THE VERSATILE GOLDEN RETRIEVER  -  HAPPY HOLIDAYS           

Now that the holiday season is upon us, we all need to remind ourselves to take the time to ensure that the holidays are both safe and stress free for our Goldens.  Check the archives at the bottom of this page and take just a few minutes to review Holiday Safety for Dogs. 

My husband (the man who tells everyone that the dogs are mine) wanted to give the Goldens a special treat on Thanksgiving.   Even though he has heard it from me before, he needed a reminder that homemade stuffing with onions was not an appropriate food item for them. I also had to watch him like a hawk so he didn’t give those sweet, begging faces too much turkey.  I tried to gently remind the man that while I appreciated his kindness, giving the dogs enough leftovers to cause a change in their diet can play havoc with their digestive systems.  They are quite content with one small taste, even if the “boss” feels they need more to celebrate.

We plan to put up a flock tree in the living room again this year, now that Stoney is a bit older and not quite so inquisitive.  (How lucky am I to get the privilege of putting up not one, but two Christmas trees!)   But, all of us need to supervise our dogs those first few days that the tree is up to make sure they are not attempting to eat glass ornaments that can shatter in their mouths, etc.  Cassidy is three now, but she is quite likely to retrieve one of those interesting, little, dangling toys from one of the trees.  Granted she would likely insist on bringing her treasure to show off to me, but she could harm herself in the process.

  We have a couple of those stuffed dog toys that “bark” Christmas songs.  They delight Catch, even though he is a senior citizen now.  These singing toys are kept on the mantle in the family room and frequently Catch will sit in front of the fireplace and whine, asking for us to play that toy.  He will quiver, hoping we let him hold this delightful treasure for a few seconds.

Stoney was very intrigued when these toys first came out of the box of decorations.  He listened intently, cocking his head to the side and producing one of his huge, silly grins.  About 30 minutes later, I caught him attempting to stand on his hind legs in an effort to reach that talking dog.  Fortunately, a ton of bricks does not need to fall on Stoney’s head.  One reprimand for the behavior will most likely be sufficient to prevent a repeat of such investigation.  But, we still need to watch closely.

Even though I try not to be overly rigid about schedules for my dogs, those of you with young puppies need to make an effort to keep your puppy on schedule as much as possible.  Don’t get so busy with cleaning and cooking that you forget when it is time to take that little one outside.  Most accidents are our fault, not the fault of the puppy.  Keep in mind when your pup last went outside.  If you get busy and can not keep an eye on him to see when he may signal a need to go outside, then put him in his crate.

Most times the “company” at this household is of the “dog-lover” variety.  But, often during the holidays we have guests that are not as enamored of the dogs as I am.  If you have taught your dog that his crate is a place of comfort and security, he will be fine spending a bit of time there while non-dog people are present.  If I confine my dogs to another room or their crates, then I don’t need to worry that they are bothering those in attendance.  (And, then I won’t feel “uptight” worrying if they are being pesty!)  Some dogs can enjoy a special chew toy during such times.  (Mine act like these special treats don’t even exist if I place them in the crate or room.  But, after the company departs, the dogs make a mad dash to go and fetch that goodie.  Guess they just don’t want to miss something when chewing intently)

Remember though, your dogs, particularly young or energetic ones, may well need to run or chase tennis balls after they have been confined.  It sure won’t help if you want to sit and relax or go to bed while your dog thinks morning has just arrived because they are full or vim and vigor!

  Use the arrival of dog friendly guests to help teach your young dog some manners.  If you have a pup who is likely to jump on guest, then keep a slip lead or leash and collar hanging off your front door knob.  Take a few seconds to place the lead on your pup before you open the door.  That way, you can make certain the pup does not jump on people.  Hold your hand close to the clasp so that you can keep the pup’s feet on the ground as your guests come through the door.  If the pup tries to jump up, then just exert some downward pressure on the lead so he cannot succeed.  Most often those new to dogs find that trying to hold a dog on six feet of leash serves little purpose and most certainly does not stop jumping.

The problem is that you must either hold the leash in a manner to prevent jumping (i.e. close to the clasp attached to the collar) or, if you allow the pup to have some length to the lead, then you need to lean down and grasp the lead near the collar in order to give a correction at the level of the dog.  Only when the hand is close to the collar can you discourage and prevent jumping. (Corrections need to be given at the level of the dog.)

If the pup has learned the command “Sit”, then have a treat ready and allow your guest to give the pup a treat once he is sitting.  (You can do the same when all four feet are on the floor, provided your guest understands to offer the treat only when four feet are on the ground.)

  The holidays should be a time of joy.  Treasure your goldens, and spend a bit of quality time with them, even when your day is a hectic one.  Enjoy them, but keep them safe! 

Until next time!

Pat Quinn

Everlore

Everlore@insightbb.com

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