When it comes to training, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Start training these important skills before the stress of the holidays sets in!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families, this means a house full of guests, festive decorations, and bustling activities. While we humans look forward to these joyous events, they can sometimes be overwhelming for our dogs. New faces, different routines, and lots of excitement can leave your pup feeling anxious or overly energetic.
The good news? With a little preparation, your dog can be the well-mannered, calm companion that makes holiday gatherings enjoyable for everyone. Here are 10 key skills your dog should have in time for the holidays, along with some tips on how to start practicing now!
Polite Greetings
Dogs naturally get excited when someone comes to the door. However, greeting guests by jumping or barking can be overwhelming for visitors. Teaching your dog to greet politely, whether it's by sitting or waiting calmly, can set the tone for a peaceful gathering.
How to Practice:
Start by working on the "sit" command near the door without distractions. Gradually add in someone ringing the doorbell or knocking.
Use treats to reward calm behavior and sitting when someone enters. You can even enlist a friend to help by repeatedly coming to the door and providing practice opportunities.
Consistency is key. Practice this daily leading up to the holidays!
Staying Calm Around New People
With guests coming and going, it’s important for your dog to remain calm. An overly excitable or anxious dog can lead to stressful situations. Teaching your dog to stay relaxed when people are around helps create a more peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
How to Practice:
Expose your dog to different people in controlled environments. Take them to a local park or have friends over in small numbers before bigger gatherings.
Reward calm behavior and ensure your dog has a quiet space to retreat if things become overwhelming. Training your dog to "go to their bed" or a designated safe space is useful when they need a break from the excitement.
Leave It and Impulse Control
Holiday gatherings often mean food is everywhere—on counters, tables, and in guests' hands! Teaching your dog strong "leave it" and impulse control commands can prevent embarrassing moments, like your dog snagging a turkey leg off the dinner table.
How to Practice:
Practice "leave it" with toys or treats. Place a treat on the ground, say "leave it," and reward your dog when they resist the temptation.
Gradually increase the difficulty by using more enticing food and practicing in different settings, like the kitchen or near the dining room table.
Reinforce "wait" and "stay" commands to keep your dog from rushing toward food or guests.
Relaxing in a Busy Environment
Holidays can be filled with noise, from kids running around to laughter and clinking glasses. If your dog is used to quiet, this can be quite the adjustment. Teaching your dog to relax in busy environments is essential for their comfort and your sanity.
How to Practice:
Use the "place" or "settle" command to encourage your dog to relax on their bed or a mat, even when there are distractions.
Start small by having your dog settle in a quiet room with soft music playing, then slowly increase the level of activity or noise.
Reward your dog with treats or toys for remaining calm, and consider creating a cozy, quiet space where they can retreat if needed.
Crate Training or Independence Training
If you're planning to travel with your dog or need them to stay calm in a crate during the holiday season, it's a good idea to brush up on crate training or independence skills. Crate training provides a safe space for your dog and can prevent stress during busy times.
How to Practice:
If your dog is already crate trained, start increasing the time they spend in the crate while you're home, adding distractions to simulate the holiday environment.
For dogs who need more independence training, start by leaving them alone in a quiet room for short periods and gradually increase the time they’re by themselves.
Always associate the crate with positive experiences, such as giving your dog treats, toys, or a comfy blanket to create a welcoming space.
Walking Nicely on Leash
With the excitement of guests arriving, holiday decorations, and more outdoor activities, it’s important that your dog is comfortable walking on a loose leash. A well-mannered dog on leash is essential for outdoor walks with family or showing off your neighborhood’s festive lights.
How to Practice:
Reinforce loose leash walking by using treats to reward your dog for staying by your side and not pulling.
Practice in different environments, starting in your yard or a quiet park, then slowly introducing more distractions, like busy sidewalks or areas with holiday decorations.
If your dog gets overly excited, use a simple "sit" command to refocus their attention and calm them down.
Polite Behavior Around Children
If your holiday gatherings include children, it's essential that your dog knows how to behave around them. Children can be unpredictable, so ensuring your dog has had positive experiences with kids and knows how to remain calm is crucial.
How to Practice:
Gradually expose your dog to children in calm, supervised settings. Reward them for gentle behavior and ensure they understand boundaries.
If your dog is excitable, teach them to sit or lie down when interacting with children.
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language—if they seem stressed or overwhelmed, give them a break.
Managing Doorbell Excitement
The doorbell can be a major trigger for many dogs. With guests arriving frequently, a calm response to the doorbell is a must. This skill will reduce your dog’s anxiety and prevent unwanted behaviors like excessive barking.
How to Practice:
Pair the sound of the doorbell with something positive, like a treat or toy, to reduce anxiety.
Train your dog to go to a specific place, like their bed or crate, when the doorbell rings.
Practice this several times a day, rewarding them for staying calm and following your instructions.
"Wait" or "Stay" Commands
Whether it’s waiting at the door before greeting guests or staying in one place during a busy meal, "wait" and "stay" are crucial commands during the holiday season. They give you control over your dog’s movements and ensure they don’t get underfoot during bustling gatherings.
How to Practice:
Practice "wait" when opening doors, before feeding, or while putting on their leash.
Use "stay" during distractions, gradually increasing the length of time your dog remains still.
Reward with high-value treats to reinforce longer stays.
Calming Around Holiday Décor
Holiday décor like shiny ornaments, blinking lights, and towering trees can be both exciting and overwhelming for dogs. Teaching your dog to remain calm around decorations helps them stay relaxed in your festive home.
How to Practice:
Introduce decorations gradually, allowing your dog to sniff and investigate while rewarding calm behavior.
Use "leave it" or "stay" commands to keep your dog from becoming too interested in the décor.
Supervise them closely, especially around delicate or tempting items like ornaments or garlands.
A Stress-Free Holiday for You and Your Dog
The holidays should be a time of joy for everyone, including your dog. By preparing ahead of time and reinforcing these essential manners and skills, you can set your dog up for success, ensuring that they are a calm, well-mannered participant in all of your holiday festivities.
Remember that training is not just about preparing for one event—it’s about building a foundation for a well-behaved and emotionally stable dog year-round. With consistent practice, patience, and positive reinforcement, you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free, happy holiday season together!