Are you ready for holiday gatherings? Is your dog?
I think my sister was wondering … “Is he going to be under the table for the entire meal?”
Nope! Petey spent dinnertime in his cozy crate.
Holidays mean family, food, and fun and possibly a busy, tumultuous time in the home. Since our dogs are creatures of habit, changes in routine and new people can throw off even the most placid of pups. Add in tempting aromas, repeated entrances, a bustling household and many dogs can become a little stressed.
If you have a reactive/shy/fearful dog, even seeing people she likes in the house can be a stressor.
Help your dog and keep yourself safe and sane
Put training on the back burner and rely on management techniques to keep your dog relaxed and your guests safe:
Dogs thrive on routines. Try to stick to your dog’s exercise and food routines as much as you can during holiday festivities.
Even people-friendly dogs can get stressed by activity and act out of character around visitors. If your dog is reluctant to greet people, never force an interaction.
Dogs can easily slip out of the house during multiple door openings … have a safe space for your dog (a crate, another room) when people are entering and departing. Ensure your dog is wearing her collar and ID tags in case of escape.
If your dog is terribly fearful or reactive, talk to your veterinarian ASAP about prescription medications that can help relax your dog, typically called “situational medication.”
Our dog Petey could teach masterclasses on counter-surfing and finding dropped food.
During the holidays he relaxes in his crate so we needn’t constantly watch him.
Set up your dog for success
It’s not reasonable to expect even the best-trained dog to remain quietly on a mat or bed when surrounded by company and food. Crating or gating with a yummy food enrichment item is best and will reduce your own stress as host. As with all new routines, it’s best to practice this before company comes.
Put your dog in the quietest room in the house behind a baby gate or other barrier, with the door partially closed. Put a note on the door reminding people to let the dog have her quiet time.
Run a brown noise machine or commercial-free app.
If your dog enjoys people but you don’t want him underfoot, set up his crate in a corner where he cannot be approached or bothered by visitors (i.e., don’t place it near the kitchen, doors, or bathroom).
Always have a clear path to an exit door for bathroom breaks so your dog needn’t mingle if she doesn’t enjoy company.
Traveling with your dog?
Plan ahead with your host where your dog can get away from the hubbub. Travel crates and collapsible baby gates are great to bring or to have your host supply.
This is not the best time to introduce even a dog-friendly dog to a resident dog they’ve never met.
You can also plan to board your dog if that is a situation he’s familiar with. Plan ahead for boarding!
Give your dog breaks
Decompress your dog with a long leash (10’ - 20’) sniff walks or kibble hunts in the yard from time to time ... 5 - 10 minutes outside will give you and your pup a breather.
Bring your dog to a quiet space occasionally for cuddles from you and a special treat.
A busy holiday gathering is not the best time to introduce a child to a dog. Visiting children of all ages must be supervised so they don’t approach a crated dog or enter the room where your dog is relaxing. This could teach your dog that his crate or that space is not a safe space.
Food hazards for pets
Don’t leave food unattended, even for a moment. Remember, your dog moves way faster than you do and you don’t want Thanksgiving to be the day you discover your puppy can get her paws on the kitchen counter. Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center has a list of holiday food hazards, including:
Chocolate
Yeasted doughs
Garlic, onions, and chives
Fatty or spicy table food
Grapes and raisins
Macadamia nuts
Raw meat
Many holiday houseplants
The ASPCA has a 24-hour Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435. You will need a credit card to pay for the service. I’ve written about items to have in a first-aid kit for your dog in a recent blog.