Some Holiday Tips For The Season

The holidays are here again, and along with all the preparations, the question arises: What do you do with the family dog? For many of us, the house hound is a beloved part of the family and we can't imagine excluding or leaving him or her behind.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you and your Best Friend have a happy holiday season.

Q: When deciding whether or not to take "Fido" along on a holiday gathering, what are the factors that should be considered in the decision - mood, behavior, breed, etc?
A: If you plan to celebrate at a house that is not your own, the first consideration is to simply ask your host if it's ok to bring your dog. Some people forget this first rule of pet etiquette, which can ultimately lead to problems if the host or guests are inexperienced, afraid, allergic, or simply do not care for dogs for any number of reasons.

It's also necessary to know whether the host has their own dogs or cats, and if so, are they indoor or outdoor? The house pet can be very territorial. Even dogs that have met before get territorial over a variety of things, including food and water bowls, beds, hallways, yards, toys and bones. Some dogs get very protective over family members as well. If a dog is territorial or protective, they may act out aggressively, not only against the other dog, but also against humans as well.

Q: What if I host?
A: If you are hosting guests at your house, it's best to either pick up all the dog toys, bones, dog beds, food bowls etc., before the guests arrive, or alternatively, leave many dog toys and several water and food bowls out so each dog feels he has his share of the goodies.
If needed, there should be a separate, secure place to put each dog, such as a puppy- proofed yard, dog run, kennel/crate, baby-gated area or private bedroom. Additional management options include using a leash, a non-slip soft collar or a head halter. Your dog should be able to be left alone without any separation problems. If not, start working on it now.

Q: If we have to get our dog last minute training, what are the training fundamentals we should make top priority?
A: Ideally, you should focus on behavior management and modification well in advance of the holidays, but if you have left it until last minute, I recommend my Four Commandments. They are the foundation of what I teach to train all dogs in my care, and their human companions:

1. Come: To Come when called, quickly and on demand, even if distracted.
2. Walk / Heel: To Walk on a leash without pulling (heel).
3. Stay: To Sit or lie down and be still until released.
4. No: To Stop whatever he's doing is being done right then (you can achieve this with a stern look and body language as much as with words).

The Four Commandments are very simple tasks for your dog, but they provide him with a base of Real Life Manners, plus a clear motivation to behave. This sets the stage for you to be able to manage any behavioral problems that may come up during the holidays - knowing these commands can also save your dog's life in the world at large.

These tips are helpful in addition to my Four Commandments:
If your dog will be a guest in someone else's house, potty training is a must. If this skill has not been mastered, get a pet sitter to stay in your home or find a boarding facility.

Dogs get excited when new faces show up at the house. To combat jumping, the best thing to do is to teach a good sit command…or look that says NO!
You should be able to encourage good behavior by providing resources - things your dog wants, like food, water, exercise, rest, attention and toys - in response to good behavior, which is positively encouraged by pairing rewards at times your dog shows self-control.

Q: How can I reduce the chances of doggy "potty accidents" during the holiday visit
A: If you are the guest and you think there is a chance your dog will urinate on the floor or jump on people and furniture, keep him on a leash. Remember, dogs are more apt to pee when they are in a new home, with new smells, and when they are excited. If you have a submissive dog and/or a dog who urinates when he gets excited, it's best to keep the greetings mellow and ignore the dogs for at least two minutes when you first arrive. It also helps to give the submissive or excited dog something to keep him busy when the doorbell rings. A stuffed training KONG toy, or a low value reward, like a hand full of dry kibble on the floor, should do the trick.

Q: What should we consider if we have our dog stay with a friend?
A: If you decide to have your dog stay with a friend, it's important to consider if your dog and your friend are familiar with each other and if they get along. This is will make a doggy-sitting situation easier on your dog and your friend. Be prepared to supply your friend with food, supplies and any necessary medications during your dog's stay. This will help keep your dog entertained and on a consistent diet and dosing regimen. Be sure to also leave the phone number of your vet in the event of an emergency.

