Holiday Hints from Teacher’s Pet Training Academy!

 

The holidays can be stressful for our pets, but they don’t have to be! Make a plan to help set your pup up for success and have a safe, happy holiday season!

Exercise

When schedules change and things get busy, it can be difficult to fit our dog’s normal exercise routine into the day. Make a plan for days where your routine will be out of the norm so you know how you’ll get your dog adequate exercise. This way, they’ll have their needs met so you can focus on what you need to for the day!

  • Make some time in the morning for a walk with just you and your dog. Use this time to help yourself de-stress, too!

  • Plan a walk in a different area or take a route you don’t walk as often. This can be fun for both of you!

  • Book some time at a SniffSpot or other private dog park to avoid crowds at public parks and let your dog run!

Enrichment

Providing engaging games for our dogs indoors is great year round, but it’s especially helpful for us when it’s very cold outside, we’re very busy, or when our dogs just need a little something extra to do. There are many ways to accomplish this! The following are some fun, easy options that are readily available in town:

  • Kong, Toppl, Pupsicle, or other “stuffable” food toy

  • Puzzle toys such as Kong Wobblers, Buster Balls, Tug - A - Jugs, and more!

  • Snuffle Mats, Lick Mats, and “burrow” type toys (stuffed animals that fit in a little fabric “house”)

Sometimes, though, the best options are things you already have! There are plenty of DIY options out there!

  • Crumple up some paper from paper bags or packaging and tuck treats in it. Then, put these crumples into a cardboard box and fold it shut. Let your dog tear it apart! (Make sure they’re not ingesting the cardboard)

  • Put your dog’s meal in an egg carton or muffin tin.

  • Check out this video for even more ideas!

Boundaries

Setting your dog up for success isn’t just about training, especially in unusual circumstances. Management is very important and necessary! For example, if you’re going to have a lot of people coming in a door, have a family member take the dog to a different part of the house so they don’t slip out the door on accident or jump up when people have their hands full.
Is it your dog’s deepest desire to snag a piece of pie off the counter? Set them up in their crate with a special lick mat or Kong while the holiday feast is happening.
If your dog is on the shyer side, it’s okay to ask people to give them space. Let them know that this will help your dog feel more comfortable and that they would just like to watch what’s happening rather than be part of the action.

Rest

Dogs can sleep for up to 16 hours per day, and puppies and senior dogs sleep even more than that! On days when the house is bustling, it’s difficult for them to calm down and get rest. They don’t want to miss anything! When our dogs don’t get enough rest, they may get overtired and overwhelmed, frustrated, or even cranky (just like we do!). Help them take a break by having a space in a room that is away from noise and excitement. Give them their meal where no one is around to bother them, have some music playing to muffle the other sounds of the house, and set up a nice place for them to take a nap. Take them to this space a few times during the day or event to let them know they can settle in if they’d like. Try sitting on the floor with them for a few minutes and see if they decide to lie down. If so, they might be ready for  a nap. It’s easier to fall asleep when they don’t feel like they’re missing things, so sit with them for a bit longer until then fall asleep. You could even take a nap with them! Holiday naps after a big meal are the best. 

 
 

Teacher’s Pet Training Academy is owned and operated by Teacher’s Pet, LLC