How to make holidays easier on pets
FOND DU LAC - The weather has turned and the holidays have been a whirlwind of preparing food, decorating and shopping for gifts.
What does this mean for our furry little friends and how can we make it safe for them during this exciting time of year?
It can be challenging to maintain the routine our pets love, and a lack of attention can lead to changes in their behavior.
When the weather turns colder we tend to exercise our dogs less and less, and this can cause pent-up energy behavior problems.
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Dogs versus decor
New décor can be irresistible to Fido and it is important to make sure these objects are out of reach. It's best to work on or refresh "leave-it" training before putting out your holiday cheer.
The best way to decorate is to put Fido in another room during that time. If Fido does not see you moving and touching new objects, the items will interest him less.
After you have finished decorating, let Fido out of his room and keep a close watch on him for the first couple of days. Doing it this way should cause the new décor to become boring background objects for your dog.
Remember to keep plenty of toys and chew toys out so your dog will direct his focus to those items rather than your decorations.
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Guests and stress
Many guests arriving at one time can be stressful for your dog, and it is important to be a support system for your companion. Many dogs enjoy guests coming to the house but they can become stressed when guests stay for long periods of time.
Take Fido out for a short walk to unwind during your guests' stay or put Fido in a separate room for some downtime. This will help prevent your pet from becoming over stimulated, especially when your guests include children.
We all know our guests love to spoil our pets with food and new toys, but boundaries should be established. Training in advance will help Fido understand the rules and stressors that come with this time of year.
Some guests may bring their dogs when they visit your house. All four-legged friends should be introduced before rushing into the house. This will help prevent overstimulation and chaos at the door.
Remember to pick up all of your pet's prized possessions before furry friends visit to prevent resource guarding. Encourage your guests to exercise their dog before arriving at your home. Calm four-legged guests will provide a more relaxing atmosphere for everyone.
Exercise and mental stimulation can help alleviate a lot of stress for Fido while all the new changes occur. If you have concerns about your pet's stress this holiday season consult with your veterinarian or seek a professional trainer for help.
Jake Guell, CPDT is a certified professional dog trainer and runs Tails for Life in Fond du Lac. If you have a question you would like to see answered in this column, send it to Guell at tailsforlife@gmail.com or call (920) 251-1937. For more information on Tails for Life, follow them on Facebook or visit www.tailsforlifefdl.org.
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