Keeping Your Dog Safe and Welcome at Holiday Dinners

As a pro dog trainer, I know how important having a well-mannered dog is around the holidays. No matter what holiday is happening, an ill-behaved dog can add to the stress of important family gatherings. We talk about this so often in my dog training practice, that I thought it would be helpful to create this guide for those who are considering getting a puppy. 

My goal as a dog trainer is to help you create a future dog that is well mannered and welcome at all family gatherings! 

To ensure your dog is well-mannered and welcome at all family gatherings, I suggest you focus on teaching your puppy the following essential skills so that when your pup is an adult, they are a welcomed guest at all family’s gatherings.

1. Basic Obedience Commands

Sit and Sustained Stay: Teach your dog to sit and stay on command to prevent them from jumping on guests or getting underfoot during gatherings.

Down: A reliable "down" command can help keep your dog calm and in one place, especially during meals or when guests are arriving.

Come: A strong recall command ensures your dog will come to you when called, which is crucial for safety and managing their behaviour in social settings.

Leave It: Family gatherings often involve a variety of foods, some of which can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. The "leave it" command is essential to prevent your dog from grabbing food or items that aren’t theirs. The "leave it" command can prevent your future dog from ingesting these harmful items like decorations, toys, and bones which also pose a choking hazard. Teaching your dog to "leave it" ensures they stay safe from swallowing something dangerous. 

2.   Polite Greeting Behaviour

No Jumping: Train your dog to greet people politely without jumping. Reward them for keeping all four paws on the ground when meeting new people.

Calm Greetings: Encourage your dog to remain calm when guests arrive. Practice this by having friends or family members help with training sessions.

3. Polite Table Manners

Go to Place/Bed: Teach your dog to go to a specific spot, like their bed or mat, and remain there during meals. This keeps them out of the way and reduces begging behavior.

4. Social Skills

Social Meetings with Different People and Other Dogs: Make sure your pet  gets plenty of exposure to all kinds of people, from little kids to seniors, and don't forget about other dogs too! Taking them out in different settings and gently guiding them through interactions can really boost their confidence and social skills.

Crowded Environments: Gradually introduce your dog to busier environments so they learn to remain calm and well-behaved amidst the noise and activity.

No Fear of Noises: Gradually desensitize your dog to common household noises, such as the doorbell, vacuum cleaner, blender, dishwasher, yelling, kids toys, and loud conversations, to prevent anxiety.

5. Crate Training

Comfortable in Crate: Ensure your dog is comfortable (no matter what age they are) spending time in their crate. Crates are a mobile bedroom and safe space to retreat if they become overwhelmed during gatherings.

By focusing on these skills, you'll be able to create a well-mannered dog who is a joy to have at any family gathering.

Things to remember: Creating a Dog-Friendly Holiday Feasts

Limit Access: When in doubt, or if your gathering is big, use baby gates or closed doors to keep your dog out of the dining area if necessary.  Ensure your dog can’t access the kitchen, where hot food, garbage containers and sharp objects could pose a danger.

Monitor Dropped Food and Sneaky Treats: Keep an eye on dropped food and unexpected treats: Be vigilant with children and well-meaning visitors, and kindly remind them beforehand that feeding your dogs human food or treats isn't encouraged.

Safe Dog Treats: Keep a stash of dog-friendly treats on hand to give them during the meal.

Ask guests not to feed your dog any table scraps, as many holiday foods can be harmful.

Pet First Aid Kit: Keep a pet first aid kit handy for those little mishaps or health concerns. I've put together a list of budget-friendly items you can pick up at the Dollar Store to stock your pet’s first aid kit. Check it out:

1. Gauze pads and adhesive tape: Perfect for wrapping up any boo-boos or securing bandages.

2. Antiseptic wipes or solution: Great for keeping cuts and scrapes clean and germ-free.

3. Tweezers: Handy for safely removing splinters, ticks, or any pesky debris.

4. Scissors with rounded tips: Ideal for snipping bandages or trimming fur

5. Styptic powder or gel: Stops little bleeds, especially useful for nail trimming mishaps.

6. Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Just in case you need to induce vomiting (but remember, only do this under vet guidance!).

7. Digital thermometer: Keep an eye on your pet's temp like a pro.

8. Latex gloves: Protect yourself and your furry pal from any germs.

9. Pet-specific medications: Have some pet-friendly meds on hand, like antihistamines or pain relievers (but always follow your vet's advice!).

10. Emergency contact info: Don't forget to include your vet's number, the closest emergency clinic, and poison control.

In the hustle and bustle of holiday dinners, it's easy to overlook the potential hazards for our furry companions amidst the joy and togetherness. However, by proactively safeguarding their well-being and training them to behave appropriately during gatherings, we can ensure that our warm family moments remain uninterrupted by unexpected trips to the emergency vet. Let's prioritize our pets' safety alongside our own enjoyment, allowing us all to relish in a festive season brimming with love, laughter, and peace of mind for our cherished furry friends.