Top tips for keeping your puppy safe this Christmas
Christmas can be pretty overwhelming for puppies.
Whether you’re having guests come to your house or you’re taking your puppy to someone else’s house here are some tips to keep your puppy safe this Christmas.
Watch my video to learn how to keep your puppy safe at Christmas
Tip 1 - Puppy proof
When puppy proofing your house, think about it from your pup’s perspective because everything is a chew toy to them!
I recommend putting everything that you don’t want destroyed out of reach and putting a barrier around the tree and gifts.
Tip 2 – Puppy Treats
Stick to your pup’s regular food for Christmas day and don’t be tempted to feed them food scraps.
If you have a brand new puppy their tummy will get sore if you feed them a wide variety of new things and this will result in some awful messes to clean up.
Don’t feed them any chocolate.
Not all dogs react badly to chocolate, Amelia ate two bars of chocolate one year and didn’t bat an eyelid, but it’s definitely on the No Go list for dogs.
I recommend putting your pup’s food in puzzle toys or kongs so they take longer to devour, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your Christmas meal.
Tip 3 – Puppy exercise
Plan some puppy exercise sessions throughout the day so they’re tired and less likely to cause mischief.
You could take your pup for a walk before any guests arrive so they’re not so rambunctious or you could plan to walk off your Christmas lunch instead.
If your pup’s not fully vaccinated and can’t walk in public places yet, you could carry them or play some inside games with them instead like fetch, tug, or find it.
Tip 4 – Puppy nap time
Set up your puppy’s safe zone (crate, puppy pen or spare room) and make sure your guests understand that your puppy mustn’t be disturbed when they’re having a rest.
Puppies are just like toddlers. They need a lot of rest but may not “want” to rest, so providing them with a calm and quiet place to nap is really important.
Tip 5 – Guests greeting puppies
Your visitors will be so excited to see your puppy but be sure to tell them how to interact with your puppy so pup doesn’t get overwhelmed, or over stimulated and start biting everyone.
Remind your guests to stay calm and talk in a quiet soothing voice, rather than an excited squealy voice.
If your pup is timid, let your puppy approach your guests.
If your pup is overly confident and bouncy, you may want to leash them so they don’t run up and jump all over your guests.
When your puppy starts biting (which happens when they’re too wound up), put them in their safe zone to have a rest.
Do you find that puppy parenting is proving to be more challenging than you anticipated?
Is your adorable bundle of fluff acting like a bit of a maniac at times?
Are they:
Refusing to sleep in?
Jumping up on you?
Destroying all your favourite things?
Chewing your hands, feet, and clothes?
Peeing and pooping all over your house?
Then check out "The Calm Puppy," a 5-part program designed to transform your energetic puppy into a well-behaved and delightful companion
