How can you prepare your pet for holiday guests in your home? Start with an assessment!

Will your dog be comfortable with having guests in your home? If your dog would be too stressed out with commotion around your home, could your dog stay with a friend or family member who isn't having guests over?

If your dog would be comfortable but might bark or be under foot, train your dog to lay on a bed and stay there or put your dog on a leash when guests are entering your home and feed small treats for sitting by your side.

If your dog would be aggressive to guests, your dog should not have access to guests! Board your dog or put them in a room with a stuffed kong or bone while guests are in the house. Then, call a professional trainer after the holidays!

You don't have much time to do training at this point for the holidays, so much of your efforts should focus on management. Leashes, kongs, baby gates, and boarding facilities can help you get through the holidays. Plan ahead to make guest arrivals and departures go as smoothly as possible and be sure to give your dog some break time in a quiet room or a nice walk to get away from it all for a bit!

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer