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The Christmas Day Walk & Why It’s Essential for Keeping Dogs Calm at Christmas
Christmas Day is undeniably magical, but it’s also a bit of a whirlwind. Between the last minute wrapping, the constant checking on the turkey and the sugared-up, over-excited kids, the day can be a lot even for us humans. And while it’s understandably overwhelming for us, just imagine how our pups experience it. All the new noises, new smells and tempting foods just inches away from their noses… it’s no wonder that keeping dogs calm at Christmas can be a challenge.
What makes Christmas Day especially tricky is how it completely disrupts their routine. One of the reasons we love Christmas is because it breaks up the regularity of a usual day, but for our dogs, that can make things confusing and sometimes stressful. Breakfast might be late, walks get pushed aside, the house layout has likely changed to make room for a giant tree and suddenly there’s a new rule about not touching the interesting crinkly boxes on the floor. For many pups, it’s a full sensory overload.
That’s why sticking to as much of their normal rhythm as possible can make a world of difference and one of the simplest, most powerful ways to do that is the good old Christmas Day walk. Some families already treat it as an annual tradition, and honestly, if it’s not part of yours yet, it should be. Not just for walking off the turkey or grabbing a breath of fresh air before the King’s speech, but because that walk plays a huge role in keeping dogs calm at Christmas.
Why the Christmas Day Walk is a Must for Keeping Dogs Calm at Christmas
1. It’s a Much-Needed Break from the Chaos
I think we can all safely say Christmas Day is one of the craziest of days in most households, especially if you have children or a large family. And even for the most confident dogs, all the added noise, movement and excitement can be overwhelming.
It’s why a nice long Christmas Day walk can be the perfect way to give them a breather away from the sensory overload that comes with the festivities. The fresh air and break from the noise can help reset their nervous system and let them return home much more relaxed.
2. Walks Are Enrichment in Their Purest Form
We, of course, love treat dispensers and lick mats for enrichment, but walking is enrichment too – in fact it’s one of the purest and simplest forms of enrichment for dogs.
The sniffing, exploring and experiencing new scents and sights all work your dog’s brain in the best way, giving them a brain workout that’s just as important as physical exercise. It’s one of the main reasons a Christmas Day dog walk is so important, and one of our best ways of keeping dogs calm at Christmas.
3. Physical Exercise Helps Release Festive Energy
With routines disrupted and extra excitement in the air, dogs often have pent-up energy they don’t know how to manage. A proper walk burns off that excess buzz, making them far more settled indoors. Being able to stretch their legs and run around their favourite field means they’re much more likely to enjoy some post-walk calmness.
This is even more important for breeds with higher exercise needs. And with a long enough walk, they’ll no doubt be snoring on the sofa next to Grandad before the final round of charades has finished.
4. A Chance for Fresh Air and Emotional Reset
The fresh air alone can make a world of difference. Dogs pick up on our holiday stress, so stepping outside gives both of you a moment to breathe. A nice, quiet winter walk works as a grounding and emotional reset for everyone.
And it’s surprising how just a simple shift in environment can dramatically support keeping dogs calm at Christmas, especially when the house feels a little too full and noisy.
5. One-to-One Time That’s Truly Theirs
Christmas Day pulls your attention in a hundred directions, and your dog feels that. So by choosing a Christmas Day dog walk, you can give them dedicated time with you, with no distractions, no guests and no chaos.
Instead, it’s a moment between just the two of you. This focused bonding time helps reassure them when everything else feels unpredictable and even strengthens your relationship in the long run.
6. Helps Reinforce Routine on a Disrupted Day
Dogs thrive on predictability, and Christmas Day is anything but predictable. Sticking to their usual walk, even if the timing is a little different, brings a sense of normality to an otherwise upside-down day.
Maintaining this part of their routine makes a big difference in keeping dogs calm at Christmas, reminding them that while everything looks and smells different, the things that matter stay the same.
Walking Essentials to Make Your Christmas Day Walk Festive and Fun
We guarantee your Christmas Day walk will be a highlight of the festive season for both you and your pup. To make it even more special, why not treat yourselves to some adorable Christmas gifts?
From festive-themed:
We’ve got everything to make your holiday stroll safe, fun and festive.
Harnesses, Collars & Leads
Any dog owner knows that a good quality harness, collar and lead is an essential part of keeping your dog safe and happy on Christmas Day walks – and every walk after. The right gear ensures you have control without strain, while giving your pup the freedom to explore, sniff and enjoy their time outdoors. On busy festive days, having a reliable lead or hands-free option can make all the difference too, letting you navigate slippery paths and holiday distractions with ease.
For a touch of festive flair, the Zee.Dog Airleash Dog Lead in Crimson is a perfect choice. Its bright red colour feels Christmassy but works all year round, while the Flowtex™ elastic webbing absorbs pulling, reducing strain for both you and your dog.
If you prefer a hands-free option, especially one with some functional reflective elements for all the dark winter nights, the Zee.Dog NOX Hands-Free Dog Lead is a game-changer. Reflective material is woven throughout the leash to keep night walks safer while the adjustable design allows you to wear it around your waist or across your body.
