The holidays can remain fun and happy for both of you if you go through these simple steps. These tips from The Dogington Post will help your doggy enjoy the holidays with you.
For us humans, it’s easy to understand during the holidays why “misery loves company” but not for your dog. Therefore, here are a few tips that will help Fido get through the holiday season without misery as his constant companion.
1. Give training as an early gift. Learning behaviors, such as “stay” and “be quiet,” upon command before the holidays could earn your dog the good graces of the laundry room parole board and a coveted spot on a fleece bed next to the Christmas tree.
2. Maintain your dog’s normal routines. I’m not sure about you, but my routines during the holidays are anything but normal. However, our dogs are creatures of habit and any changes, even subtle ones in their established routines, can produce stress. Keeping your dog’s routines right on target during the holidays is impossible for most of us, but do your best to add Fido to your Day Planner. His stress is one less stressor you’ll have to worry about.
3. Traveling with your dog. If you will be flying with your dog, check with your airline about its policies and regulations as these vary greatly with each individual carrier. Also, unless Fido is a service dog, he will have to fly in an airline-approved kennel, and the size requirements for your dog’s kennel are not the least bit standard in the airline industry. If it’s a vehicle you will be traveling in, be sure to treat Fido like any other occupant and restrain him.
4. Dealing with other dogs. You may see a nice dog, but your dog may see a threat or an opponent, which could then lead to a fight. Keep a close eye on your dog during the initial meeting, and if either dog appears to be fearful or threatening, immediately separate the dogs and keep them separated until the visit is over.
5. Dealing with other children. Not recognizing or ignoring the warning signs given by dogs that feel threatened by the direct interaction of small children is one of the leading causes of these bites. During the holidays, children tend to be more excited and animated as they play with new toys or with their relatives or friends. Because Mom and Dad are engaged in food preparation or entertaining, these children are not as closely supervised as they are during other times.
The holidays are a very special time of year, even with the accompanying stressors. Treating the holidays like any other time of the year for him will be the best present you can give.
As you get through your holidays with friends and family, your pooch will appreciate your efforts in getting him through them too. He'll be happy traveling by car or plane and enjoy meeting new family members. In fact, he might even learn to love Santa!
Remember, be patient with your pup and be considerate of his comfort levels during all the hustle and bustle and read more as to how you can enjoy the holidays with your doggy on The Dogington Post.
