Please welcome this guest post from Andy Ulh
With September flying by fast you’re probably getting into the holiday mindset. We know that these next few months are going to be a bit crazy and test your stress level as you get through Halloween and then even Thanksgiving and Christmas.
During this time of your life you probably have a million things going on in your life, including what you are going to be doing with not only your guests but your dog as well.
As you think about all of this, it’s important to know that the holidays don’t have to be a crazy period for your pet. If you can figure out a game-plan early and quickly, you can figure out a gameplan that will make the holidays enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Make a safe zone for your dog.
Many people will rely on a crate or a section off a room this holiday season, to separate their dog from the rest of the family. This might be a good move for you as well especially if you plan on having guests that are allergic to dogs.
If you plan on doing this make sure that your dog, still has access to food and water while he’s separated from your friends and family.
Use your guests as Dog Trainers
If you don’t want to lock your dog into a room, or even worse into a crate, use your guests as positive reinforcements to help train your dog. Remind them of the rules that you have in place to keep your dog in charge.
Also allow them to take your dog outside so your dog can get used to a wide variety of trainers and people being in charge.
Take care of your dog
It’s also important this month to remember not to forget about your dog.
Remember:
- Schedule quality time for your dog. You’re probably going to be busy running around to parties and various events, that it’s important that you plan some quality time with your dog during the week, to get him out of the house and take him for walks.
- If you’ve decorated your house make sure that they are not just dog proof but that they are not going to cause any pro blems with your dog while you’re away.
- To give him healthy treats. It is the holidays after all, so make sure that you always have a steady health of handy treats on display.
The holidays are an important part of every year and it should be important that not just you but your dog have a fun time as well.
About the Author:
Andy Uhl is the owner and a dog trainer at Darwin K9. Located out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina Darwin K9 specializes in dog obedience and dog training classes for dogs all shapes and sizes. For more information visit them online at http://www.darwink9.com/.
Finn says:
These are some great tips! I can’t believe we are thinking about the holidays already!
Eva or sometimes Priscilla says:
Very useful tips! We like the holidays part and we can’t wait for Christmas if you know what we are waiting for : )
Jodi says:
Great tips, I would also add, remind guests of your treat giving rules. There are lots of food items available on holidays that are harmful to pets. It’s important to remind people not to feed your dogs certain things.
Nichole says:
Great tips, esp for new dogs owners/adopters! I know a few who could use this…
Flea says:
Our dogs are put in my bedroom when company is set to arrive, but we let them out after everyone is in the house. There’s less barking and the dogs settle in nicely. And actually, my babies travel more this time of year, since we can go more places with the windows down.
Pop over to my blog for a chance to win a treat! I mentioned you today, too.
emma says:
Us dogs never have had holiday issues but the one cat sure gets into trouble eating ribbon, climbing the Christmas tree, etc. he is a cat terrorist!
Misty Shores Chesapeakes says:
Great post and a nice reminder not to forget about our four legged pals!!
Gina@the dog house says:
Good tips on socializing your dog with guests. I find that introducing the dogs to people helps them realize that they don’t have to go nuts when company arrives. But it definitely takes practice.
2 brown dawgs says:
I kind of find this statement troubling:
“If you don’t want to lock your dog into a room, or even worse into a crate…”
As if crating a dog is some kind of terrible thing to do. I don’t see anything wrong with putting a dog in a crate if necessary. Of course the work of having the dog comfortable in a crate has to happen before you actually need to do it. I think that tip is a good one whether there is a crate in the picture or not.