A Very Merry Christmas, From Me: Behzhig the German Shepherd’s Guide to Pet-Happy Holidays
Sniff-Test First: Keep the House Safe for Curious Noses
Hi. I’m Behzhig. I patrol the living room, I inspect every bag that comes in the door, and I take my holiday job seriously: make sure your pet has an awesome Christmas.
Now of course these suggestions apply to your pet, and if I divert from these rules it is only because I have my Hoomans very well trained.
So before the fun starts, do a quick “nose-level” check:
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Tinsel, ribbon, string, and ornament hooks: super tempting, not super smart to chew. Keep them up high.
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Tree water: it smells interesting, but it’s not a dog drink. Put a cover on the stand if you can.
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Batteries and small decorations: if it fits in my mouth, it can become a problem fast—stash them in bins with lids.
The Food Rule: “If It’s Not in My Bowl, Ask First”
Humans love sharing. I love eating. But holiday food can be tricky for pets. There are lots of things, like chocolate that I should never eat. Same goes with cooked bones too. They can cause real problems.
A safer plan:
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Set aside pet-safe treats (or use your pet’s regular kibble as “special snacks”).
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Tell guests: no sneaky table scraps.
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Keep plates and serving trays out of reach, and watch the floor for “oops drops.”
If you want to share the spirit, share something that’s meant for us—a chew, a puzzle toy, or a pet treat.
Presents: Make Unwrapping Fun Without the Chaos
I’m excellent at shredding paper. It’s a talent. But not all pets should “help.”
Try this:
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Give your pet one gift to open (a toy in a simple paper wrap) while you supervise.
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Clean up wrapping paper, tape, bows right away.
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New toy? Do a quick check for loose parts and choose the right size for your pet.
Christmas Day Routine: Don’t Forget the Basics
My favourite part of Christmas is when everyone is home. My least favourite part is when everything changes.
To keep your pet calm:
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Stick to normal meal times.
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Make time for a proper walk/play session (a tired dog is a happy dog).
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Schedule a quiet break in a cozy “safe zone”—bed, crate, or a room away from the noise.
Visitors: Teach the Two-Leggers How to Greet
Guests are exciting. Sometimes too exciting.
Helpful tips:
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Ask people to greet calmly: no crowding, no sudden hugs, let the pet sniff first.
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Give your pet a “job” (sit, down, touch) and reward it—yes, I love jobs.
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If your pet gets overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break in the safe zone.
Cold Weather Fun: Winter Can Still Be Playtime
If you’re in Northwestern Ontario, I already know what’s up: snow!
Quick winter comfort checks:
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After walks, wipe paws to remove snow clumps and grit.
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Keep outdoor time reasonable in deep cold—more short adventures can be better than one long one.
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A warm towel and a cozy spot after? Perfect. I approve.
The Best Gift: Your Time
You can buy toys (nice). You can buy treats (also nice). But the biggest Christmas gift you can give your pet is you:
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a walk,
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a game,
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a cuddle (if your pet likes cuddles),
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and a calm, safe home where we know we belong.
Behzhig’s Quick Christmas Checklist
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✅ Decorations secured and out of reach
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✅ Pet-safe treats ready; guests told “no table food”
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✅ One supervised unwrapping gift
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✅ Routine maintained (food + walk + quiet breaks)
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✅ Visitors greet calmly
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✅ Paws checked after winter walks
