Thanksgiving Tips

Crossposted from Your Dog's Friend, www.yourdogsfriend.info, 301-983-5913

Thanksgiving Tips

Let’s face it, Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s too late to train your dog before Aunt Mabel arrives. Even if you have trained your dog, the holidays present a whole new set of challenges. Your dog is excited (or stressed). You are excited (or stressed) and have less time for your dog. There are all sorts of distractions (including food). Be patient. This too shall pass.

-Your dog will get excited when guests first arrive. Remember, in your dog's mind, Aunt Mabel could be arriving from Publisher's Clearing House or could be a vicious killer there to do harm. Before your guests are due to arrive, put your dog in another room or crate. Once your friends and relatives are in and settled, your dog will be happy to greet everyone.
-Your dog should be on leash when greeting your guests. This will help keep your dog from jumping and running around. It's is more pleasant for your dog than being yelled at for saying "hello" the way that dogs say "hello".
-Don’t assume that everyone likes dogs (even yours). Be sure to ask your guests ahead of time. It's not fair to your dog or your guests to allow your dog around people who are afraid of dogs. Your guest will feel uncomfortable all night, and your dog will get in trouble for simply be himself around the wrong person.
-If you have a timid, anxious or reactive dog, don't force him to be part of the activities. It's best to allow your dog to spend the afternoon in his crate or in a separate room with the door shut and something super yummy to chew. Be sure to do this before your guests arrive. Your dog would rather be in a safe place than around all those “scary” people.
-Teach your guests, both adults and children, how to interact with your dog. When people approach dogs head-on, look them directly in the eye, reach over them, pat them on the head or lean over them, dogs feel threatened. So, ask your guests to angle sideways and pet your dog under his chin or on his chest. If your dog looks away or backs up, respect your dog’s wishes. He is not comfortable and would rather not meet and greet.
-Being around young children is stressful for most dogs. Kids have high-pitched voices, move quickly and are unpredictable. Don’t let children crowd your dog, chase him, pick him up, hug him or get their face in your dog’s face. Let your dog go somewhere safe, where he won’t be bothered by children’s antics. Even a good dog will bite when he has had enough.
-If you have a small dog, don’t hold him when people approach. Small dogs may feel trapped and become growly if held during a greeting.
-Ask your guests NOT to feed your dog. The emergency vet offices are full during the holidays with dogs that have had too much "holiday cheer". Well-meaning friends may not know that raisins are bad for dogs or that macadamia nuts could kill your dog (think cookies). Instead, have some of your dog's healthy treats around for your guests to offer your dog.
-If you don’t want your dog to eat off the kitchen counter or beg at the dinner table, keep him out of those rooms. Put up a baby gate, or put your dog in a crate or room with a special treat – like a Kong stuffed with goodies or an interactive toy that will drop kibble if moved the right way. Don’t feel guilty: Your dog will get plenty later when he helps you clean up by eating all the crumbs.
-Don’t tempt fate. Even the most well-behaved dog will be tempted to commit "a crime of opportunity". If you're planning on cleaning up later, so you can watch the game or move to another room for dessert and coffee, make sure your dog comes (and stays) with you. If your dog does get something such as a turkey bone, offer your dog something yummy in exchange, instead of trying to reach into his mouth to get it.
-WATCH THOSE DOORS! Just as you should have your dog in another room/in a crate/on leash when your guests arrive, you need to do the same when your guests are leaving. People will be hugging, getting their left-overs to take home and putting their coats on. No one will be paying attention to how wide the front door is held open or for how long. It only takes a second for your dog to bolt out that door or to follow a guest out and keep going!

TO START TRAINING YOUR DOG BEFORE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING, HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE STARTING IN DECEMBER:

BASIC MANNERS I CLASSES
Thurs, Dec 1 - Jan 12, 7:00 - 8:00pm
(Eiither Dec 22 or Dec 29 will be off, depending on what students prefer.)
Sun, Dec 11 - Jan 29, 3:30 - 4:30pm
(no class Dec 25 & Jan 1)

AND PUPPY CLASSES
Saturdays at 8:45am
Sundays at 5:45pm
Mondays at 6:45pm
Wednesday mornings at 10:15pm