A Dog's Holiday Experience

"I always get a little anxious at this time of year. There's so much change going on in the house. Lots of people dropping by unexpectedly and I thought from what you've taught me all year it was my job to answer the door first! But, everyone gets so bent out of shape when I greet them with appropriate exuberance - especially Aunty Shirley. I'm yelling "Hi come in, you smell so good in that fur!" and she starts yelling back (it's so high pitched I think she gets excited to see me but I guess she doesn't know what to do with her purse coz she keeps waving it in front of me.) Then 'Dad' yells at me in that deep voice as he towers over the top of me, always scaring me enough to pee a little. Then there is more yelling. I'm very confused so I run into the new bathroom to relieve myself and then, more yelling! Who puts a tree right inside if you are not going to use it? How was I supposed to know it wasn't a new indoor bathroom?!" - signed, your dog.

This is but one example of your dog's perspective on the festive season. The biggest mistake we see owners make all year round, not just during the holidays, is to humanise their dog's actions. Humanise often means make excuses for their dog's behaviour - you've heard it before, "Oh he's just really friendly!" - as their dog is ramming his nose in your crotch for the umpteenth time.

If only owners could start thinking about how their dogs think and view things from their dog's perspective instead of the other way around, many of the problem behaviours could disappear. Who wouldn't want THAT as a present this year? Wouldn't it be nice to have guests over for a Christmas party and not be accosted by your dog at the front door? How about NOT having your dog embarrass you by ramming their nose in the crotch of your guests, or those dirty paws to never ruin another pair of dress pants? Do you dread the family dinner ever since your dog ruined last year's feast? What's that? You've tried to put them in another room but they protests?

How would you like to teach them how to relax and not cry, bark, scratch at the door AND know that you were giving them the peace they so desperately want? A lot of people put up with behaviours that they think are just normal dog behaviour - not realising this behaviour is not only stressful on you but on your dog as well!

Dogs are creatures of habit, and the holidays can dramatically change their routine and environment. Extra lights, sounds and smells, guests visiting and added activity during the holidays may cause uncharacteristic behaviour in the family dog.

Tis the season to give, so add your dog to your list! The best present is your time and understanding what's best for your pet - it's never too late to start training! Make sure you walk your dog or play fetch or hide and seek before a big get together. Practising some brain training will help relieve excess energy. Your pet will be much happier and the potential for disaster will be greatly reduced.

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