25Nov
Make sure they are happy and safe while you and your family enjoy the festive period
Christmas and other holiday periods are happening soon and if like me you love to celebrate it is worth considering how this time of year may affect your puppies or dogs You may live a quiet life for 11 months but in December you become a "Christmas Monster" and all of a sudden your house turns into a fairy grotto with decorations, music food you don't eat for the rest of the year.
Imagine what your dog may make of this especially if it is their first experience of this time of year.
Here are a few things to consider if it is your puppy or dogs first Christmas
Christmas Trees - A sparkling tree can be very tempting for an inquisitive puppy or dog. To keep your tree and your puppy safe:
- Place the tree in a corner and secure to the wall or ceiling so it cannot topple over
- Use a barrier such as a puppy pen if your puppy is curious, to stop them being able to get too close
- Avoid hanging fragile or edible decorations at puppy height, because if they are eaten can injure in the case of chocolate which can make them ill and out of hours vets bills can be very expensive.
Presents - Leaving presents under the tree where your puppy can get to them may not be the best idea with a puppy in your house because:
- Puppies are very inquisitive and love to chew, this can be dangerous to them or upsetting to the recipient or purchaser of the present
- Avoid leaving wrapped chocolates or scented items (such as toiletries) where your puppy can reach as they will be so attractive to their sensitive noses and will need to be investigated, which could injure make ill or even poison your puppy.
- Don't leave their present under the tree as they will know the smell and will want to find them and may damage non dog presents in the process.
- Be careful if you use ribbons and bows, as they can be a choking hazard if your puppy gets hold of them
Celebration Foods - There will be lots of food available that your puppy hasn't encountered before and will be curious about but many of the food we love at this time of year are toxic to dogs or may upset them such as:
- Chocolate, raisins & dried fruits which are included in mince pies, Christmas pudding & cake, onions, grapes, macadamia nuts, coffee and alcohol which are toxic to dogs.
- Greasy salty or rich foods - such as your Christmas dinner can upset your puppy's tummy. so stick to their usual diet, and give treat them an occasional dog-safe festive biscuit or chew.
Visitors and Parties - Christmas often brings extra noise and visitors which could overwhelm your puppy. You can help your puppy cope by:
- Providing a quiet and safe space where they can go on their own to retreat and relax or even putting them their before they get overawed
- Keeping their routine as consistent as possible including meal times, walks and sleep times remembering puppies need lots of sleep
- Introducing new people calmly and allowing the puppy to approach at their own pace or retreat and go to their safe space.
- Not making them the centre of attention as it may confuse or scare them as they have no idea of what Christmas is about.
Building Positive Memories - Christmas is a human celebration so it important your puppy is not overwhelmed by it all by:
- Watching your puppy and reacting if they look overwhelmed and making sure they have their safe space to retreat to
- Not expecting too much from your puppy, their training journey may go off track due to the holiday period taking over your life for a few days or weeks, so maybe take a step back during this time and celebrate small wins by rewarding all the behaviours that your puppy offers rather than "traditional training"
- Remember Christmas is a human celebration and your puppy should be able to take part in as big or as small way that they want to
Dressing up - There is a big business of puppy outfits and I know the photos can look very cute. I suggest that unless your puppy has been introduced to being dressed up gradually and is genuinely happy wearing "clothes". I personally do not recommend dressing your dog up as many pictures I see the dog doesn't look very happy. But if you do decide your really want a festive picture of your dog keep it simple and very quick preferably using your decorations or tree as backdrop.
Christmas with a puppy can be magical - With a little planning and awareness and by,
- Keeping it simple and taking into account their needs
- Keeping them safe from decorations and festive food
- Giving them a "safe space" to go to if either of you think they need it.
- Keeping their exercise, feeding and sleeping routines as normal as possible
- Remembering Christmas is a human celebration that your puppy does not understand
I want to wish you, your family and your puppy or dog a happy healthy and fun Christmas and holiday time and thank you for following Speaking Puppy & Speaking Spaniel.
If you would like any help or support with helping you make your Christmas puppy or dog friendly seek the advice of a dog trainer or behaviourist who uses pain and fear free training methods.
Or if the worse happens and your puppy or dog does get injured or eats something that is not good for them seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Gill Gallagher - Speaking Puppy & Speaking Spaniel Dog
07595217299
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