Five easy steps to have a better behaved dog for your social gatherings right now.
By Michele L. Meyer
- Exercise your dog within a couple hours prior to the arrival of your guests.
- Consider leashing your dog in the house and yard for more control but never leave your dog unattended on a leash.
- Have a food stuffed Kong dog toy in the freezer and ready to give to your dog when you need him occupied like when your guests sit down to eat. Be sure everyone (especially children) stays away from your dog when he is enjoying his Kong. Check out our article for the best way to stuff a Kong.
- Have a quiet, safe place for your dog to rest when the excitement is getting to be too much for him.
- It’s easy to forget about Fido when we are occupied with our visitors. Be sure to stick to your dog’s bathroom schedule and pay attention to his signs to go out. The excitement and change in routine can cause a dog to eliminate more frequently.
There is much more that can be done to teach your dog how to be a welcomed guest at your social gatherings. Imagine no more embarrassment or apologizing for your dog’s behavior when visitors are over…And you do not have to confine him to another room or crate either. Your dog can be a welcomed member of your festivities!
For example, you could teach your dog the amazing “place” command. Your dog would happily go to his designated spot like a dog bed, rug, etc. and stay there while your visitors come inside and get settled…Or you can have your dog go to “place” and stay there when people are sitting down to eat. Just imagine all the amazing ways the “place” command would make life easier and less stressful.
Dogs are social beings and want to be part of the activities. Your dog can learn how to be well mannered with company so that you don’t have to feel guilty about confining him or worry about how he will behave around your visitors. We can help! Get started today and fully enjoy having a dog at all your social gatherings.