Adopting a dog is one of the best acts of charity you can do in life. Not only do you get a new friend and companion, but you’ve rescued a loving animal in need. While there are a lot of new responsibilities to take on, the experience of being a pet parent is well worth the trouble. The attachment forms faster than you might think, and you’ll want to protect the newest member of your family from the holiday stress.
Some dogs, especially those from shelters, tend to be more reserved than those who have been in homes with people since they were puppies. Because of this, introducing new people to them can be challenging. With the holidays right around the corner, you might have relatives and friends coming over or you might be traveling somewhere. With all these new people around your dog, it needs to be prepared. Learn some easy ways to help your dog cope with the holidays.
Visitors in Your Home
If you’re having guests in your home over the holidays, your furry friend needs some preparation. It could get scared or overly excited depending on its personality. Before your guests arrive, try to reinforce its manners and obedience. If you’re not sure how to go about that, there are plenty of resources at your disposal. Some local pet stores offer quick training classes. Alternatively, you could host small gatherings with people first so your dog gets used to crowds.
If there’s just no hope of your dog learning to behave themselves before your guests arrive, you might need to isolate them someplace safe away from people. Make sure this place has everything they need like food and water along with a bed and toys. Alert your guests to the dog’s location so they don’t disturb it, but make sure you visit your dog frequently in the room so they don’t feel rejected.
Traveling
If you’re the one traveling to someone else’s home and have to bring your dog with you, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Your dog could feel anxious about being in a new environment. You can ease that anxiety with their favorite toys, and bring its crate with you if it’s used to it as a safe space. If you’re traveling by car, make sure you keep the dog in a travel safe crate or pet harness because allowing them free roam of the car leads to trouble.
Sometimes you might have to leave your dog behind for the holidays. If you can’t leave them with a friend, you’ll have to resort to boarding. Before you decide on a location, make sure you take a tour of the facilities. Your dog deserves only the best. The facility needs to be clean and offer plenty of space for your dog to move around. Even if the facility looks pristine, don’t leave your dog there if it is emotionally stressed by the place. One of the ways to help your dog cope with the holidays is to board it somewhere it will feel safe.
Don’t Just Cope With the Holidays. Enjoy Them!
The holiday season is the season of giving. You know ways to help your dog cope with the holidays, but your pup deserves to enjoy the holidays, too. If you’re still looking for something to brighten your dog’s holiday, consider Concha Charms. Our fashionable collars, leashes and charms let your dog’s personality shine through and is sure to put a smile on its adorable face. Don’t wait too long to see what we have to offer. Check out our brilliant selection today!