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Dogs and Children Holiday Manners Guide
As the holidays approach, it’s a good idea to prepare
your dog (and yourself) for a house full of guests. The excitement
and commotion of the holidays can be overwhelming. Here are
some guidelines you can follow to assure a festive and stress-free
holiday season.
Above: Scout and his friend Jacob rest up after play time.
Dogs and Children: What’s The
Commotion?
For many, this may be your pup’s first holiday experience.
Your dog may not be accustomed to children running around
and playing with loud toys. Conversely, some children may
be afraid of your dog. Take time to introduce children and
dogs properly always being mindful of them while they interact.
Keep a close eye out for any signs of stress (on the part
of the child or pet). If your dog or the child seems uncomfortable
in any way, simply remove your dog to another room or safe
spot like a crate. Ensuring the safety of both child and pet
is paramount during the holiday season.
Basic Manners: Dogs and Holiday Guests
Everyone appreciates a dog with good manners. A dog that can
gracefully interact with family and friends during the holidays
is a joy to behold. However, just like people, most dogs aren’t
born with these skills. They need to learn how to be good
boys and girls and this takes time (as any dog owner will
attest). Additionally, humans aren’t necessarily born
knowing how to teach dogs. The best remedy for everyone involved
is to sign up for a basic obedience class. You’ll learn
the skills you need to effectively communicate with and teach
your dog, and your dog will learn important behaviors like
how to interact with house guests.
Holiday Tips: The PupLife.com Checklist
- Give your dog some extra exercise and attention before your
guests arrive. As the saying goes, “A good dog is a
tired dog!”
- Make sure your dog has a “safe place” like a
crate or bedroom where he can go to get away from noise and
people. Don’t leave your dog on a tie out or loose in
the yard where he might injure himself.
- Nobody likes a beggar, so put Fido away when you are ready
to serve food.
- Never leave your dog unattended with children. Even if your
dog loves kids, be sure to supervise all interactions. Again,
think safety first!
- Instruct children on how to behave with your dog. For instance,
if you know your dog is timid around kids ask them not to
approach your dog, and be sure to provide a safe and comfortable
space for Fido away from children.
- Give your dog appropriate potty breaks throughout the day
to avoid accidents in the house.
- Keep your delicious holiday goodies out of Fido’s
reach. Even the most well behaved dog can turn into a “counter-surfer”
if tempted.
- Use a trash can with a locking lid or put the can under
the sink or in a closet.
- Utilize baby gates to keep Fido out of the kitchen and dining
area.
- Keep small toys, wrapping paper, tinsel, etc. out of your
dog’s reach just as you would with a small child. Dogs
investigate the world with their noses and mouths so prevention
is truly the best medicine.
- Give Fido something to occupy himself like dog
treat toys or interactive
puzzle toys. Not only will you engage him physically, you’ll challenge
his ability to problem solve and lessen his boredom while you’re occupied
with guests.
- Noise sensitive dogs may benefit by using the Anxiety Wrap. Based on the principals
of Tellington Touch, the Anxiety
Wrap uses maintained pressure to alleviate stress and fearfulness.
- If your house will be graced with the presence of a baby this holiday season,
introduce Fido to the unique sounds of infants prior to the infant’s arrival.
PupLife.com offers the Sounds
of Baby CD - a very effective tool for pre-conditioning pets to baby sounds.
This a is great way to get your dog accustomed to crying, laughing and cooing
if you’ll be entertaining new moms, dads and little ones.
The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with friends
and family. Because our dogs are part of the family it’s
important to include them whenever possible. This season remember
be safe, have fun and most importantly spend time with your
loved ones – two and four legged!
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