How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Holiday Gatherings
The holidays are here! It’s the season for festive lights, laughter, and the delicious smell of roasted turkey wafting through the air. But for our furry friends, holiday gatherings can sometimes be overwhelming or even unsafe. Between the doorbells ringing, guests arriving, and food galore, it’s easy to forget our pups might need some extra care to feel comfortable.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we know how important it is to keep your dog happy, calm, and safe, even in the holiday chaos. Here are some pet-friendly holiday tips to help your pup enjoy the festivities too!
1. Prepare a Quiet Space for Your Dog
Not every dog is a social butterfly, and that’s okay! Whether your pup loves being in the middle of the action or prefers some alone time, it’s essential to have a safe, quiet retreat for them.
- Designate a calm area: Set up a cozy spot in a separate room or corner with their bed, favorite toys, and a water bowl.
- Soundproof the space: Play soothing music or white noise to muffle the hustle and bustle of the party.
- Encourage downtime: Give your dog a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy to keep them engaged.
This little oasis can help keep your dog calm during parties, especially if they’re not used to big crowds.
2. Foods to Avoid Giving Dogs During Holiday Meals
We know those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist, but sharing holiday food could spell trouble for your dog’s health. Some common festive treats can be downright dangerous for them.
Keep these foods off your pup’s plate:
- Chocolate and sweets (especially those with xylitol)
- Bones from turkey or ham (they can splinter and cause harm)
- Grapes, raisins, and currants (toxic to dogs)
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Rich, fatty foods like gravy or buttery mashed potatoes
Instead, keep some dog-friendly treats handy so your furry friend can still enjoy a special snack while you indulge in your holiday feast.
3. Managing Door Manners with Guests Coming and Going
The front door might be your dog’s gateway to adventure (or chaos) during the holidays. With guests coming and going, your pup might see an opportunity to dash out or jump all over visitors in excitement.
Here’s how to manage door manners:
- Practice “place” or “stay” commands ahead of time.
- Use baby gates or leashes to prevent door dashes.
- Ask guests to ignore your dog until they’ve calmed down.
- Reward calm behavior with praise or a treat.
Why Training Matters for Holiday Success
While these tips can help, good obedience training can make a world of difference during the holidays. Imagine your dog sitting politely as guests arrive, calmly retreating to their “place” when needed, and resisting the urge to counter-surf during dinner prep.
That’s where we come in! At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we specialize in building reliable obedience and helping dogs thrive in any environment. Whether you need help teaching door manners or want to reduce anxiety in busy situations, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s Make This Holiday Season Stress-Free for You and Your Dog!
The holidays should be a time of joy for the whole family—including your furry family members! If you’re ready to take the next step in your dog’s training, call us today at (406) 946-3037 for a free consultation.
Let’s make sure your dog’s holiday is merry, safe, and full of tail wags! 🐾