Poo Bags & Poo Bag Holders
No dog walk, on Christmas Day or not, is complete without having reliable poo bags on hand. Picking up after your dog is a must, not just because it’s a legal requirement but it helps to keep your neighbourhood clean and ensures your walks, and everyone else’s, remain enjoyable.
We’re big believers in compostable poo bags, so when we’re disposing of our pup’s poop, we’re doing it without damaging the environment. We love the Adios Plastic Compostable Dog Poo Bags for this very reason. Made from non-genetically modified cornstarch, they are home-compostable and zero-waste, meaning you can take care of business without guilt.
And to keep your poo bags close at hand, the Wild One Poo Bag Dispenser is a festive and practical solution. Available in 12 colours, including seasonal reds and greens, it comes with a soft-touch shell, elastic strap and twist-top for easy reloading. Clip it onto your leash, harness, or bag and you’ll always have eco-friendly dog poo bags at the ready for Christmas Day walks and beyond.
Dog Water Bottles & Bowls
If your Christmas Day walk is more than just a quick stroll around the block, then keeping your dog hydrated throughout the journey is essential, especially after a morning of excitement and treats. Carrying a portable water bottle and bowl ensures your pup can enjoy fresh water anytime without interruptions.
With its one-hand squeeze-and-release design, the Springer Dog Water Travel Bottle is a super handy dog water bottle to add to your arsenal. The water fills the attached bowl for easy drinking and drains back into the bottle when finished, so nothing goes to waste. It’s also leak-tight, BPA-free and comes complete with a handy carabiner for attaching to your bag, lead or rucksack.
If you’ve already got a bottle but you need a collapsible dog water bowl, the Zee.Dog GoBowl is a favourite of ours. Made from collapsible silicone, it’s easy to store, carry and clean and doesn’t just need to be used for serving water either – you can even take it for mid-walk snacks too!
Festive Dog Treats
Christmas is a time for a few extra treats. That means a few mince pies for us, and a few tasty festive-inspired dog treats for our pups too. They’re the kind of dog Christmas gifts most pups want, but they’re also perfect for rewarding good behaviour on a busy day, encouraging training and adding a little pawsitive reinforcement to the day.
A must for your dog’s Christmas stocking is the
Denzel’s Mistletoe Kisses - Mince Pie Festive Dog Treats. Limited edition heart-shaped treats with a tasty mince pie recipe, perfect for dogs that are top of the nice list and simply spoiling your dog this Christmas.
For a versatile and easy-to-use option when you’re out on your Christmas Day walk, the Arden Grange Tasty Salmon Dog Treat Paste is a tube filled with delicious salmon paste. It’s highly palatable and works perfectly as a reward or a training aid. It also means you’re not filling your pockets with biscuit crumbs, but instead you can easily squirt a little out as you walk and let your dog lick away!
Christmas Dinner Enrichment Bundle
Once you've got some rewarding fresh air, don't forget to let them enjoy some Christmas cheer by involving them in the festive feast. Dog enrichment bundles are a great way to treat them and allow them to join in on the big day.
We have 3 festive bundles to choose from:
Conclusion
A Christmas Day walk isn’t just a lovely tradition to start, but it’s also a very important part of keeping your dogs calm at Christmas. Amid all the craziness that comes with the festive season, giving your pup some outdoors to get some exercise, mental stimulation and a little break from the noise is a must.
At WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to make your Christmas Day walk both safe and enjoyable. From reflective leads and festive harnesses to water bottles, bowls, poo bags, and dog-friendly treats, you’ll have all the essentials to make this holiday tradition truly special for both you and your four-legged besties.
A Christmas Day walk helps keep dogs calm at Christmas by providing exercise, mental stimulation and a break from the holiday chaos
Pack the essentials for your walk including a sturdy harness, lead, ID tags, poo bags, water bottle, and collapsible bowl, plus reflective gear for if you're walking in the dark!
Walks are a chance for your dog to enjoy independence, fresh air and festive fun, making the holidays more enjoyable for both of you.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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How can I make walks extra stimulating for my dog?
There are so many ways you can make your walks extra stimulating for your pup. For starters, trying new routes that will be filled with new sights, sounds and smells will instantly make things more exciting. And any chance you can let your dog off lead where it’s allowed and safe gives them the chance to really stretch their legs. You can also use walks to practice light training exercises along the route.
What are some other ways for keeping dogs calm at Christmas?
While the Christmas Day walk is an essential, there are other ways of keeping dogs calm at Christmas. Establishing consistent routines, providing enrichment toys and giving them a safe space away from holiday noise will help. Our dogs love enrichment tools like lick mats, chew toys and treat dispensers that can reduce stress and prevent overexcitement.
What essentials should I bring on a Christmas Day walk?
For a safe and enjoyable Christmas Day walk, make sure your dog has a sturdy harness, lead, and collar with up-to-date ID tags since this is a legal requirement. Also bring plenty of poo bags, plus a water bottle and collapsible bowl if you plan a longer walk. And if you’re heading out in the late afternoon or evening, reflective gear is essential for keeping your dog visible and safe.
