The holidays can feel like a whirlwind — new faces, later nights, long walks in the woods, yummy leftovers (for us!), and a noticeable shift from the usual everyday routine.

And while it’s fun for both humans and our four-legged companions, January often brings a gentle reminder: our dogs thrive on structure — and after Christmas, many of them really need it back.

Why the Festive Season Disrupts Behaviour

Dogs are creatures of habit. Their sense of security comes from predictability — knowing when they’ll eat, rest, and head out for a sniff-filled walk.

Over Christmas:

• Mealtimes drift later
• Visitors create excitement
• Walks may happen at different times
• Beds magically move into the lounge so we can cuddle on the sofa
• And… treats suddenly appear everywhere!
  
  

For many dogs, this is exciting but exhausting, and once real life rolls back in, they can:

• Become clingier or anxious
• Struggle to settle
• Demand treats they suddenly think are “standard”
• Bark more for attention
• Lose focus on training cues
  
  

It’s not bad behaviour — it’s simply a dog trying to navigate change.

The Power of Routine

• Structure gives your dog
• Emotional security
• Predictability
• Better sleep
• Improved digestion
• More balanced behaviour
• A reset for training habits and manners

Even subtle consistency — same walk window, same bowl time — helps your dog relax and understand what’s expected.

Simple Ways to Ease Back Into Routine

1. Reset Mealtimes

Return to regular feeding windows — same time morning and evening.
Check out our meals at Nutriment Food to support your dog’s fresh start.

2. Reinforce Good Habits

Brush up on:

• Sit and wait before meals
• Loose lead walking
• Calm greetings

Short sessions (5–7 minutes) work wonders.

3. Prioritise Calm Time

Schedule deliberate breaks from stimulation — a cosy nap, a puzzle toy, a long-lasting chew.

4. Reward the behaviours you want

Treats aren’t bribes — they’re reinforcements.
Use them deliberately to encourage calm and confident behaviour, not just excitement.

New Year Treat Suggestions

Because natural rewards make routine more fun.

For settling and calm chewing

• Beef Knees: Long-lasting and reduces January boredom
• Hooves: Brilliant for anxious chewers
• Ostrich Bones: Tough, satisfying, great for teeth
• Jumbo Buffalo Skin Rolls: Long-lasting focus for restless chewers
  
  

For training tune-ups

• Gourmet Slices: Small bites, big flavour 
• Gourmet Sausages: The treat dogs would choose themselves 
• Gourmet Sticks: Easy to snap, simple to serve, bursting with flavours 
• Gourmet Superfood Bars: Nutrition meets delicious 
  
  

For a clean start to the year

• Large Hairy Cow Ears: Single-ingredient, naturally air-dried
• Beef Abomasum: Satisfying crunch with nothing added
• Flat Beef Gullet: Support oral health while keeping them engaged
• British Skinny Pizzles: Perfect for dogs watching their waistline
  
  

All available at Nutriment Natural Treats — simply natural, no nasties, loved by dogs (especially after Santa’s biscuit bonanza!).

One Last Thought

A structured January isn’t about being strict — it’s about giving your dog what helps them feel their best.

A familiar rhythm, a few mindful rewards, and plenty of calm affection help your pup settle beautifully into the new year.

Routine builds confidence. --> Confidence builds happier dogs. --> And happier dogs make happier homes.