Getting Your Dog Ready for the Holidays

The holidays offer a special time to spend with loved ones, including your fur babies. Are you excited to wear festive outfits, craft homemade ornaments and indulge in treats? With lots of winter bucket-list activities to complete, it’s also important to slow down and focus on what matters most.

Follow these steps to celebrate the joy and cheer of the season while giving yourself — and your pups — a peaceful experience.

1. Schedule a Grooming Session

Whether you’re preparing to take family photos with matching pajamas or not, a grooming session can have your pup looking and feeling its best. Pet grooming services get busy around the holidays, so it’s best to reserve your appointment as early as possible.

Ensure you brush your pup’s teeth as well —they’ll need extra care to stay healthy with all the treats they’ll enjoy this season. Plus, your family members will appreciate when your dog greets them with fresh-smelling kisses.

2. Decorate With Holiday Pet Safety in Mind

While preparing for the holidays, consider what’s safe for your pets. Place any breakable or sentimental ornaments high up on the tree. Avoid placing decor on the floor if it could be considered an unsafe toy or choking hazard.

3. Keep Sweet Treats Out of Reach

When baking cookies or decorating gingerbread houses, make sure your pups can’t try a sample. Place any advent calendars or stocking stuffers high off the ground, away from furry loved ones.

Consider using a dog gate or having your pet play in a pen throughout the festivities. You can stock up on delicious, holiday-themed pet treats to include your dog in celebrations.

4. Prepare Your Pup for Visitors

Socializing can feel overwhelming for both people and pets. Going on a long walk or having a play session before a hangout can help calm your pup down and prepare your dog for guests.

When having friends and family over, set boundaries. Offer guidance so people know how to respectfully greet and interact with your pets. Provide clear expectations to keep everyone safe and happy.

5. Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable as a Guest

If you’re bringing your pup to a holiday gathering or staying with family overnight, bring your dog’s essentials with you. Aim to maintain a consistent meal time and walk schedule to avoid potential accidents.

Place a cozy kennel or dog bed in the same room where all the activity will take place so your pet feels included. Add your dog’s favorite toys, comfort items and treats to the area to reward them with a pleasant surprise.

Refresh on Obedience Training for Peace of Mind

Sit Means Sit Dog Training is here to help you make everyday life easier, especially during the holidays. Our compassionate team offers puppy and dog obedience training with customized programs based on your dog’s personality and behaviors. We can help you brush up on skills or prepare your dog for crowds at winter events.

Whether you’re new to our training programs or a familiar face, we look forward to seeing you. Contact our team to schedule a free evaluation, book a training session or learn about our overnight boarding services.

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