Tips for Training Your Holiday Guests To Not Feed Your Pups
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the howlidays are in full swing, it’s important to take the precautions necessary to keep your dogs safe. Before waving in friends and family members, you’ll want to make sure that your pets (and guests) are properly prepared.
Below, we’ll share the best ways to teach your holiday guests to not feed your pups and prepare your pooch for unexpected company. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your celebration is pup and party-friendly.
Why Can’t Fido Join In On The Feast?
For starters, it’s important to have a firm understanding of why your dog shouldn’t have access to table scraps or holiday leftovers. While a guest may have good intentions giving your dog a tasty treat, the wrong food can be extremely dangerous for your dog.
For example, garlic and onions are both highly toxic to dogs and are commonly found in celebratory food. You’ll also want to make sure your pooch doesn’t get access to meat scraps or bones, as they can easily splinter and cause permanent damage to your dog.
Other ingredients that aren’t healthy for your hound include sugar, salt, butter, and nuts which are all likely on your dinner plate. Therefore, it’s important to explain to your guests that keeping their food to themselves ensures that Fido is safe.
How To Keep Your Dog Safe During The Holidays
Without further ado, here are some quick tips to keep your pooch safe during the holiday season.
Explain To Your Guests Ahead of Time
If you get a chance, try and explain the situation to your guests over the phone or ahead of time. Politely explain that your dog shouldn’t have any food other than his kibble so that he’s safe during the holiday celebration. This way, your guests will get plenty of time to prepare themselves and their families for spending time in your home. You can also give a quick reminder whenever they walk through the door.
Keep A Watchful Eye On Kids
While adults are likely to take your words of caution to heart, it may be a bit more difficult with kids. After all, who doesn’t love to give an adorable puppy some treats? If there are young kids coming over make sure you keep a watchful eye on them as much as possible. Alternatively, can make sure your dog is in an area far enough away from the kids’ table while you’re chowing down.
Give Your Pooch A Space of Their Own
One of the easiest ways to keep your dog safe is to separate them from the rest of the party during dinner time. You can lead your dog to his bed or crate and leave him with some delicious treats before returning to dinner. Or, you can set up a baby gate so that your pooch can still enjoy lots of space while remaining safe during the celebration.
Invest In Puzzle Toys and Treats
One way to distract your dog during dinner time is to give him a long-lasting treat like a bully stick or dental chew. You can also invest in puzzle toys or feeders to keep him preoccupied. At the very least, plan your dog’s mealtime around the same time that you eat so that he has something to enjoy while everyone else is eating dinner.
Find A Sitter
When push comes to shove, it might be a less stressful experience for your dog if they’re with a trusted dog sitter during your holiday get together. You can also opt to confine your dog to a safe area in your home, and hire a dog walker to check-in every couple of hours. This way, you’ll know your pooch is in good hands while you’re enjoying the celebration.
As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to make sure our dogs are safe during the holiday season. With the help of these strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy your celebration knowing that your furry best friend is secure. Happy holidays!
