Don’t Let the Holidays Set Back Your Training

A common question I get every year around the holidays-

“How can I set my dog up for success over the holidays when my family and all of their dogs are in the same space.” 

Each client is dealing with different issues & at different stages in the training process, but my advice is always the same. If you do not have the skills to set your dog up for success in a given situation then avoid it. There is no harm in having your dog in the crate to avoid a bad experience or set back in training. 

If you haven’t practiced having people enter your house to the point that your dog knows their role is not to bark and rush people that come in the house then have your dog crated when people enter or go on a walk with your guests first so they enter with the dog.  

If your dog doesn’t have the skills to regulate their emotions around other dogs and are prone to pestering your family's dogs, having crazy play with them, or resource guarding them, then management is key. The place bed, putting them in crates, or using puppy gates to separate all are viable options.

If your dog has shown aggression or fear towards people, then the holidays are most likely stressful for them and they will benefit from time to decompress in a crate and rules with family members about healthy boundaries with the dog. In my experience, many dog bites happen in family gatherings because appeasement behavior is misread as friendly behavior. 

Avoid it all together if your dog can’t handle it or if you are too distracted, drunk, or sleepy from festivities to actively help your dog make good decisions. Things will just get worse with your dog if you don’t advocate for them, respect them, and do what’s best for them. Don’t let the holidays set back your training progress.