Dog Proofing
Whether you are expecting visitors or not, as far as our dogs are concerned, Christmas marks a change in our behaviour and our homes and that usually means a change in their routine. So spend a little time dog-proofing your home and you will all enjoy the festive season!
- If you are expecting visitors, make sure they know the house rules, for example:
- No human food,
- No food from the table,
- No titbits whilst people are eating,
- No dogs on furniture,
- No dogs upstairs or where ever you want to keep hair free,
- No leaving the outside door open,
- No leaving dog unattended near tree/gifts
- No leaving the dog unattended in kitchen – even the best trained Labrador might not be able to resist a resting turkey!
- Please leave the dog alone if he/she has gone to bed to sleep
- Make sure the Christmas tree is safe –
- that it is positioned where you dog cannot get in/under/behind it
- that it is secure and unlikely to topple over,
- if you are using tinsel, make sure there is nothing dangling that your dog might grab
- if you have a fresh tree, that you sweep up the needles regularly and that the water for it is not accessible
- …..just be aware that to your dog, a bauble may look like a ball, that twinkling lights may draw them to the tree wire, water
- Candles and scented candles are fabulously atmospheric – just be ware of wagging tails and fire safety
- Keep gifts and shoes out of reach!
- Keep all chocolate out of reach
- If you have made your own dog treats…..keep them out of reach too!
- Keep all children’s toys out of reach
- Try to keep to a similar routine
- Take care when introducing visiting dogs
- Make sure that your dog is always wearing a collar and tag – just incase he/she gets out!
- For some dogs, the change in noise level, number of people, the temperature of the home or even a change in their routine can be stressful, so create a safe and quiet space for your dog where they can go to relax away from the general excitement.
- Be aware of Fireworks throughout the festive season and make sure that your dog has access to their safe space.
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