As the year starts to wind down, holiday parties start to wind up! While you prepare for all of the gatherings with friends and family, you may naturally think “My dog should partake too!”.
Before we break down some of the most common concerns that arise from having your dog at a holiday gathering, there is one very important question that needs to be answered first-
is my dog okay with being at a large gathering?
We dog lovers want to include our dogs in everything we do (naturally, they are our best friends!). While it would be great if we could, we need to honestly consider if it’s the healthiest option, mentally and behaviorally for our dogs. Having your dog at a gathering or event if they are anxious, nervous, easily excitable or under-trained for that setting is never a good idea. If your dog is nervous or anxious, having them partake can make those feelings worse. It can also start to erode your relationship with them as your dog may learn “My human doesn’t listen to me so I can not trust them”. If your dog gets overly excited or you haven’t trained them on what to do when they are at a gathering, any unwanted behaviors can solidify more as they continue to practice them. As much as we wish we could involve our dogs, it might be the best idea to hire a sitter for the evening or board your dog overnight if you are planning to host a party in your home. Always consider what is best for your dog.
If your dog is going to come with you or be at your hosted holiday party, let’s break down some of the most common concerns that could arise and how to address them.
Get Ahead of the Ball
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Training your dog before the holiday season comes is very important, especially if your dog has behavior concerns like barking and jumping. Also having a good foundation of basic cues- such as leave it and place- will go a long way. Make sure to always use rewarded based training, and definitely seek out the help of a trainer if you are feeling overwhelmed or lost on what to do. On the day of the gathering, make sure to plan some extra time to get some of your dog’s energy out. Using not just physical exercise (a nice long walk or jog, some great high energy play) but mental exercise (short training sessions, puzzle toys and activities) too can help your dog be nice and tired when all of the excitement starts to happen.
Dog Rules and Boundaries for Humans
Informing your guests ahead of time about any training you are currently doing with your dog can help! Such as, “We are working on barking, please do not ring the doorbell”, “if my dog tries to jump on you, please ignore them”, or “Please don’t give my dog human food if they are begging (or at all)”. Sometimes it’s easier to manage our dogs than our guests when it comes to the rules (ain’t it the truth!). Letting all of the humans know of certain things ahead of time can set your dog up for success for the rest of the evening.
Guests Coming into the Home
If your dog barks, rushes the door, or is a very excited greeter, having a steady stream of people entering your home can be chaotic for you and your dog. Help your dog remain calm by putting them behind a baby gate or in their crate when your guests first start to arrive. Always make sure to give them a little something to keep busy while doing so. You can also put your dog on a leash and have them with you as guests come in. This is a great option for dogs who may jump on guests or rush the door. Once most of your guests have arrived, then your dog can say hello and join the festivities.
Bored Dog? Take a Break!
When dogs get bored they can get into trouble. Stealing food, attention-seeking behaviors like barking, going through the trash, etc. As a parent might do for their young child, make sure to have some activities for your dog to do. Preparing things like their favorite chew or a food toy or puzzle can go a long way! In turn, dogs can also start acting out if they feel overwhelmed or overly excited. Having a designated spot for your dog to have some quiet time (their crate, a quiet room, a pen) can not only help them calm down but can give them a break from all of the activity.
Human Food Time
Depending on the gathering, you may be eating at a table or you may be eating wherever there is a spot to sit. Either way, you don’t want your dog stealing food. During human food time, putting your dog on a leash can help. This keeps your dog near you but also can help you reinforce good behavior like settling down next to you. It can also help make sure that none of your guests are sneaking your dog human food. If your dog is crate trained, their crate is a great idea too! It can be used during dinner time, but it also gives your dog a safe space to go if they need a little break from all of the action.
The holidays, all around, can be a magical albeit stressful time. By making sure that you are taking the correct steps for your dog, that is one thing you can cross off your holiday list.
