Holidays can be full of parties and socializing, and it’s natural for us to want to include our dogs in these celebrations. But many dogs, like humans, may have a limit for how much socializing and partying they’re up for. Knowing when your dog has had enough holiday socializing is an important part of keeping everyone safe.

Should Fido Be at the Gathering?

The first thing to consider is whether or not you should even include your dog in holiday gatherings. You need to know their personality type, as well as their likes and dislikes. For example, if your dog loves people, then a holiday party might be the highlight of their week. However, forcing them to socialize when they don’t want to can make them uncomfortable and potentially put others at risk. Be sure to take your dog’s preferences, and those of your holiday guests, into consideration.

Social and Behavioral Issues to Think About Before Holiday Socializing

Is your dog an introvert or extrovert? Do they love meeting new people and hanging out, or do they prefer cozy couch snuggles with their familiar, trusted people? If your dog is more of an introvert or is sensitive to strangers, crowds, or loud noises, then a holiday party may not be the best place for them.

Does your dog steal or guard food? Party guests won’t be as careful as you are at managing where you put food down, especially if there will be kids at the party.

Does your dog jump to greet or otherwise have less than perfect manners? This may be fine when it’s you alone, but if there will be children or elderly people attending, a dog jumping on them could be dangerous.

Finally, will there be children? If so, who is going to be supervising dog and child interactions? You can’t assume dogs and kids will be comfortable with each other, and there should always be adult supervision.

4 Signs Your Dog Might Be Done with Holiday Socializing

1. They Stop Greeting New People Coming In

If your dog is normally a social butterfly and they stop greeting people coming or going, that could indicate they’re tired or have had enough.

2. They Start to Avoid or Retreat for Some Peace and Quiet

If you notice your dog starts to avoid interactions, like walking away if someone tries to engage with them or ducking their head when someone tries to pet them, this could also be a sign they’re done with socializing. More obvious signs would be complete retreat where they go off into a back bedroom or hop out the dog door to escape the chaos of the party.

3. They Get Clingy with You

Some dogs may get clingy to you, their trusted, familiar adult, hoping you’ll give them relief from the situation. If you ignore this plea, the dog may decide they need to take more drastic measures to ask for relief, like snapping or vocalizing.

4. They Get Aggressive

Dog aggression, which can look like growling, barking, lunging, snapping, or biting, doesn’t usually happen out of the blue. In fact, there are usually earlier, less subtle signs of stress or discomfort, such as:

• Yawning
• Lip licking
• Hard stare
• Whale eye

Once a dog’s subtle communication signs have been ignored, they may escalate their communication to be louder and clearer to tell you they need space or relief from the situation.

Knowing your dog’s social limits, preferences, and communication is essential for happy, safe holiday socializing and will protect guests and your dog from discomfort.