Christmas markets, pageants and community celebrations are just around the corner, and there's so much to look forward to!
For many of us, our dogs are an important part of our family, and it's natural to want to include them in these special occasions. But before heading out, ask yourself an important question: Is my dog going to enjoy this experience as much as I am?
When festive fun becomes overwhelming
Every year, I attend the Blackwood Christmas Pageant, and every year, I see dogs participating who are clearly struggling.
Some are panting excessively, repeatedly licking their lips or desperately trying to move away from the crowds. Others display more subtle signs of stress, such as whale eye (where the whites of their eyes become visible), a tense, exaggerated panting expression known as a “clown mouth”, ears held back and down, or a lowered head and body posture.
Sadly, I have also seen dogs limping along the pageant route, showing signs of physical discomfort or pain.
Christmas pageants and markets can involve:
Large, unpredictable crowds
Loud music, sirens and cheering
Unfamiliar people and dogs
Children running, screaming and reaching out to pat dogs
Unusual costumes, floats and decorations
Limited opportunities to move away
Hot weather and extended periods of walking or standing
Even generally confident and sociable dogs may find this combination overwhelming
Would your dog choose to be there?
Our dogs don't understand the significance of Christmas. They don't know that Santa is coming or that the pageant only happens once a year.
What they experience is the noise, crowds, unfamiliar surroundings and limited control over their environment.
Rather than asking whether your dog can attend an event, consider whether they would actively choose to attend if given the option.
Recognising the signs of stress
Dogs communicate their discomfort through body language. In addition to the signs mentioned above, you might notice:
Repeated yawning
A lowered or tucked tail
Constantly scanning the environment
Refusing food they would normally enjoy
Trembling or freezing
Excessive barking or lunging
Becoming unusually still or withdrawn
Remember, a quiet dog is not necessarily a relaxed dog, and a wagging tail does not automatically indicate happiness.
Stress can also accumulate throughout an event, meaning a dog who initially appears comfortable may become increasingly overwhelmed.
A stressed dog can present a safety risk
Christmas events attract many families with young children, who may excitedly approach dogs without recognising their signs of discomfort.
Even the friendliest, most well-socialised dog can react defensively when frightened, overwhelmed, in pain or unable to move away.
As dog owners, we have a responsibility to protect both our dogs and the people around them by preventing situations in which our dogs feel the need to defend themselves.
Can you really give your dog the attention they need?
When participating in a Christmas pageant, you're waving to the crowd, chatting with friends, watching your children and enjoying the atmosphere.
At the same time, your dog needs you to monitor their body language, manage interactions with strangers and recognise when they need a break.
Realistically, it is incredibly difficult to do all these things at once. Even as a professional dog trainer, I would find it challenging.
Don't forget about physical wellbeing
Extended periods of walking, standing and exposure to warm weather can be physically demanding, particularly for puppies, older dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions. Here in South Australia, hot pavement and high temperatures are also important considerations.
A dog who is limping should not be expected to continue walking simply because their owner wants to participate in an event.
But my dog needs socialisation!
Good socialisation is about creating positive, manageable experiences, not exposing dogs to as much as possible regardless of how they feel. Taking a puppy into an overwhelming environment can create negative associations and increase fear or anxiety.
The quality of an experience matters far more than the quantity of experiences.
What if my dog genuinely enjoys these events?
Some confident, physically healthy dogs may genuinely enjoy certain community events. Before bringing your dog, consider:
Are they relaxed around crowds, children, other dogs and loud noises?
Are they physically comfortable walking the required distance?
Can you prevent unwanted interactions?
Can you give them your full attention?
Can you leave immediately if they become uncomfortable?
That last question is particularly important if you're committed to walking an entire pageant route or managing a market stall.
Your dog's wellbeing should determine how long you stay, not the event schedule.
Leaving your dog at home is not leaving them out
For many dogs, a few hours relaxing at home is far more enjoyable than attending a crowded Christmas celebration.
Give your dog a lovely sniffing walk before you leave, provide a suitable enrichment activity and ensure they have a comfortable, cool place to rest. If your dog struggles with being alone, consider arranging for someone they trust to stay with them.
At Paws & Reward, we're incredibly excited about the upcoming Christmas markets and the Blackwood Christmas Pageant. But we also want to encourage everyone to make thoughtful decisions about including their dogs.
Being a loving dog owner doesn't mean taking your dog everywhere. It means understanding their individual needs and prioritising their wellbeing.
So, consider leaving your dog at home this year. I promise you, they won't know they're missing out – and if they did, they might actually be grateful!
Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for our dogs is to leave them out of the activities that bring us joy.
🎄🐾 Merry Christmas from the Paws & Reward team!
