Preparing Your Dog for the Holidays

There’s nothing better than spending the holidays with family, friends and, of course, our four-legged companions. While the holidays can be a great source of fun and enjoyment they can also be a source of stress for our pets. It’s best to prepare early to make the holidays a positive experience for everyone.

The holiday season can introduce a busier schedule, new environments and lots of guests, both old friends and new; all which can affect your dog’s behavior. A sudden change in your dog’s daily routine might throw him off. Every individual dog copes differently with these changes. It’s important to be aware that our dogs are not being stubborn or mischievous rather they may be overwhelmed and simply trying to find ways to adjust. With increased temptations (like yummy food, lighted Christmas trees and mysterious wrapped gifts) bad habits may develop or be inadvertently reinforced. As responsible dog owners it is our job to manage our dog’s environment to prevent problems and keep our dogs safe.

Management

Management is the key element to ensure your dog will remain happy and content throughout the holidays. Management allows us to have control over our dog’s environment, including interaction with other dogs and people, and the ability reinforce acceptable behaviors while preventing unwanted ones. Utilizing baby gates around the house ensures that your dog has access to safe areas and prevents her from wandering into areas that may be dangerous.

While a big Christmas tree is a lovely decoration it’s also a tempting distraction. For our dogs water used to keep the Christmas tree fresh throughout the holidays, is no different than the water in the food bowl. Electrical cords from Christmas lights may seem like chew toys and glass ornaments may resemble squeaky toys. The reality is that these things can be harmful to our pets, and we must keep them out of reach. Unintended accidents may include electrocution, fertilizer poisoning and bacterial infection or intestinal blockages.

Dangerous Items

Chocolate should be kept in a secure place because it contains methylxanthines which, while not toxic to people, can be very dangerous to dogs. To put it in perspective a 5-10 lb dog can die after eating as little as 4 oz of baking chocolate and 16 oz of chocolate for a dog 20-40 lbs. Signs of chocolate toxicity include: vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea, seizures and/or coma.

And, what is a celebration without a big feast? While we love each distinctive holiday dish prepared with love these delicacies should be kept away from our pets. Table scraps may seem like a good idea to feed dog, but in addition to creating behavioral problems such as begging, many foods are simply not suitable for dogs. Cooked bones, cooking grease and garbage should be kept out of reach. Garbage can contain endotoxins produced by bacteria and mold; if digested these endotoxins can be poisonous. Daily disposal of trash and trash cans with secure lids are helpful management tools that can aid in the prevention of problems.

Basic Obedience

One of the best parts of the holidays is practicing and showing off the obedience skills your dog learned in puppy class! You can impress your guests by having your dog sit to be greeted. If this is a skill your dog has not yet mastered simply use your leash to prevent her from jumping on your guests and reinforcing appropriate behavior. If you are lucky enough to have a social dog who loves interacting with company don’t be afraid to use a tether or crate to keep her at a safe distance from guests who may be afraid of or allergic to dogs. This way you’ll be able to facilitate your dog’s interaction with your guests in a calm and controlled manner.

If you have a timid dog or a dog who is easily overwhelmed or stressed by new visitors definitely consider using a crate. Crating your dog away from company, allows him to rest and take a break while you are able to freely entertain your guests. If your dog gets bored in his crate, give him something to do like treat toys including the Squirrel Dude, Twist N Treat or Leo Dog Toy. These toys can be loaded with yummy dog treats and will keep your dog occupied, calm and quiet in the crate.

With so many temptations in the house during the holidays, having a cue for your dog to relinquish items is essential. Teaching your dog “leave it” or “walk away” are two behaviors that will come in handy during this busy season and beyond. If your dog needs a refresher course take him for a day of training to brush up and then practice these skills at home before guests arrive. Remember to always have your dog on leash while training to ensure he’s successful. Always reinforce desirable behavior to increase the likelihood that your dog will repeat it in the future.

Exercise

Exercising your dog on a daily basis can make life easier. Remember that a tired dog is a good dog. Pent-up energy may lead to destructive behavior. If not exercised properly your dog may release his energy by chewing, barking or jumping. Exercise is not only physically stimulating it also helps to create a calm dog who is less likely to jump on your guests or bark excessively. Exercise also increases your dog’s ability to be able to concentrate, to be less distracted, and to be more likely to respond to cues.

An extra long walk, light jogging, a rigorous game of fetch and of course lots of training can help your dog stay fit and healthy. The amount of exercise your dog needs often depends on age, weight, health and breed. If you’re not sure how much exercise your dog requires contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Following these guidelines will help make your holidays less stressful and more enjoyable. Managing your dog, providing exercise, stimulation and love will help make things easier for both you and your dog. Most importantly enjoy your holiday season with friends, family and furry ones. Happy Holidays!