As the holidays draw closer, it is a good idea to prepare your dog (and yourself) for a house full of guests. The excitement and uproar of the holidays can be overwhelming. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to assure you of festivals and stress-free holiday season.
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| DOGS, CHILDREN & THE HOLIDAYS: KEEPING IT STRESS-FREE-Dog training tips free |
Above: Scout and his friend Jacob relax after play time.
Dogs And Children: What Makes Sense?
For many people, this can be the first holiday experience of your students. Your dog may not be accustomed to children running around and play loud with toys. Conversely, some children may fear your dog. Take the time to present children and dogs properly and always be alert to them while talking. Keep a close watch for any signs of stress (on the child or pet side). If your dog or child feels uncomfortable in any way, remove your dog to another room or crate in a safe place. Ensuring the safety of both the child and the pet during the holiday season is paramount.
Basic Manners: Dogs and Holiday Guests
Everyone appreciates a dog with good manners. A dog that can interact with family and friends during the holidays is a joy to behold. However, like people, most dogs are not born with these skills. They need to learn how to be good boys and girls and this takes time (as any dog owner would). Additionally, humans do not necessarily know how to teach dogs. The best solution for everyone involved is to sign up for a basic obedience class. You will learn the skills necessary to communicate and teach your dog effectively, and your dog will learn important behaviors such as interacting with house guests.
Holiday Tips: PupLife.com Checklist
Here is a list of tips to make the holidays safe, and hopefully stress-free for you and your pooch.
Give your dog some extra exercise and attention before your guests arrive. As the saying goes, "A good dog is a tired dog!"
For many people, this can be the first holiday experience of your students. Your dog may not be accustomed to children running around and play loud with toys. Conversely, some children may fear your dog. Take the time to present children and dogs properly and always be alert to them while talking. Keep a close watch for any signs of stress (on the child or pet side). If your dog or child feels uncomfortable in any way, remove your dog to another room or crate in a safe place. Ensuring the safety of both the child and the pet during the holiday season is paramount.
Basic Manners: Dogs and Holiday Guests
Everyone appreciates a dog with good manners. A dog that can interact with family and friends during the holidays is a joy to behold. However, like people, most dogs are not born with these skills. They need to learn how to be good boys and girls and this takes time (as any dog owner would). Additionally, humans do not necessarily know how to teach dogs. The best solution for everyone involved is to sign up for a basic obedience class. You will learn the skills necessary to communicate and teach your dog effectively, and your dog will learn important behaviors such as interacting with house guests.
Holiday Tips: PupLife.com Checklist
Here is a list of tips to make the holidays safe, and hopefully stress-free for you and your pooch.
Give your dog some extra exercise and attention before your guests arrive. As the saying goes, "A good dog is a tired dog!"
- Make sure your dog has a "safe place" like a dog crate or bedroom where he can go to get away from the noise and people. Do not leave your dog in a tie out or in the yard where he can injure himself.
- Nobody likes beggars, so when you are ready to serve food, keep Fido away.
- Never leave your dog with children. Even if your dog loves children, be sure to monitor all interactions. Then, think safety first!
- Instruct children on how to treat your dog. For example, if you know your dog is sneaky around children, ask them not to contact your dog, and make sure to provide a safe and comfortable place for Fido away from the children.
- Give your dog appropriate potty breaks throughout the day to avoid accidents at home.
- Keep your delicious holiday well out of Fido's reach. Even the most well-behaved dog, if tempted, can turn into a "counter-surfer". It is a good idea to always keep some dog treats ready to keep your dog away from people's food.
- Can use garbage with a locking lid or under the sink or in the closet.
- Use a trusty dog gate to keep Fido out of the kitchen and dining area.
- Keep small toys, wrapping paper, tinsel, etc. out of reach of your dog, like you would with a young child. Dogs examine the world with their nose and mouth so prevention is actually the best medicine.
- Give Fido something to occupy yourself like a dog toy or interactive puzzle toy. Not only will you engage her physically, you will challenge her ability to solve the problem and reduce her boredom while staying with the guests.
- If you will be home with the baby's appearance this holiday season, introduce Fido to the baby's unique voice before your baby arrives.
- The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and family. Because our dogs are part of the family, it is important to include them whenever possible. If you are in the holiday season, be sure to read our Christmas Dog Safety Tips and our Cold Weather Dog Safety Tips. Remember this season to be safe, have fun and most importantly spend time with your loved ones - two and four legs!
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