Surviving Winter
Get your Christmas tree up early so your dog has time to get used to it,
especially if he is young - he may never have seen one before. Common
problems include urine marking on the tree and destructive behaviour. Keep
an eye on him whenever he is with the tree and stop him immediately if he looks
like he may be up to mischief.
Have you signed up for my Free Newsletter? Free Training and Behaviour Tips, Dog News, Facts and Useful Information.
The
world looks very different at night, if your dog is used to being walked during
the day, it is a good idea to take him out for short walks at night time so that
he can get used to it.
Winter is coming and so are icy roads and paths. If your dog doesn't
already walk on a loose lead, now is the time to get him trained, if he has
other behavioural problems or you have had trouble training him in the past, get
help from a behaviourist who can identify any problems that may be preventing
successful training and who can help you train him on a lead.
If your dog is small or has a short coat, he may need a coat so as not to get
too cold, get one now while there is still a good choice.
If your dog spends allot of his day outside, why not consider bringing him so he
doesn't get too cold this winter. If he has behavioural problems which
prevent you from doing this, now is the time to get it sorted out.
Learn how to control your dog at the front door, Christmas is traditionally a
time for extra visitors, don't let this magical time end in disaster when your
dog knocks over granny! Keep him calm
Christmas is an exciting time for everyone, just remember that excitement is
infectious and most bad
behaviour starts with over excitement so keep things as calm as possible and
enjoy a trouble free day.
Check your fences, with the weather worsening daily it is worth checking your
boundaries now and making any repairs you need to before the weather claims them
and leaves your garden unsecure.
As the weather deteriorates and the nights draw in, don't be tempted to cut back
on your dog walking duties, just because the weather is bad he still needs his
exercise; without it he may become bored and frustrated and you could end up
with a dog with behaviour problems. If you don't fancy taking him out
yourself why not consider enlisting the help of a dog walker?
Did you sign up for my Free Newsletter? Free Training and Behaviour Tips, Dog News, Facts and Useful Information.
Fireworks season is fast approaching and time is running out to prepare your
dog. If your dog does not like the fireworks get yourself prepared, do not give him any
attention if he shows fear, it is tempting to go to him and try to comfort him,
but he will think you are rewarding his fearful behaviour and this will make his
behaviour worse. If your dogs behaviour is severe, get help from an experienced behaviourist,
like myself, and make this the last year your dog suffers. For more
tips
click here
Did you know that chocolate and alcohol are poisonous to dogs, avoid an
expensive trip to the emergency vet and keep these things well away from him.
In fact it is best to avoid most Christmas food as it is too rich for a dogs
stomach and could make him very unwell.
Remember pets do not make great Christmas gifts, the novelty soon wears off
when everyone finds out how much time and effort they need and the puppy
will find himself homeless soon after Christmas is over. After all how
many toys does your child still play with that you gave him last year?
What about toys you gave him 5 years ago - dogs live on average for 10-14
years!
