12/20/2024
🎄 Holiday Tips for Managing Your Dog
The holiday season can be overwhelming, not just for us, but for our dogs as well.
As a trainer, I work closely with my clients, and they’ve been instructed with precise information to prepare their dogs for the busy days ahead so I thought I’d share with you all as well.
For those who might be wondering how to set their dog up for success, here are a few key tips:
Start Practicing Now! 👇
If you want your dog to stay calm and well-behaved during the holidays, it’s important to put in the work before the big day. Skills like crate training, place, and leash etiquette can make all the difference.
• Spend time over the next few days practicing ( if you need help, reach out)
• Short, consistent reps will help your dog understand what’s expected of them.
• Focus on creating calmness and structure. they’ll need it when things get busy.
Control the Environment 👇
If you can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to manage your dog or give them your full attention, don’t leave room for mistakes.
Instead, set your environment up for success:
• Use a crate: A safe, quiet space where your dog can relax.
• Leash them indoors: Keeping your dog on leash helps you maintain control.
• Tether them: Secure your dog to a specific spot to avoid wandering or getting into trouble
• Gates: Baby gates or gates can be great to create a blockade where the dog can be kept safe and still part of the day or to prevent the dog welcoming all the guests first.
These tools allow you to manage your dog effectively and prevent unwanted behavior, even in a chaotic environment.
Fulfill Your Dog Beforehand 👇
Help your dog start the day in a calm state by meeting their needs ahead of time:
• Take them on a long walk or hike to burn off physical energy.
• Instead of feeding them breakfast in a bowl, take their food and practice obedience drills or tricks to engage with you and their mind.
A fulfilled dog will be much easier to manage in a busy environment.
Advocate for Your Dog 👇
Not every dog enjoys the holiday hustle and bustle. While we often feel pressure to include them in every moment, that can sometimes do more harm than good.
• If your dog seems overwhelmed or stressed, it’s okay for them to spend time away from the action.
• Give them a break in a crate or a quiet room.
• Use tools like sound machines or high-value chews to help them decompress and occupied.
Your job is to advocate for their needs and set them up for success, even if that means they’re not actively part of the celebration.
Adjusting Routines 👇
Holidays often throw schedules off track, and that’s okay. While some parts of your dog’s routine may need to change temporarily, try to keep as much consistency as possible.
• Stick to regular feeding times.
• Maintain any existing boundaries or rules.
• Be mindful that small disruptions won’t ruin their progress if you stay consistent in other areas.
Set the Tone When Guests Arrive 👇
First impressions matter, especially during high-energy moments like arrivals:
• Keep your dog in their crate or in the car while you greet everyone and settle in.
• Let them out only when they’re calm, and keep them on leash.
• Practice leash drills to lower excitement and establish focus before introducing them to guests.
The calmer they are going into the situation, the better the outcome will be.
💥 Remember:. By preparing in advance, setting boundaries, and advocating for their needs, you can reduce stress for both of you and ensure a smoother experience overall.
Keep in mind, your home is your dog’s space too, so it’s important to advocate for their needs and set boundaries when necessary.
Happy & safe Paw-lidays everyone! 🐾 🎄