IT'S hard to ask your dogs what they want for Christmas, but local trainer Jo Carroll says training beats treats.
She sees Christmas time as an opportunity - a time when families are spending more time away from work and school, and have more time to teach a new pup.
"In a dog's eyes it's much better to have pack order and clear boundaries set in a kind, fair way than reindeer ears and a treat-filled stocking," says Carroll, originally from the UK, who specializes in treating dogs with behavioural issues at her West Vancouver-based dog training company, Dogsbgood.
But there are also hazards through Christmas, especially for new puppies.
"All dogs are inquisitive but puppies are like children," says Carroll. "And when you've got your Christmas decorations up, that might lead to chewing and chewing might lead to pulling over the Christmas tree." Not to mention the presents under the tree. While the kids may not smell the chocolate under the wrapping paper and packaging, a dog can, and many dogs will think it smells awfully tasty - despite the fact it is poisonous to them. Mistletoe berries are also poisonous for dogs.
One of the big changes over the holidays is with the daily schedule - more people more of the time. If a dog gets easily anxious, that might be a difficult transition. Carroll says you can plan a backup by giving a favourite treat and putting him or her in the bedroom. Once they're used to that, they can easily take a time out if they get overwhelmed while relatives are over for dinner. "You have to do it slowly. Don't just put it in that one day because it will take it as punishment," she says.
Trouble can also happen when you're back at work and the dog is used to daily company. It's not a bad idea to give the dog some alone time over the holidays so it doesn't get too accustomed to you, she says. It's also important not to let the training slip, and in fact, with people home she says you can do a lot more. Take a few extra walks to help shed the extra holiday pounds, and get the kids to help practise commands while they're at home, she says.
The commands "leave it" and "take it" will be particularly useful over the holidays.
That doesn't mean you can't also indulge in a few treats, just keep it healthy, she says. There is special dog-friendly chocolate available, and a few carrots or pieces of meat, off the bone and without the skin, won't do any harm.
tholloway@nsnews.com
