3 Top Tips for Making Events Safe & Easy for Dogs
The Christmas holidays are a stressful time for both humans and dogs. We have been in lockdown or restrictions for the better part of the last two years, and just like you, your dog is unaccustomed to human interaction and social gatherings. Older dogs who may have previously been great at Nan and Pop’s for Christmas Day may now be quite uncomfortable. And the COVID puppies who have never had more than 5 people to their house at any one time will be quite overwhelmed during those drunken work Christmas parties you’re so excited to host again. We need to take some time to prepare them and yourselves and ensure their wellbeing is your top priority during this time.
1. Establish a safe space for your dog where they can go when they need a break. Ideally, this would be a crate or puppy pen that you can put somewhere dark and quiet for them to have some down time and a nap to ensure they stay happy and relaxed. They need to be provided structured rest times, so they don’t get over-stimulated. New puppies should go on the one-hour rule: one hour awake and then into their crate for a nap. Remember; they need 18-20 hours of sleep each day!
2. Allow them the curtesy of slow and monitored introductions to new people, kids, and other pets. New puppies should not be passed around pass-the-parcel style. Give them plenty of space to explore and meet people when they feel comfortable. They do not owe you a hug. There should always be an adult monitoring all interactions between children and dogs, otherwise the dog should be alone in their crate to rest.
3. Take them for a decompression explore the following day. This is a non-structured walk, ideally on a long line, somewhere on their own to allow them to sniff and explore and lower any stress. This is not for exercise to work off any party foods; sniffing and doing dog things like digging and barking calms dogs and helps them to re-establish their natural instincts to recover from stress and excitement from the previous day.
Remember to reinforce your training during these circumstances; don’t let your uncle tell you you’re coddling them or your niece convince you to let her put the puppy in her doll’s pram. Your dog’s welfare is fully your responsibility and prevention and preparation is a lot easier than dealing with any harmful consequences.