12 Days of Dog Tips - Get Ready For Christmas

Twelve Days of Dog Tips For Christmas

1.       There are many dangers for your dog’s health when it comes to the holiday season. Some of them include turkey, tinsel, ribbons, poinsettias, onions, chocolate and electrical cords, to name a few. Keep all of these things away from pets.

2.       If you cannot supervise your pet at any time during the holidays, a crate is like a playpen for young children that can’t be watched. A crate is a wonderful training tool to keep dogs safe as well as aiding in house training. It also allows your dog a break from the commotion. Dogs need to be properly trained to enjoy their crate ahead of time.

3.       Well behaved dogs do not jump on guests. If you have a young, exuberant dog, attaching a leash to your dog is a great way to achieve control when company is arriving until further training can be achieved.

4.       No matter how inappropriate your dog is during the holidays, do not leave him outside for long periods of time. Dogs need to be with their people, and at times weather can drop cold enough to cause frostbite with dogs. Take other measures to control him if necessary.

5.       Dogs may accidentally slip out the front door when guests arrive,which can quickly turn dangerous. Be mindful of this and restrain your pet until everyone is in the house and the door is closed.

6.       A practiced “Leave it” command works wonders when it comes to the Christmas tree, gifts, etc. etc. Teach your dog what is his and what should not be touched.

7.       Counter surfing (stealing food) should not be accepted. It can be very dangerous for both pets and people! Some dogs have even accidentally turned on the stove. Many people think this is funny or that it cannot be fixed. Neither is true. Train your dog to keep away from the counters.

8.       Young children may try to hug dogs; this is never a good idea! The child is often at face level, and even though the dog may look like he is accepting of a hug, often once he’s in that position he begins to feel trapped. Be your dog’s advocate and do not allow him to be put in that position. Any dog is capable of biting. People enjoy hugs, dogs do not.

9.       Children should ask before petting a dog. They should then approach the dog calmly with their hand offered to the dog for a sniff. If the dog seems accepting, the petting should not be over the head, but under the chin instead.

10.    Children and Dogs should be supervised at all times. If you are unsure of how the dog feels in any given situation, especially with children it’s better to avoid a potential problem. Better to be safe than sorry.

11.    Christmas is not a good time to bring home a new pet, nor is it a good idea to give one for a gift. The house is too busy, your time is too stretched, and pets are not a wise gift in case the recipient is not open to a new pet at that time. The purchase of a dog is a very long commitment involving a lot of time and money on your part. It should be taken seriously with much thought and research put into it.

12.    A well trained dog can take the holidays easily in stride, and make your life easier too. A well trained dog will not jump on guests, steal food from counters, touch gifts under the tree or touch the tree itself. A well trained dog is respectful of his owner’s wishes and polite around guests. Obedience training helps all of these things and much more.