🦴🎅🐾 Christmas holiday boarding and doggy daycare
When Christmas gets a little… chaotic
Christmas can bring out the best in us, and the busiest, noisiest version too. There are guests, gifts, food, travel plans, late nights, and endless excitement. And while that’s all part of the fun, for our dogs, it can be a sensory overload.
Here at Ollie’s Adventure Walks, we love the sparkle of the season, but we also know that behind the tinsel and turkey, dogs need consistency, calm, and care. Whether you’re hosting, visiting family, or heading away for a few days, it’s worth planning ahead to make sure your dog stays happy and relaxed through it all.
Why Christmas feels different to your dog
Dogs are creatures of habit. They thrive on knowing when walks happen, where their bed is, and what to expect next. During the festive season, all those patterns can change overnight; new smells, strange noises, extra people, and an avalanche of wrapping paper.
As Dogs Trust explains, even the friendliest, most sociable dogs can become unsettled when their environment suddenly shifts. Some show it by pacing or whining; others quietly retreat and hide away.
If you’ve welcomed a new puppy or rescue dog this year, those changes can feel even bigger. They’re still finding their paws, and Christmas can feel like being dropped into the middle of a very sparkly storm.
Signs your dog might be feeling stressed
Dogs tell us when they’re uncomfortable — we just have to know how to listen.
Look for:
Lip licking or yawning (when not tired)
Avoiding eye contact or moving away
Hiding, trembling, or pacing
Growling, snapping, or sudden clinginess
None of these mean your dog’s being “naughty”; they’re just signs of overwhelm. The solution is to offer space, quiet, and reassurance, or, in some cases, a change of scenery altogether.
A calm space of their own
If you’re hosting this Christmas, one of the kindest things you can do is give your dog a designated calm zone. Somewhere with their bed, toys, and familiar scents, away from the main noise and bustle.
Pop a baby gate across the door if needed, play soft music, and let guests (especially children) know it’s your dog’s “chill zone.”
A few stuffed Kongs or long-lasting chews can keep them content while you focus on cooking, chatting, or unwrapping gifts.
When home gets too hectic: a home-from-home alternative
Sometimes, though, the best way to keep your dog relaxed is to give them a holiday of their own.
That’s where our new licensed home boarding service comes in. It’s designed for dogs who prefer a calm, home-style setting to kennels, with familiar routines, countryside walks, and lots of personal attention.
They stay in a real home, with us, surrounded by comfort and care. We stick to their normal feeding times, provide enrichment and play, and make sure every guest feels secure, loved, and part of the family.
Many of our regular walking clients book boarding stays with us over Christmas or New Year, especially if they’re travelling or hosting big family gatherings. The dogs enjoy their own peaceful, countryside break while their humans get to celebrate stress-free.
Day care: for when you just need a few quiet hours
Even if you’re not travelling, there’s always that one manic day: last-minute shopping, house guests arriving, or a marathon of cooking and cleaning.
Our doggie day care is perfect for that. Your dog spends the day with us, playing safely, enjoying structured walks and relaxation time, and soaking up company — all while you get everything done at home. By the time they come back, they’re calm, happy, and ready to settle in for the evening.
Travel, guests, and fireworks
If you’re travelling to family this Christmas, plan ahead for dog care early, December gets busy fast. Make sure your dog’s microchip and ID tag are up to date, and pack familiar items if they’re staying somewhere new.
If you’re hosting, think about fireworks or crackers too. Vets Now warns that sudden loud noises can trigger anxiety in dogs. We use gentle background noise, pheromone diffusers, and soft lighting in our boarding space to help everyone stay calm when things get loud.
New dog in the family? Go slow and steady
Christmas is a common time for people to welcome a new rescue or puppy, but the holidays aren’t always the easiest time to adjust. With so much activity, it can be overwhelming for a new arrival trying to bond and settle in.
If you’ve recently adopted, keep expectations simple. Quiet bonding walks, calm introductions, and short bursts of social time are better than full-on festivities. If it’s all too much, we’re happy to offer day care or short boarding breaks to give your new companion a rest from the hustle.
Our festive promise
Whether your dog joins us for an adventure walk, a day of play, or a cosy boarding stay, we treat every guest like family, with the same care, patience, and love we give our own dogs.
We believe dogs should enjoy Christmas just as much as we do, with fresh air, warm beds, and a sense of calm amid the chaos.
So if your festive season is looking full, noisy, or just a little unpredictable, let us help make it easier. We’ll make sure your dog’s Christmas is full of joy, comfort, and wagging tails.
🎅 Ollie’s Christmas Message
From all of us at Ollie’s Adventure Walks, here’s to a season full of muddy paws, wagging tails, and long winter snoozes by the fire. Whether your dog joins us for countryside adventures, a day of festive fun, or a cosy stay in our licensed home boarding, we’ll make sure they’re loved, safe, and truly part of the family.
Have a peaceful, tail-wagging Christmas — and a joyful start to the New Year from all of us here in Hastings.
Book your dog’s Christmas stay today – we still have limited spaces available for day care and home boarding over the festive season. Give your dog a calm, cosy home-from-home while you enjoy the celebrations.
Call Ollie on 07979 491808 / Louise on 07882 655416 to discuss your requirements., or email us on hello@olliesadventurewalks.com