Christmas Training For Dogs

Wondering how to navigate the Christmas holidays with your dog in style? Christmas can be a delightful time of family gatherings and indulging in scrumptious festive feasts. However, for our canine companions, the holidays can be quite overwhelming. The introduction of new faces, unfamiliar scents, and the occasional presence of other dogs can make it a challenging, albeit exciting, time for our furry friends.

To ensure a harmonious holiday season for both you and your pup, consider the following quintessentially British tips:

1. Manage Expectations:
Realise that achieving perfection, especially if this is your dog's inaugural Christmas season or they are in the midst of canine adolescence, may be a tad ambitious. Be pragmatic about your dog's skills and developmental stage. If a bustling Christmas party doesn't quite suit your dog's temperament, consider the genteel option of hiring a pet sitter or a dog walker for their enjoyment.

2. Be Prepared:
Surviving the holidays with your dog requires impeccable preparation. Ponder upon suitable spaces for your dog to unwind or take a well-deserved nap. Opt for quintessentially British choices such as utilising crates, strategically placed baby gates, or leashes tethered to you or an object. Ensure your dog's entertainment with traditional British elements like food puzzles, long-lasting chews, and bones. And, of course, pack their favourite treats - perhaps some delectable British delights like cheese or biscuits - to reward their good behaviour amidst the festivities.

3. Practice Skills in Advance:
Embark on pre-Christmas training sessions to instil three pivotal skills essential for navigating large gatherings with your dog, the British way: polite greetings, "place," and "drop."

• Polite Greetings: If your dog is inclined to jump on people, consider keeping them on a lead or behind a genteel baby gate initially. Allow them a brief period to explore the surroundings before introducing them to fellow partygoers. Request a genteel sit before greetings and, of course, reward with their favourite British treats.

• Place: Bring along your pup's preferred place mat for a familiar and refined spot for them to relax. Ensure they're rewarded regularly while they maintain their designated place.

• Drop: Just in case your beloved canine discovers irresistibly tempting items or food, a reliable drop cue with a distinct British flair will come in handy.

By skillfully managing expectations, preparing for the festivities with a British touch, and refining essential social skills, you can elevate your holiday experience from mere survival to an outright triumph with your dog by your side. Here's wishing you a jolly Christmas and a training season filled with success!