19/12/2022
Hello everyone and a huge apology to those who were ready to join us live today. Both Clair and I had unexpected last minute unavoidable events.
Todays live would have been a holiday special. So here are 5 areas we have top tips for you. Check them out😀
Management
Planning
Be your dogs advocate
Routine
Safety
Holidays are busy, visitors, change of routine in the home, excitement, lots of activity and lots of opportunities for our dogs to take advantage. 😱
! Management.
Create a safe space for your dog away from the hustle and bustle.
Somewhere that they will be comfortable while you are too busy to keep an eye on things or for when they need some quiet time.
Take time over the next few days to get them used to the space.
Spend some time with them there and provide some chews to create a good feeling about the area you have created.
You can also use snuffle mats or scatter feeding in the area.
It shouldn’t feel like time out but a place to retreat.
Use stair gates, a different room, a pen or wherever your dog feels happy.
Place water and a comfy familiar bed in there. Remember to check on them and provide something to chew on. Stuffed kongs, safe chews etc
Ask visitors to leave your dog in peace while they are in their refuge.
Create safe spaces from food, trees, decorations, presents, and doors leading to the outside.
2 Planning
Have your vets number written down where you can find it in a hurry and check with your practice how to get in touch if there is an emergency over the holiday.
Have plenty of chews, treats and fillings for kongs in stock
Give some thought to your unique pup and what experience you would like him/her to have over the holidays. Some pups will thrive, others will struggle.
How can you make it ok for your pup?☺️
3 Be your dog’s advocate
What do I mean?
Everyone who comes to your house over the holidays will have an opinion on your dog!!!
They will also, for the time they are there, try to train your dog!!
They will have an opinion on the way you live with your dog.
They might decide where the dog can or can’t sit, physically move them, and feed inappropriate tidbits.
Decide ahead of time that no one but you gets to make decisions about your dog. You are doing a great job.
No one else knows your pup like you. Pop your dog away in their safe space if you have visitors like this.
4 Routine.
As far as possible keep your dog's routine the same, particularly if you have a puppy. Walked by the same person and keep the toilet, sleep and meal time schedules on track.
Extra exercise and playtime will need extra sleep and quiet time.
Extra exercise might mean that your puppy is hungrier than usual and over tired.
This is where your safe quiet space and tasty chews and scatter feeding will come in.
5 Safety
There are many foods around this time of year that are dangerous for our dogs.https://bdch.org.uk/files/BATTERSEA_Toxic_food_for_dogs.pdf
Chocolate, raisins and grapes, mince pies, fruit cakes and puddings and cooked bones are the most obvious. Have a plan to keep these out of reach.
Included is a link to the dangers of chocolate and how much is too much
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate | Dog Ate Chocolate Advice Article
The safety of your visitors, particularly visiting children, is important.
Our dogs can be overwhelmed by too much attention, inappropriate handling, having things changed in their environment, having things taken off them, being over stimulated, noise levels and many other things.
These can lead to our dog growling, snapping or biting in an attempt to keep themselves safe.
Be your dog's advocate and watch for signs that your dog is uncomfortable and use your safe place before they feel the need to take things into their own hands.
Keep an eye on their body language for clues as to how they are feeling.
Make sure that there is a barrier between the outside doors to prevent visitors accidentally letting your dog out into the road.
Do you have any other reminders to share or have a question for us?
Have a lovely holiday with your wonderful Cockapoos and your friends and family. 🥳
Post your pictures and let us know what you get up to over the next couple of weeks
