Does your dog shut down, act out, or just seem "off" during holiday gatherings — while everyone else thinks it’s no big deal?

If you've ever felt torn between family expectations and your dog’s emotional well-being, you're not alone. The holidays bring overstimulation, unpredictable environments, and pressure to “just go with it” — all of which can throw your dog’s behavior and emotional regulation out of balance. This episode dives into what your dog is really experiencing and why your response matters more than you think.

In this episode:

• How to recognize early signs of stress or overstimulation before they escalate

• Why honoring your dog’s emotional needs is a critical part of effective training

• How to confidently set boundaries with friends and family — without guilt

Press play to learn why protecting your dog’s peace during the holidays is one of the most powerful training decisions you can make.

The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & Support

Want more support beyond the episode?

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Nutrition Support We Trust

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This podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs: rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dog.