Preparing for a dog friendly New Year’s Eve doesn’t need to be as hard as you think. Everyone knows that fireworks are likely to make an annoying appearance, so it\u2019s important to know how to keep your dog calm around them. Besides fireworks, you\u2019ll have to get them used to screaming people coming in and out, and all of that delicious food floating around New Year’s Eve Parties. New Year\u2019s is just a lot, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article is all about helping you figure out how to make sure the year goes out with a bang, but doesn\u2019t end in chaos with your puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 maybe some New Year’s Resolutions are on the list?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to get some training in to prepare for the holidays or you\u2019re taking some time out over the Holiday season to start training your new puppy, look no further than the Zigzag app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve 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\u2019t worry – our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> are there to help you along the way, across any hurdles or trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s our tips to make things go smoothly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2026and fireworks begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When pups are well exercised, they become naturally calmer and will be far more likely to rest during the evening festivities. In your activity, consider incorporating mental stimulation exercises, puzzle toys or making the walk longer than usual to make sure their sporty needs are well met before the (very loud) celebrations begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppy-proof the living space by making sure any decorations, ornaments or unsafe foods are well out of your dog\u2019s reach. No one needs to spend the end of the year at the vet\u2019s because<\/a> your dog had New Year\u2019s food FOMO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Transform a quiet room or their favorite space into a cozy 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\u2019s peaceful escape when the celebrations become overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is used to it already, you can also use a crate or playpen if it makes them more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our articles on how to crate train a dog <\/a>or choosing the best playpen<\/a>, you can learn a lot about building a safe space for your puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s 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 track), as well as to visiting guests – always remembering to reward their calm behavior. This progressive training will help them a great deal in building their confidence for the big night, and not turn it into a whole thing to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is your dog scared of fireworks? They\u2019re not alone. Our article on why are dogs scared of fireworks<\/a> can be of great help for this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll get on New Year\u2019s. Even during the excitement of New Year\u2019s with a puppy, you\u2019ll definitely want to stick to their usual feeding and potty times wherever possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning on leaving your dog alone during any part of the celebrations, prepare them with home alone training. Practice by taking short periods of separation from each other, gradually increasing the time you stay away. If you live in an area that\u2019s likely to have lots of fireworks, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s important to help them through it with as many comforting solutions as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t forget to play with them, they\u2019ll always appreciate that! <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a great time to spoil them \u2014 why not pick out some great toys for puppies<\/a> for this New Year’s Eve to help them navigate the human take on \u2018holiday spirit\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are great ways to engage your dog in the New Year\u2019s celebrations (that don\u2019t involve fireworks) :<\/p>\n\n\n\n Host a New Year’s Dog Walk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Create New Year’s Photos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plan Indoor Adventures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a Cozy New Year’s Eve Countdown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to make training one of your New Year’s resolutions for your dog, there\u2019s no better way to start the year than with Zigzag’s full training program<\/a>. Our app <\/a>offers structured lessons according to your dog\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the Zigzag app<\/a> 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 wonderful of an adventure as you\u2019d imagined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to learn more about how to plan for the holiday season? Check out our guides to having a puppy proof Christmas,<\/a> how to deal with firework safety<\/a>, or navigating separation anxiety tips for puppies<\/a>. There\u2019s a ton of good stuff there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get into a pickle, don\u2019t forget, you can always reach out to our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> inside the Zigzag app. They\u2019ve got all the solutions imaginable for your pup-related questions you never even thought you\u2019d have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh\u2026and Happy New Year!<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur expert training tips for keeping your dog calm on New Year’s Eve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tire your pup out before the festivities begin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep your dog away from harmful stuff <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create a Safe Space at Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Practice Training Early<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maintain Regular Routines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Master Alone Time Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy Quality Time Together<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you can do with your pup this New Year’s Eve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The perfect way to start the new year with your new puppy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n