Easter with a Reactive Dog: Tips for a Calm and Safe Holiday

This Easter is going to feel different for me because, for the first time in a long time, I won’t have a dog by my side. Although I’m not religious, I’ve always made a fun Easter basket for my pup. What makes this year especially tricky is that Easter falls on April 20th — which would have marked two years since Shadow Dawn came into my life and would have been Jake’s 14th birthday had he not become sick.

Since starting my health journey last year (I’ve lost 80 pounds to date!), I’ve taken up baking as a hobby and try a new recipe each month. This month, it’s hot cross buns — something my mother always made for Easter when I was growing up.

This holiday, instead of sharing a sweet treat with a curious snout hovering by the counter, it’ll just be me, some flour-dusted surfaces and my very first batch of hot cross buns. Instead of watching Shadow Dawn excitedly rummage through her Easter basket, I’ll probably be scrolling through old photos of her and Jake with tears in my eyes and a heart full of gratitude for having known them.

Mom put WAY more frosting on her hot cross buns!

If you’ve lost a pet recently and your home feels too quiet this spring, please know you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.

And if you do have a reactive dog this Easter — as both Jake and Shadow Dawn were — I understand how tricky holidays can be. Visitors, changes in routine, loud noises or a sunny walk that turns into a trigger-stacked nightmare — it’s a lot. Luckily, there are ways to make Easter and the spring season more manageable for you and your dog.

Here are some practical, compassionate spring & Easter tips for reactive dog owners:

🐣 1. Where you can, stick to Predictable Routines

Holiday weekends often bring excitement and schedule changes that equal chaos for your reactive dog who thrives on consistency and predictability. Counter the chaos by keeping core parts of your dog’s day the same: meals, walks, naps & quiet time can still follow the usual routine. If you're expecting visitors, prep a calm space ahead of time where your pup can relax away from the action. Even a people loving dog needs a break from the stimulation of visitors.

Be consistent with your dog's routines wherever you can.

🚪 2. Planning for Visitors? Prioritize Your Dog’s Comfort

If you love hosting and your dog struggles with having guests over, set them up for success with these tips:

If you don’t already have a designated safe place for your dog, you can set one up now by finding a quiet corner where your dog can escape the human activities. A cozy bed, calming music (or white noise), a frozen Kong (or another of your dog’s favorite treats) and their favorite toys will make the space even more enticing.
Use baby gates strategically (or closed doors) to minimize exposure to overstimulating sights and sounds while keeping your guests and your dog out of mischief.
Let guests (especially children) know not to engage with your pup unless you give the okay. Consider posting a short “house rules for the dog” note by the entrance. It’s perfectly fine for your guests to not interact with your dog at all. You’re the parent, you get to decide.

Remember: You’re not being rude — you’re being a great advocate for your dog’s well-being.

A safe place doesn't have to be elaborate, just somewhere your dog can take a break away from the action.

🐰 3. Watch Out for Easter Hazards

Chocolate, plastic grass, candy wrappers and even hot cross buns (looking at you raisins) can be dangerous for dogs as can overeating nontoxic items (that plate of cupcakes at snout level could be super tempting to your dog). Keep Easter baskets, trash and human food out of reach and supervise your pup if you make them an Easter basket of their own. Make cleanup easy for guests so nothing tempting gets left behind.

🌼 4. Spring Can Be Stimulating!

As the weather warms up, the sounds, smells & activity levels outside amp up. New scents, allergens and foot & paw traffic can be extra exciting (or overwhelming) for reactive dogs. It’s much easier for both of you if you walk during quieter hours or less popular routes and keep outings short if your dog shows signs of stress.

💛 5. Be Gentle with Yourself

Navigating holidays - and life in general - with a reactive dog is challenging. When things don’t go perfectly, it’s okay. You’re showing up, you’re trying your best and that’s enough. Celebrate every small win and offer yourself the same grace you give your dog.

Whether you’re hosting, visiting or keeping things low-key this year like me, I hope you find a moment to breathe, enjoy something sweet (fresh baked hot cross buns, anyone?) and give your dog — or your heart — some extra love this season.

Want more tips for a calmer walk with your reactive dog? Take my free course and start enjoying walks with your dog.

Wishing you and your pup a calm and cozy Easter. 💐