The holiday season is fast approaching, and while this time of year is filled with joy and excitement, it can also present new challenges for dog owners. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s on the horizon, your home is likely to be filled with guests, noise, and plenty of activity. Preparing your dog now with essential manners will not only make these holidays more enjoyable but also help your dog feel comfortable and confident amidst the seasonal hustle and bustle.
Why Manners Matter During the Holidays
The holidays bring a lot of excitement—whether it’s trick-or-treaters at the door, family gatherings, or New Year’s parties. Your dog will be exposed to new stimuli, including unfamiliar faces, crowded spaces, and heightened energy levels. Establishing solid manners like not jumping on people, feeling at ease around strangers, and having a reliable "settle" cue will set your dog up for success and keep your household running smoothly.
1. Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump on People
One of the most common challenges during the holiday season is keeping dogs from jumping up on guests. Whether it's enthusiastic greetings or excitement during a party, jumping can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially for young children or elderly visitors.
How to Prepare:
- Practice Consistent Reinforcement: Start by teaching your dog to keep "four paws on the floor." Reward your dog for sitting or standing calmly when people approach rather than jumping up.
- Plan Ahead: If your dog gets excited easily, practice with family members or friends by having them enter your home. Reward your dog for staying calm when the door opens and guests enter.
- Use a leash during practice: This gives you more control during the initial stages of training and helps prevent your dog from practicing bad habits.
2. Comfort Around Strangers and Visitors
Holidays are often filled with guests, some of whom your dog may not know. Ensuring your dog is comfortable around new faces and in busy environments is key to a stress-free holiday.
How to Prepare:
- Gradual Socialization: Start slowly introducing your dog to new people in different settings. Small gatherings can help your dog adjust to the presence of multiple people in the home without feeling overwhelmed.
- Desensitization Exercises: If your dog tends to be wary of strangers, work on desensitization exercises to help them feel more at ease. Pairing the presence of new people with treats and positive experiences can help your dog learn to associate guests with good things.
- Respecting Your Dog’s Boundaries: Even with training, some dogs may need space from the chaos. Create a safe, quiet space in your home where your dog can retreat when they feel overwhelmed.
3. Mastering the Settle Cue
With the excitement of the season, a "settle" cue can be a lifesaver. Teaching your dog to go to a designated spot and relax on command allows you to manage their behavior in busy situations, such as during holiday dinners or when opening gifts.
How to Prepare:
- Start Early: Teach your dog to settle on a mat or bed by leading them to the spot and using a calm cue like “settle” or “go to your place.” Reward them with treats and praise when they remain calm and relaxed.
- Practice in Different Scenarios: Once your dog understands the basics, practice in various situations—like when the doorbell rings, when guests arrive, or during meal prep. The more you practice, the more reliable the behavior will become in real-life situations.
- Extend Duration and Distractions: Gradually increase the time your dog is asked to stay settled and add distractions, such as guests moving around or loud noises from holiday festivities.
Preparing Now for a Calm and Enjoyable Holiday Season
By starting these training exercises now, you can help ensure your dog has the manners they need to handle the upcoming holidays with ease. A well-behaved, relaxed dog allows everyone—furry friends included—to enjoy the festivities without added stress. Focus on reinforcing these skills throughout the season, and you’ll see a noticeable difference when it’s time to host family and friends.
In our next post, we’ll cover more holiday-specific scenarios, including how to manage trick-or-treaters, holiday travel with your dog, and keeping them safe during New Year’s celebrations. Stay tuned for more tips on preparing your dog for a stress-free holiday season!