Holiday Gatherings with Your Furry Friends
Including our furry friends in holiday gatherings adds a special warmth to the celebrations. Yet, it’s essential to prepare and ensure our pets feel safe and comfortable throughout the festivities.
To create a harmonious environment, start by training your dog well in advance of any gatherings. This includes reinforcing basic commands like ‘place’, ‘sit’, and ‘no’. As guests arrive, controlled greetings help make introductions smoother. Always keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or aggression in your dog when they meet new people. If the celebration is at your house, consider keeping your dog crated or on ‘place’ and instruct your guests to ignore your dog until the excitement dies down a bit. A short walk or playtime before guests arrive can also help expend some of their energy, ensuring they’re calmer during the event.
Safety during these gatherings is paramount. Be vigilant about the food. With various dishes being served, it’s easy for something harmful to be within your dog’s reach. Some foods that are delicious to us can be toxic to dogs. Ensure your guests know not to feed the dog and be cautious about leaving plates unattended.
No matter how social and friendly your dog might be, it’s always a good idea to set up a space where they can retreat if things become too overwhelming. This space should be quiet, away from the bustle, and equipped with their bed, toys, or any other comfort items. Observing your dog’s behavior throughout the gathering can give you hints about their comfort level. If they seem agitated or stressed, guiding them to their quiet space can be beneficial. If your dog isn’t social, keeping them crated or in another room will actually help them feel better, not worse, so don’t be afraid to give your dog an area to themselves away from the excitement.
With a bit of preparation and attentiveness, holiday gatherings can be enjoyable for both you and your canine companion. Here’s to a harmonious holiday season with your beloved pets by your side!
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