The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also be overwhelming for you and your dog, especially when unfamiliar guests visit. Proper preparation helps ensure your dog feels comfortable and your guests enjoy their time without worrying about your furry family member. Follow these tips to prepare your dog for the excitement of Christmas gatherings.
Introduce Your Dog to Guests
Strange faces and scents can be unsettling for dogs. Gradually introduce your dog to guests by starting them with the concept of visitors by practicing ahead of time. Here’s how:
Simulate Guest Arrivals: Have a family member or friend knock on the door or ring the bell. Practice teaching your dog calm behaviors, like “sit” or “stay,” while rewarding them for remaining relaxed.
Desensitize to Noise: If your dog is startled by loud voices or laughter, play recordings of these sounds at a low volume, gradually increasing it as they become more comfortable.
Use Leashes or Barriers for Initial Introductions: For dogs prone to reactivity, use a leash or a baby gate to introduce them to guests. This provides control over the situation and keeps everyone safe.
Encourage guests to allow your dog to approach them at their own pace. Instruct them not to lean over or make sudden movements, as these actions can seem threatening to your pet.
Teach Polite Greeting Behaviors
Dogs that jump on people in excitement can create uncomfortable situations for your guests. Practice calm greetings with your dog leading up to the holidays:
Reinforce the “Sit” Command: Teach your dog to sit when someone arrives instead of jumping. Reward them for sitting calmly as a positive reinforcement.
Redirect Energy: For high-energy dogs, provide toys or a chew to keep them occupied while guests enter.
Supervised exposure to strangers is an opportunity to teach your dog that visitors are not a threat and that calm behavior brings rewards.
Provide Special Treats for Positive Associations
The holidays are a perfect time to spoil your dog with safe, delicious treats. Offer them a long-lasting chew, puzzle toy, or treat-filled Kong to enjoy during gatherings. This keeps them occupied and helps create a positive association with guests and the overall festive environment. By pairing the excitement of the holidays with a treat they love, you’re setting the stage for better experiences in the years to come.
Create a Calm and Safe Space
Your dog should have a designated retreat where they can escape the activity and noise of the holidays. A crate is an excellent option for many dogs, as it serves as their personal "den." Ensure the space is filled with familiar items like their favorite blanket, toys, and maybe a special holiday treat or chew to make the environment inviting.
If your dog isn’t used to a crate, consider starting crate training in advance. It’s a process that helps your dog feel secure and safe, and you can learn more about it in our crate training guide.
Partner with Beyond Behavior for Holiday Prep
Preparing your dog for the holidays can lead to joyful, stress-free celebrations for everyone. Beyond Behavior Dog Training specializes in diagnosing and rehabilitating both reactive and aggressive dogs. We’ve even supervised court cases for extreme behavioral situations, so you can trust our expertise to handle any challenge.
Contact us today to schedule a training session. It’s not too late to get your dog holiday-ready and ensure a memorable season for your whole family—guests and pets alike!
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