I’m getting excited – Christmas is nearly here. Decorations are up, food is planned, presents are (almost) all bought, ready to be wrapped this weekend.
Himself is Mr Grumpy personified. If he had his way, decorations would be put up on Christmas Eve and taken down on Boxing Day. He hates what he calls “the fuss and bother”. I’ve bought him a special Mr Grumpy mug this year, to go with the hat I got him a couple of years ago. Yesterday we had a lovely Tesco sprouted grain and rye bread for lunch, promoting Himself to mutter about sprouts being the devil’s work. He really hates sprouts and the prospect of them looming large on the Christmas dinner table is making Himself even more grumpy than usual, even though he never has to eat them.
Whether you love or hate Christmas, it’s nearly here – or nearly over, depending on which view makes you happier.
What does your dog think?
Your dog may enjoy Christmas if he’s a social party animal.
But if he prefers his own company and hates his routine being disrupted, he may become a bit grumpy. After all, dogs don’t understand what Christmas is about – even though they may enjoy having new toys and extra treats.
Many dogs can get grumpy at Christmas.
Your dog may become unsettled and grumpy because the decorations mean the house layout is different and there are more “things” about; or if there are more people visiting or living in the house than normal; or if his walks are at different times; or if you are leaving him home alone more because of Christmas “do’s”.
To help your dog stay calm and happy this Christmas, here’s a few tips:
– make sure you try to stick to his normal routine as much as possible at Christmas, walking him at the usual times and feeding him at his usual times
– keep dangerous foods and things such as batteries and plants well away from him – see the poisonous foods help sheet on our website (under Free stuff) if you haven’t downloaded it yet
– give him a quiet area to go to well away from the noise and bustle where he can chill out and relax in a comfy bed, perhaps with a filled Kong or two
– watch him carefully to make sure he’s not getting too excited or over-aroused by the activity going on around him. Put him in his quiet area if you need to help him calm down
With all good wishes for an enjoyable and calm Christmas,
Keep training,
Carol