With a little planning you can ensure that your dogs are not only safe and cared for, but also that they don't become over stressed or interacted with in a way which will create behavior problems or even health issues.

 

Because of the activity, and general turmoil during the holiday season, more dog bites occur during this time than at any other. Guests want to pet, children want to hug and some children and adults will even tease. The result; the inevitable accident, a spoiled holiday and a dog that we now do not know if we can ever trust again.

 

Realize that the excitement during this especially noisy holiday with different sounds and experiences can stress your dog. So, think of ways and make plans to minimize these problems. For example, a boarding kennel over the holiday might be considered as a viable option.

 

If you're having a party, supervise your dog at all times. Know where he is and what he is doing and what others are doing with him. If in doubt or if you cannot supervise, then put him in a safe room with radio or TV playing, or his crate where he can relax. 

 

If your dog is where there are a lot of children playing, running and making the usual party noises, your dog must be supervised. If not, then there is the potential for ankles being nipped, your dog feeling threatened and reacting by biting, and him becoming over excited and jumping up on people or, all over your furniture. 

 

Moreover, there will be opportunities to steal food and he will learn that being naughty is much more fun than being good. In addition, he can become stressed by it all. This shouldn't be surprising as he may be constantly hugged, chased, talked to, shouted at, and possibly frightened by all the new happenings. So supervise, or have someone responsible in your family who your dog knows, trusts and obeys supervise. If you cannot do either of these then put him somewhere safe.

 

Don't forget him though, remember he still has to go to the bathroom occasionally. If he is loose and part of the party, watch for stressful behavior. Standing tall, ears and tail erect, hackles raised, submissive posture but lip curled, excessive yawning, fixed eye contact and if you know your dog, other signs of stress and possible reactivity. When you see these signs take him to a quiet room or his crate. Have a big sign on the door of stating - "Do Not Enter".

 

Safety is essential at parties, not only for your guests but also for your dog. For example, doors left open can have him running unseen out into the street, and an unseen fall into the swimming pool by a puppy leaves him not knowing how to get out. Be a dog person first and when you are, you will be thinking of these problems and automatically taking leadership action to minimize and avoid them. 

 

Even something as simple as having his leash attached to you at all times - indoors and out - can give him the confident feeling of being under control and provides you the opportunity for it to be picked up if necessary.

 

Some holiday parties end with a finale of fireworks. Your dog may not give the impression of being noise sensitive but loud bangs and other sharp noises going off rapidly can easily create a fear. Even gundogs can be sensitive to fireworks even though they are accepting of gunshot. 

 

So, a room with music playing, slightly louder than usual may be just the ticket. However, if there is any reaction to the sound, do not try to comfort him. Comforting can make it worse. He may think you are praising this fear behavior and it becomes rewarded. Basically ignore him. If he enjoys chewing on something, give him this to occupy his mind. It is better to avoid the problem of loud noises rather than attempting to overcome the fear once it is there. This fear, in many instances, is virtually impossible to overcome.

 

Finally, if your dog suddenly begins to behave differently, appears lethargic, has difficulty eliminating, appears to be in discomfort, get him to your vet to check that he hasn't eaten something he should not have. Blockage items and poison substances for dogs, such as raisins and chocolate, are often everywhere in the holidays.

 

With your care and attention, everyone, including your pup, will have a happy holiday!

 

Woof and Happy Independence Day!