Do you know how to prepare your dog for the Holiday Season?
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, party, and get together with family and friends.
Despite this, for many dogs, all this movement can cause fear, restlessness, and anxiety. Especially for puppies or dogs that were adopted during the Pandemic.
Keep reading to understand a little more about how to prepare your dog for the Holidays.
These tips will definitely help you make Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s less stressful for your pup.
Assess Your Pup’s Personality
Just like humans, each dog has a unique personality. Some love to party and adapt well to “chaos”, while others are quieter and prefer a more predictable and calm routine.
So, don’t expect your pup to simply go along with everything that happens around them. Some dogs can get so scared that they become aggressive or exhibit problematic behavior.
Thus, assess your dog’s personality before organizing get togethers. Does your pup prefer quiet environments? If you make him burn energy first he will be calmer or less anxious? Would your pup be more comfortable left in his crate away from the crowd with his favorite chewables? Consider all these factors before planning your Holiday get togethers.
Read More: Help Your Dog Deal with Visitors During the Holidays
Buy any Necessary Supplies
When shopping for the end of the year, don’t forget your dog. Have food and treats on hand at all times, as you should reward him for good behaviors.
Try to leave toys and other objects nearby to keep your pup distracted during the Holidays.
If your dog is adapting well to the festivities, you can have him participate in the gift giving and give him something he really likes. This way he associates the holidays with something positive.
Also consider using your pup’s crate or playpen so that he can settle down if he has trouble adapting to the environment with many people.
Maintain Your Pup’s Routine
Avoid breaking out of the routine your dog is used to. Dogs are animals that rely on their daily routines to stay calm and focused.
If during the Holidays he stops going for walks, exercising, or getting his daily physical activity, he may have more energy to cause destruction around the home.
Read More: Safe and Stress Free Holidays with Dogs
Practice Useful Commands
While it can be difficult to maintain consistency over the holidays, it’s important to continue training your pup and practicing obedience commands like “sit, down, stay, or leave it.” This will help prevent potential behavioral issues, provide much needed mental stimulation, and maintain consistency.
Prepare Your Home
No matter how old your pup is, make sure nothing in your home could put him at risk. And that includes plants, food, and other items that could be toxic to your dog.
Also watch the decor, as curious dogs may bite, eat, or step on items that could harm their health or cause an injury.
Read More: Flying with a Large Dog? Tips for Dogs on Planes
How to Prepare Your Dog for the Holiday Season: Final Conclusions
The holiday season is a joyful time of year! And you, your family, and your dog should make the most of this season while staying safe!
Be sure to assess your pup’s personality, maintain consistency, and plan ahead to help provide a peaceful and happy Holiday Season your pup!
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