Holiday Newsletter
I would like to personally wish all of my fellow dog owners and clients a very happy holiday season! The holidays are a special time of year that can present numerous unique, and at times, potentially dangerous situations for our pets. From peeing on the Christmas tree to stealing holiday turkey, we need to make sure we are taking the steps necessary to ensure we share our holidays with a happy and well-behaved dog. The following are some helpful tips to guide you through the holidays and make sure your dog gets on Santa’s “Good Dog” list!
:Christmas trees tend to bring the outdoors in during this time of year. Because many dogs get very used to going to the bathroom and marking on trees, this can be confusing for your dog and can create some soggy presents! If your dog has this potential then it would be best to teach you dog how to keep a safe distance from the tree by using a ”Place”, “Get” or similar command to give them a specific location to be when in proximity of the tree. There are also many products such as “Bitter Apple” and “Phooey” that act as deterrents as well. This will also help with dogs who like to eat tinsel and ornaments, or those that just can’t wait till X-mas to open their presents…:
: The holidays are times to gather with family. During the holiday when guests come over our dogs may want to wish them a happy holiday before you do and jump on them at the door. This is a perfect opportunity to work on your dog’s jumping issues since there will be so many chances to practice! Now is the time to use that “Stay” command and regain your dog’s focus so they do not feel like jumping in the first place. (your Mother in law will appreciate it): :Cold winter weather can present its own hazards for our pets. Even with a permanent fur coat our dogs can be vulnerable to cold weather. Make sure you wipe your dog’s feet to remove any harmful de-icing salt and debris they may have stepped in. For extended walks, a good pair of dog boots helps prevents cold chapped feet and frostbite. “Mushers secret” is also a great product for this. In the winter we are using more antifreeze products for our cars. It tastes like candy to dogs but is extremlely poisonous for them. Make sure all antifreeze is stored safely and any leaks are cleaned: :During the holidays, we tend to have more food around than usual, this can be tempting for even the most well mannered dog. To avoid a scene from A Christmas Story Movie playing out in your house, now is the time to establish a good meal routine so your dog knows that your food is off limits to them and they have their own. By establishing this you won’t have to order Chinese takeout for Christmas dinner and spend your holiday at the vet’s office!:
By following these guidelines we can eliminate any unwanted problems before they even start and ensure the holidays are enjoyble for you and your pet! Feel free to contact me at 303-325-7961. Visit my website: wwwthecaninecounselor.com for more holiday tips and dog behavior/training information.
Happy Holidays!!! From The Canine Counselor