You also need to consider your friend's house and environment for your dog. Is it a safe place and pet friendly? If not, pick a different friend to dog-sit or consider a kennel.

If you are lucky, and a friend agrees to look after your dog while you are gone, it's essential to have a conversation about the specific daily care and routine of your dog. Responsibilities and expectations should be set from the get go to protect your dog, and your friendship!

Q: If we decide to board our dog, what features should we consider in selecting a kennel?
A: No one dog is the same, and this applies to kennels as well. The most important factor to evaluate is the staff's qualifications for watching over your dog. Kennels can vary dramatically when it comes to social activity, safety and quality of care. Ask people you know and trust for referrals.

Questions to ask include:

• Is there an outdoor play area for your dog?
• Are the dogs allowed to play?
• If so, for how long and how are they monitored, what is the dog to human supervisor ratio?
• Are the dogs separated by size and temperament during playtime?
• How and when are the dogs fed?
• Does the facility allow you to bring your own supply of food?

Some dogs may get an upset tummy from a sudden change in diet. (Choosing from the facility's food is ok as long as your comfortable with the foods they provide and your dog does not have a history of allergies or food sensitivities).

If necessary, do they administer medications, and if so, how do they track them?

Can you drop off and pick up your dog at anytime, at your convenience, or only during certain hours?

Additional Tips:

• Ask for a tour to ensure the facility is clean and the dogs are housed in safe enclosures. If you are denied the opportunity to see where the dogs are actually kenneled, go someplace else.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions of the facility's current clients. Often there will be others picking up and dropping off their dogs who would be happy to share their experience. Dog people love to talk about their dogs!
• Set up a "trial" visit. Before you go out of town, arrange to have your dog spend a day or night at the facility as a test. If Fido has a blast, you can leave for vacation without feeling guilty, or at least a little less guilty. And remember, holidays book up quick!

Some kennels provide a web cam service that allows you, as a parent, to observe exactly what your dog is doing, giving you peace of mind that the facility is delivering on its promise.

Look closely at the pricing. Is it "all-inclusive" or "a la carte," where additional fees are applied for each service? Carefully consider pricing policies and pick-up and drop-off hours. What looks like a bargain on the surface is often not when you start to add additional days and services.

Q: If I want to keep my dog in the same room with us as we have holiday dinner, what's my best strategy to keep his behavior in check?
A: First, don't let the dogs hang out under the table. It's best if your dog has been trained and understands the concept of sit down and stay. If this is understood, your dog should be settled at the far end of the room, away from the table. If they stay, you can bring them a safe treat to reward them for staying seated at the end of the meal.

If they won't stay, try tying your dog to something away from the table. For dogs that bark, it helps to give them a stuffed KONG toy or stuffed marrow-bone full of something sticky, like peanut butter or cream cheese to keep them busy while you eat. If these techniques are not effective, you should probably keep your dog in a kennel/crate, or another room. If they can't handle that, they may be better off staying at home until they can be trained to master their social skills.

Q: If time and distance permits during the holidays, how do I introduce my dog to new K9 rulers of the home where we will be spending the holiday?
A: When it's possible to familiarize your dog with another, it's best to have them meet away from home on neutral turf. Ideally, you and the other dog's owner could arrange to meet on the sidewalk or in a park during a walk, and then have them walk to one of your homes together.

It also helps to rub a rag on each of their genital areas and let each dog smell the other's scent via a rag before you let them get close. Afterwards, you can keep the dogs on loose leash or behind a baby-gate until you are more comfortable to put them together.

Q: If we are planning to take our dog on a plane, what do we need to know?
A: If traveling by air, you will need a health certificate from your vet -- if your dog is very stressed, you may want to ask your vet about some medications to relax your dog. For more mild stress, it's good to go with a natural remedy like Rescue Remedy or light massage with a relaxing lavender scent on the neck and collar.
Remember, small dogs can travel on the plane in the seating area with you, but medium and large dogs go below with the plane cargo. If you plan to bring a larger dog, try to book a direct flight without transfers, and make sure to confirm with the airline that the cargo area is climate controlled. Also, try to avoid flying your dog in extreme weather conditions. If traveling overseas or internationally, check the quarantine rules and regulations for pet travel. Last but not least, always make sure your dog has gone potty before you travel.

