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UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — Ah, the holidays — that magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, nonstop cooking, and enough family togetherness to make your head spin. While you’re juggling gift lists, kitchen marathons, and a silent prayer to avoid political debates at dinner, there’s someone else in your home who might be feeling the holiday stress: your dog.
Yes, your four-legged best friend can sense the chaos. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some simple tips to help your pup stay calm and comfortable while you play host to the extended family.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and the holidays can throw their routine for a loop. Owner and Trainer Valarie Ross-Smith of Sits ‘n Wiggles explains: “Not only because so many things are changing in their environment and they can feel your stress, but having a lot of people coming into their home, if they’re not used to it, that’s a big environmental change.”
So, how can you keep your pup from feeling overwhelmed?
If your dog is new to your household or hasn’t experienced a full house of guests before, a “dress rehearsal” is a great idea. Valarie suggests inviting just one or two people over beforehand to see how your dog reacts to visitors.
When it comes to party day, management is key. This means creating a space where your dog can feel safe and comfortable away from the hubbub. Options include:
Start the day with a “sniffari” — a leisurely walk where your dog can explore and decompress through sniffing. This not only burns off energy but also helps reduce stress levels.
If your dog will be mingling with guests, give them something to focus on. Enrichment activities like licking mats, foraging toys, or chew treats can work wonders. “For calming enrichments, we want something licking-based, foraging-based, or chewing-based. You can even incorporate a little scent work,” says Valarie.
If children are among your visitors, never leave them unattended with your dog. Even the most docile pup can act out under stress. Better safe than sorry!
With a little pre-planning and some thoughtful adjustments, your dog can enjoy the holidays as much as you do. And who knows? With your furry friend calm and content, you might even get to enjoy that spiked eggnog without a hitch.
Happy holidays from all of us at Ready Pet GO!
For more tips on managing pet stress or training advice, visit Sits n’ Wiggles online.
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