The year is coming to a close, which means it’s time to prepare your dog for the holidays! Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, many pups can grow over excited or nervous when visitors start streaming through the front door. With these tips below, you can help keep your dog happy and calm during these sometimes stressful moments!
How do I keep my dog calm around guests?
Always stay calm when guests come over to your house. If your dog gets too excited, try crating them up until they get used to the visitor and calm down. It will also help to distract them with interactive puzzles or toys, so their attention drifts elsewhere.
Prepare Your Dog For the Holidays By Helping Your Dog
Cooking lots of food for your guests this year, yet worried about how you’re going to keep your dog from stealing food off the counter? Help your dog out to ensure good behavior. Keep food away from areas where your dog may have easy access.
Obviously, your dog is going to love the smell of all the food you’re cooking! To keep them happy — and less likely to steal from your guests — give them their own dog food in an interactive puzzle or game to help keep them occupied while you all eat.
Try to help your dog and anticipate their personality, and how they’re going to act, before you have guests over. Then, prepare everything ahead of time so your dog’s normal “bad” behavior can be avoided!
Give Your Pup Some Space
Some dogs get a little too over excited when they have a bunch of new people in their house. Other dogs get a little too nervous. Prepare your dog for the holidays by understanding your dog’s personality when it comes to strangers in their territory.
It might help to have a crate your pup can retire to — or you can place them in if they get too rowdy. A dog-safe area or room where they can relax may also help. Finally, taking them outside for a quick walk or a breath of fresh air can greatly help nervous dogs!
Use Training Commands
Ensuring your pup knows basic training commands before you throw a holiday party can be a lifesaver. Commands such as “no” and “sit” can make all the difference in the world. Make sure your dog understands these basic commands at the very least to help ensure both you and your pup have a good time!
Get Your Dog Ready For the Holiday Season
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