The holidays can bring a lot of fun and a lot of stress to everyone. This often includes our dogs, who spend more time alone while we shop, have more opportunity to get in trouble, and may feel left out of the special morning. From experience, there are a few things that a person can do to make the entire event run smoothly for everyone.
Loneliness. You're going to be stuck in worse traffic, spending more time at the stores, and probably more tired by the time you get home. A lonely dog can be a troublesome one. Take time out when you get home to reward and praise your dog for his patience while you were away. Think about what you can do before leaving the house to ensure that your dog stays happy and fit -- this varies from dog to dog and situation to situation.
Mischief. If there are a whole bunch of boxes of new things that smell good then the dog may get curious. Hiding spaces for presents don't just have to be child and spouse-proof, but dog proof as well. High places like the top shelf in a closet are advisable.
The Tree. Dogs can get into all kinds of trouble with The Tree. Still water on a real tree may appear to be a commode or a drinking fountain. Even a plastic tree may become a target for your dog's needs. Either situation can be really bad news if there are presents beneath it! One solution -- and one which has worked fairly well -- is to place the tree on top of a small, round table. This also lets you get away with having a smaller tree and allows bigger presents to still be placed "under" it on the special morning. Scat Mats are also available as a deterrent; some of our customers seem to have luck with this approach. A tree skirt can make this setup look amazing, but don't let it hang too low.
The Big Day: Dogs enjoy feeling like a part of the family. This can happen with a few extra minutes of attention and a couple of inexpensive presents! Replacing an old, beat up toy with a new and nearly identical dog toy may work -- our miniature dachshund had a love of thick rubber balls with bells inside of them. Giving a new one to him then playing a couple rounds of fetch between opening presents kept him occupied and very happy. An inexpensive rawhide bone or other healthy chew treat can also occupy many dogs, who will take their chew somewhere private for hours of enjoyment. As we all thank each other on that morning, praising and playing with the dog can make him a happy and well-behaved part of the family.
I am not an expert by any means, but have been a dog owner most of my life. These are tricks that have helped my family make it through the holidays in a home full of dogs. It doesn't have to take a lot of extra effort to make your dog feel like part of the family during this time of year. By taking the extra minute or two each day to spend time with your dog and plan around his natural tendencies, the holidays can be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
(This list of suggestions is given from one pet owner to others, and was not written with any professional supervision. Growing up, I was able to share many seasons with all kinds of dogs, from registered purebreds to loyal mutts; from miniature dachshunds to giant Labrador Retrievers. By my last year with the parents, we had worked through a number of the issues that this unique season might bring up.)