlike show they’ll get on New Year’s. Even during the excitement of New Year’s with a puppy, you’ll definitely want to stick to their usual feeding and potty times wherever possible.
Master Alone Time Training
If you’re planning on leaving your dog alone during any part of the celebrations, prepare them in advance with some good home alone training sessions. Practise by taking short periods of separation from each other, gradually increasing the time you stay away. If you live in an area that’s likely to have lots of fireworks, you’ll want to consider a dog sitter to come and spend time with them instead of leaving them all alone. Fireworks can really be terrifying for some dogs, so it’s important to help them through it with as many comforting solutions as possible!
Enjoy Quality Time Together
Remember that your presence is naturally calming and soothing for your dog. Take moments throughout the evening to spend time with them, offering them gentle reassurance. Don’t forget to play with them, they’ll always love that!
It’s also a great time to spoil them — why not pick out some great toys for puppies for this New Year’s Eve to help them navigate the human take on ‘holiday spirit’?
What you can do with your pup this New Year’s Eve
There are great ways to engage your dog in the New Year’s celebrations (that don’t involve fireworks) :
Host a New Year’s Dog Walk
- Invite other dog owners and their pups for an early walk
- Prepare New Year’s themed homemade treats and party snacks for the walk
- Set up fun games like treat hunts or obstacle courses
Create New Year’s Photos
- Hold a festive photoshoot with your pup
- Use dog-safe props and decorations
- Document your first (or another) new year with puppy
Plan Indoor Adventures
- Set up indoor agility courses
- Practise new tricks
- Play scent games with hidden treats
Have a Cosy New Year’s Eve Countdown
- Create a special evening routine
- Share quiet bonding time
- Give them a special midnight treat
The perfect way to start the new year with your new puppy
If you want to make training one of your New Year’s resolutions for your dog, there’s no better way to start the year than with Zigzag’s full training programme. Our app offers structured lessons according to your dog’s breed, designed to guide you through every stage of their development as puppies: From basic cues to advanced training techniques, and even problem-solving courses like separation anxiety or ones dedicated to rescue dogs you’ll have expert guidance at your fingertips.
Download the Zigzag app today and begin your journey to a well-trained, happy pup. Our step-by-step lessons will prepare you for every milestone and challenge that comes your way with raising a puppy to make this new year as brilliant of an adventure as you’d imagined.
Want to learn more about how to plan for the holiday season? Check out our guides to having a puppy proof Christmas, how to deal with firework safety, or navigating separation anxiety tips for puppies. There’s a load of good stuff there.
If you get into trouble, don’t forget, you can always reach out to our team of professional dog trainers inside the Zigzag app. They’ve got all the solutions imaginable for your pup-related questions you never even thought you’d have.
Oh…and Happy New Year!
