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Happy Dogs And Holidays

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Holidays in ALL SEASONS mean extra attention must be paid to your pet.

Dogs and Holidays do not always go together well, but planning and training can mean that in the end, your dog will be able to participate in family events safely. The first and most important thing is that you want to protect your dog, as you would any small creature (children included) from dangers during the Holidays.

Firstly, a crate-trained dog is important! Never underestimate the value of a crate! When you can put your cog into a crate and he will remain quiet and happy, he can watch the festivities without getting "goober" on people, and without being endangered by electric cords or eating too much of the wrong thing (such as turkey bones), and without making a nuisance of himself at the table while people are eating.

If you have a well trained dog that is trained to "go to bed" on a mat or pad, this works just as well. Or a dog that is trained to "down" and "stay" is also a gem to have! These things, however only come with TRAINING.!

Another important consideration concerning dogs and Holidays is highly important. Do NOT give a dog as a gift (you have NO idea of whether the dog breed would be appropriate for the person) and do NOT bring a new puppy into the household on Christmas Day. There is just too much going on and your new puppy could easily end up in trouble. The best time to bring a new puppy into a household is before or after the actual Holiday, when things are more "settled".

If you are lucky enough to be able to get a puppy during this holiday season, whether it be a SHOW puppy or a pet, be sure that you equip your household for it's arrival and for its care during the festive season.

Tips for Holiday Safety for Your Pet

Keeping your dog safe from chewing up ornaments or electric cords is of paramount importance. Putting your tree up on a small table is one thing you might want to consider.
Tying up all electric cords out of reach of your dog is also helpful.
Putting packages on a table top instead of under the tree is fine and safer for your dog (and for the gifts).
Do not allow Holiday visitors to feed your dog extra treats or to feed your dog from the table. It is probably best to crate your dog during the meal and during the time that you open your gifts anyhow. And especially remember that cooked bones, especially turkey or chicken bones are highly dangerous for the dog!
Be sure your dog, especially if it is a puppy, gets his rest time undisturbed. Dogs stress out much more easily than you realize, and changes in schedule do disrupt their internal organs and digestive systems.
(This is where having a crate trained dog is especially important!)
If you are going to go away for the Holidays, get a trusted friend to check on your dogs in your own home or leave them at a reputable boarding kennel. Do not leave the care of your dogs to a ten year old child, for example, and do not just go away and leave them unattended. Even if you are only planning on being gone for the day, it is wise to have a stand by assistant in case of an emergency, especially since winter weather can be so unpredictable.
If you travel with your dogs and take them with you, then be sure that when you arrive at your destination, you are a responsible pet owner! Clean up after your dog, crate your dog when necessary, and be careful about introducing him to strange dogs that may live at the residence you are visiting. Some dogs are pretty touchy about strangers invading their territory and may be especially upset during a busy Holiday season when the household is in an uproar.

Great Gifts for Dog Lovers

How about a really unique idea? A git that any dog lover would appreciate, get a custom umbrella this year! The photo shows just one of many available and new designs coming all the time!