Q: If we are planning to travel by car, what can we do to keep our dog the most safe and comfortable?
A: If you are traveling in a car, the safest way for your dog to ride along is in a secured kennel/crate that won't tip over. The next best is a doggie seat belt, or on the passenger seat floorboard with a leash on. If your dog is not used to traveling, or is prone to carsickness, it helps to not let them see out the side window during the ride. In addition, it's best to not feed the dog before traveling. Always make sure your dog has gone potty before you travel.

Most of the time, your dog is sick because of travel stress, not carsickness. To help your dog feel relaxed, it helps to use over-the-counter remedies like Rescue Remedy in the dog's water prior to traveling. Just two drops will do the trick! Placing a few squirts of lavender mist or a few drops of lavender oil on their collar while massaging your dog is a good practice. Pairing the smell of lavender and massage several weeks before you travel gets your dog conditioned to the scent as a relaxant. In severe cases, you can always ask your vet about medications for carsickness. Don't forget to put down some blankets and bring some towels and bags just in case. A little classical music can also help.

Q: What are the most important items to bring when packing for a trip with my dog?
A: The essentials include: medications, if any, bowls, food, water, towels, blankets, treats, a favorite toy, a soft non-slip collar or head halter and regular 6-foot leash. Dogs are more likely to get lost or run off in unfamiliar places, so it's also good to have your dog tagged and micro chipped as a precaution. Bring a kennel/crate if possible, and poop bags for sure. For a more relaxing pack-up, you may want to keep your dog outside or in another room so they don't get too excited.

Q: We look out for our dogs every day, but during the holidays, additional risks can arise. What are some additional precautions we should consider?
A: The holidays bring changes to the home whether we decide to stay home or travel. In celebration, we add a lot of new things to the household environment that can be festive for us, but a party-pooper for our pups. Be sure to steer your dog clear of these hazards.

Holiday Plants & Decor
Holly: If ingested, holly will induce vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system depression.
Fruit and Nut Trees: This includes apple, peach, almond, cherry and apricot, all of which have stems and leaves with traces of cyanide.
Mistletoe: Munching on this holiday mainstay induces cardiac problems in dogs.
Poinsettia: This common decoration can be irritating to the mouth, stomach and possibly the heart of your dog.
Holiday Decorations: The shine and the shapes will naturally attract your dog but be sure to keep your dog away from ornaments, tinsel, artificial snow and candles - and watch that your dog doesn't mark his territory on the tree!

Festive Foods
Chocolate: This sweet treat can cause heart and central nervous system problems. This applies especially to unsweetened bakers chocolate, which contains 10 times as much caffeine and Theobromine as milk chocolate. Just 1.6 ounces eaten by a 10-pound dog could kill him.
Meat: Sounds tasty but chicken, turkey and pork bones can pierce a dog's esophagus.
Greasy Table Scraps: Again, sounds tasty, but even a single ingestion of foods such as onions, garlic, moldy walnuts, mushrooms or mash potatoes can trigger a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Alcohol and Medications: We all tend to get a little loose around the holidays but you want to keep a tight leash on alcohol and medications. One ounce of 20 proof alcohol can put a small dog in a coma. During or after the party, you may be reaching for headache medications like aspirin or ibuprofen but be sure not to leave the bottles (alcohol) included, scattered around and in your dog's reach.

Last but not least, don't forget to have fun! Dogs are very sensitive to your emotions and during the holidays, many of us are stressed - and our dogs pick up on that. The calmer and happier state that you are in, the calmer and happier your dog will be. Be sure to have fun and your dog will too!

~ Steve Brooks K9U Family