As the festive season unfolds, bringing with it a whirlwind of activities and cheer, it’s vital not to overlook the needs of our furry family members. Amidst the excitement and chaos, dogs can often find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Teaming up with Admiral and tapping into the expertise of Renee Rhoades MSc an acclaimed and Applied Animal Behaviourist and founder of R+Dogs, we’re focusing on setting up our dogs for success.
In this guide, we’ll share expert tips and strategies, inspired by Renee’s extensive knowledge in canine behaviour, to help ensure a stress-free and safe Christmas for you and your four-legged companions. From creating calm environments to understanding their unique needs, we’ve got you covered for a festive season filled with joy and peace for both you and your beloved dogs.
Create a “Leave the Dog Alone Zone”
One of my favourite effective strategies to help a dog cope with the festive hustle is establishing a designated safe space – my “Leave the Dog Alone Zone” a couple of weeks in advance of the festivities getting underway. This area serves as a sanctuary where your pup can retreat to relax, rest, and feel secure away from the commotion. Here are the steps to help your dog enjoy this area:
Choose the Right Space
Select a quiet, comfortable spot where your dog can retreat without feeling isolated. This could be a spare room, a cosy corner, or even a crate with an open door. Ensure there is enough distance between where you set this up and where the action is happening so your dog can truly get away and relax. Give your dog enough space to move around and choose where they would like to get comfortable.
Positive Associations
Make the chosen space a positive and rewarding environment. Leave scattered treats, toys, and a comfortable bed to create an appealing atmosphere. Spend time in the area with your dog, bonding to associate positive emotions with the space.
Do not expect that your dog is just going to take the space immediately, it can take some time so set up the space and start as early as possible.
Gradual Introduction
Allow your dog to explore the area at their own pace. Initially, keep the visits short and positive. Gradually extend the time spent in the space, ensuring your dog associates it with relaxation and comfort. Try not to shut them in the space too soon, really let them see that this space is one where they can feel at ease.
Practice Independence
Practice leaving your dog alone in the designated zone for short durations, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable. Avoid always pairing the space with food, as your dog might be distracted by the food, instead aim to gradual exposure and try to choose times when your dog is likely to want to rest to make the link easier.
Respect Boundaries
Encourage family and guests to respect your dog’s space. Educate them on the importance of leaving your dog alone when they are in their “Leave the Dog Alone Zone” or when they see that the dog is resting or disinterested in being approached.
The “Leave the Dog Alone Zone” is also a great option for where there will be children around as it can add a barrier between child/dog decreasing the chances of negative interactions between the two.
Additional Tips to Help Prep Your Dog
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Christmas events can disrupt your dog’s schedule causing them to feel anxious. Stick to regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions. Consistency provides a sense of normalcy for your dog, helping them feel secure amid the hustle.
Introduce Calm
If your dog is sensitive to noise or crowds, in addition to creating a space away from guests. In your “Leave the Dog Alone Zone” set up a Bluetooth speaking playing white noise or calming music to drown out festive sounds. Consider using a pheromone diffuser, starting early and putting this in a prominent area.
If you know your dog struggles with guests or noise speak to your vet about situational medication to help ease the emotional strain they can feel with the additional stress around them. These elements can create a calm atmosphere, easing your dog’s stress during gatherings.
Desensitise to Decorations
Christmas decorations can be bright, noisy and strange for our dogs, especially if it is the very first time they are encountering them. Setting any decorations up early so that your dog can get used to them, placing barriers around any accessible areas and avoiding putting things too low can all help our dogs get used to seeing different items in their environment.
Remember to put anything known to be dangerous (candles, glass ornaments, poinsettias) out of your dog’s reach, even when supervising them.
What Tips Do You Have?
By taking proactive steps to create a “Leave the Dog Alone Zone” and implementing these additional top tips, you can set your dog up for a positive festive experience. Remember, your dog is part of the family so ensuring ahead of time that your dog will be kept safe and happy means a more enjoyable Christmas for everyone!
About Renee Rhoades MSc
Renee Rhoades is an award-winning, Applied Animal Behaviourist with a Masters in Animal Welfare Science and Ethics. She is the founder of R+Dogs, a virtual dog behaviour consultancy that offers private coaching and online courses for dog guardians all over the globe. Renee specialises in coaching dog guardians to help their fearful and fired-up dogs overcome aggression, reactivity, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Alongside client coaching, Renee co-hosts DogLogical, a podcast that educates the public on dog behaviour and provides mentoring services to other dog professionals. You can find out more about Renee including how to work with her by visiting www.rplusdogs.com.
