Alexandria, VA – The Holiday Season is a beautiful time of the year. Although the holiday hubbub can undoubtedly be a little stressful to us humans, dogs can be particularly vulnerable to holiday stressors such as visitors, strangers, kids with high-pitched voices, flashing lights, trees that were always outside are now inside, and a tempting treasure trove of sweets, treats, meats, and desserts. Because the gayety of the holidays can be overwhelming for many pups, here are some tips and guidelines to keep your canine companions safe and happy and ensure that everyone has a very merry holiday:
Safe Zones and Success Stations – Create a “safe zone” for your family dog, such as a crate (if they like their crate), a comfy room in your home, or on the other side of a baby gate. This quiet, comfortable space incorporates their bed, toys, and water bowl, where your dog can retreat before they get overwhelmed. If the doorbell or knock excites your dog, ask your guests to text you when they arrive, giving you time to get your pup comfortably situated in their “safe zone.” Teaching your dog to lie quietly on their mat or bed (success station) with a frozen Kong or chew during dinnertime will keep them busy as the mashed potatoes and turkey get passed around.
Pre-Party Mental and Physical Activities – Give your dog vigorous mental and physical exercise before your guests arrive so they can release some energy before the party begins. Play some recall games, treat search, ball retrieve, or tug. Use treat-dispensing toys like a Barnacle, Bobalot, or snuffle mat to work their brains and olfactory senses. “A tired dog is a good dog!”
Passive Calming Activities – Prepare some frozen Kongs or Toppls, stock up on bully sticks, Himalayan yaks, no-hides, etc. Before you sit down at the holiday table covered with mouthwatering smells and goodies, designate a place (success station) for your dog to enjoy their own buffet. Interactive food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys can occupy your dog and keep him relaxed while your guests are nearby having some holiday cheer or ringing in the New Year.
Little People – Never leave your dog unattended with children. Even if your dog loves kids, be sure to supervise all interactions. Always think — safety first! Many dogs don’t like to be hugged or patted on the head. If you know your dog is timid around kids, instead of hoping they will tolerate them, set them up for success in their comfortable “safe zone.”
Holiday Goodies and Gifts – Don’t tempt fate by leaving delicious holiday goodies in your dog’s reach. Mince pies, plum puddings, chocolate, and food with xylitol (birch sugar) all have ingredients that can be super toxic for our pets, including the Christmas Poinsettia. Remember, even the most well-behaved dog can become a “counter-surfer” if tempted. Keep trash cans out of reach from your scavenging resourceful pup. Dogs investigate the world with their noses and mouths, so prevention is the best medicine. Gift ribbons and decorations can be very harmful if ingested by pets. Be proactive by putting an exercise pen around the tree, or if your dog has a reliable place cue, you can station them away from the tree. Neither broken sentimental ornaments nor knocked-over trees will add to your holiday cheer.
Train Don’t Blame – Don’t let the holiday stress get the best of you or your dog. Enlist the aid of a positive reinforcement training professional to help you with some last-minute training strategies and an action plan. Everyone appreciates a dog with good manners, especially during the holidays. A dog that can gracefully interact with family and friends is a joy to behold. While not all dogs are there yet, others may not even want to interact with the guests. Having that “safe zone” for your dog avoids them being the holiday door greeter or kitchen helper while the ham and sweet potato pie sit on the counter. Brushing up on your dog’s life skills, having a plan, and proactive management will ensure your dog’s safety and everyone’s enjoyment during the holiday season.
Happy Holidays to you and yours from Wholistic Hound Academy!
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center — offering classes and private lessons in puppy training, adolescent and adult foundation and life skills, behavior modification, agility, nose work, dog sports, and fitness, kids and dogs, pre-pet planning and selection. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound.com to enroll in our programs, like us on Facebook.com/wholistichound, and follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/wholistichound.
