The holidays are upon us! It is very easy for us to get wrapped up in the spirit as we prepare for such wonderful times spent with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a party for a crowd, having a few guests over, or even attending one, it can be a stressful time for Fido. There are a few things you can do to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Prior to having guests over make sure you take time to spend with Fido. Do an activity that allows him to exert not just his physical energy, but his mental energy as well. If your pup knows obedience commands run him through a series of commands, a nice structured walk, or even some play time with his favorite toy. My go-to is a game of fetch mixed with obedience. Whether you have an excitable pup or a nervous nelly type, a structured activity is a great way to achieve a calmer state of mind as guests start to arrive.
There is a lot of coming and goings during the holidays, and some have expert door bolters that will take every opportunity they have. If you’re going to have Fido out and about, one way to prevent him from escaping is to have him on a leash. This will allow you to have better control over him and give you the security in knowing that he won’t slip through the door. This is also a great way to prevent jumping for those jumpers out there! Another option is to have him crated or in a room with the door closed, and then allow him to mingle once the arrival of guests start to slow down.
Parties and gatherings are typically not a normal part of everyday life for our pups. Between the abnormal amount of people, music, and cheering, it’s important for us to remember that Fido has a limit too. Even the friendliest of dogs can become stressed during such events and display behaviors that are not of their character. To alleviate stress and anxiety, allow your dog to mingle with guests for small portions at a time. Whether it’s a crate or a room that the door can be shut, be sure to have a safe place for him to go that is quiet and he won’t be bothered by guests. Some believe soft relaxing music helps to calm and reduce stress in our pups. My dogs happen to like reggae music, it always seems to put them to sleep. It is also a good idea to have something durable and safe they can chew on in their safe place. I love antlers and toys I can fill with treats and peanut butter and then freeze. This is a great stress relieving activity that most every dog enjoys, and it will keep them busy.
Some people enjoy showing their excitement for the holidays with fireworks. There are a lot of dogs that are terrified of fireworks and loud noises. In addition to having a safe place as mentioned above, be sure your dog can be easily identified. A lot of dogs will escape thinking they can outrun the terrifying noises. In the event that he is successful in his attempt, you’ll want to make sure that whoever finds him will be able to clearly see his information so he can be returned to home safely. I hope you find some of these tips helpful for making a more safe and enjoyable holiday season with your furry loved ones. Happy Howlidays!
Sarah Anderson
Grand Rapids Dog Wizard
