With the holidays right around the corner, your to-do list seems to be endless. This year, one important thing to remember to add to your to-do list, or pre-holiday wish list, is dog training. While the winter season is a time of exhilaration and bliss for you and your family, you’ll want the very best holiday experience for your furry friend as well. Below are three reasons why you should look into dog training before the holidays arrive:
Reason 1: Jumping
When you think about the holiday season, visions of twinkling lights, elegant decor, and a sparkling Christmas tree often come to mind. For dogs that like to jump, this can often cause serious issues, resulting in a fallen tree and broken ornaments. To avoid a holiday catastrophe, and possibly an injured pet, commands like “off” and “sit” help to ensure the safety of your dog, as well as the protection of some of your most treasured decorations. Our dog trainers will work carefully with your canine to assist them in learning the commands and practicing obedience before the merriest time of the year arrives.
Reason 2: Hyper Behavior
The hustle and bustle of this season includes visits from guests and various holiday festivities. It is important that your puppy feels comfortable around the many visitors that might be coming in and out of your home. While some dogs might be extremely friendly, the issue of jumping up on unfamiliar company, or running around the house due to excitement, might arise during this time of year. It is very important that your pet understands commands like “sit”, “place”, and “quiet” to prevent hyper behavior in the home, especially when the mailman comes knocking on your front door to deliver all of your holiday packages!
Reason 3: Counter Surfing and Begging
The holidays also mean that there will be a multitude of delicious sweets, like gingerbread cookies and homemade pies, as well as carefully prepared dinners for your holiday parties. The last thing you want is for your dog to be circling your guests’ feet underneath the table hoping for them to drop a tasty morsel, or outright begging for a bite of the turkey that you are preparing for your family’s annual feast. While we understand that sometimes you just can’t say no to your own beloved pet, your guests might not be as keen on sharing their holiday treats!
A dog brings so much excitement and happiness into your home, and the holidays should be a joyful time spent with family and friends, and of course… man’s best friend! While it is important for your pooch to understand the difference between the time to sit and stay, and when it’s time to jump and play, it is also beneficial for your dog to be rewarded when he or she listens to your command and obeys. Sign your puppy up for dog training with us at Off Leash Dog Training before the holiday madness kicks in, and don’t forget to fill your pup’s stocking with lots of dog-friendly treats!
Ready to get started? Book your free, in-home dog training consultation with Off Leash Dog Training today!
