Holidays With Your Dog - Merry or Scary?

The simplest and easiest way to ensure safe and happy holidays is to use management. Management is setting the environment up so your pup is safe and not able to practice unwanted behaviors.

For the holidays, we want to keep in mind the 3 Ds:

Doors, Decorations and Delicacies

Guests will often not pay attention to where your dog is when opening doors or they may unintentionally leave one open. To avoid doorway disasters, use a baby gate to block your dog's access to the main door while guests are visiting or have him on a leash with a responsible adult holding onto it.

Holiday trees and decorations can be fascinating to your dog. Make sure she doesn't play with ornaments (particularly glass ones) or drink water from the tree stand. Consider a smaller tree placed on a table or find a safe place for your dog away from the tree when you are not able to supervise. You can also set up a puppy pen around the tree to prevent your dog from accessing the decorations.

Don't leave lit candles unattended. Place them out of reach of your dog and her wagging tail. Several holiday plants are toxic to your pets including Poinsettias, Mistletoe and Holly. Forgo these or make sure they are well out of your dog's reach.

Keep holiday temptations out of reach. Many holiday foods can be dangerous and even toxic to your dog. Avoid giving them chocolate, anything sweetened with xylitol, cooked bones, and fatty foods like turkey skins. Make sure the lids on garbage cans are secure.

Liberal use of baby gates, puppy pens, leashes and crates can keep everyone safe and jolly for the holidays.

Categories: Dog Training, holidays, safety