Written by Mara Brown, Master Dog Behaviorist
This month is about joy, celebration, and connection! Your dog will feel the excitement in the air and want to join in the fun. To ensure a safe holiday season for your dog, here are my 4 top tips:
- If you are having a party, it is best to let your dog have their own fun at a doggy hotel or at a pet sitter’s home. That way, wayward treats (that can be toxic to your dog) won’t end up in their mouths, and guests coming and going won’t be a temptation for your dog to dash out the door.
- Be aware of decorations that your dog can get into. Don’t have any wires / lighting / tinsel / ornaments etc. where your dog can get at them or end up tangled up.
- Teach your dog manners before people come over for holiday cheer. You don’t want your dog jumping, barking, humping or peeing when your guests are over.
- During this season of giving, you may want to consider donating your time or money to your local pet shelter. You can adopt, foster or even take a shelter dog for a walk. Taking a dog out on a walk and giving them a break from the shelter is a great thing. It makes the dog more adoptable, gets them seen, and gives you exercise.
I hope that you and your pup watch my television show called “The Life Coach for Dogs (and their Humans) on CBS 2 at noon every Friday. You will learn some great tips for helping your dog be an exceptional canine companion. If you are dealing with a difficult doggy behavioral problem, please reach out to me. I can help.
This holiday season, please take a moment to celebrate your special pup—and pay it paw-ward by giving a helping paw to the dogs (and cats) who aren’t yet lucky enough to have a forever home.
Sparkle and I wish you and yours a healthy, happy, tail- wagging holiday season!
For more advice, training or life coaching, call Mara at 310-467-2334 and visit www.LifeCoachingForDogs.com
