Holiday Safety and the Fearful Dog
This time of year is so full; full of fun, friends, family, decorations, shopping, visiting, meal preparation and so much more! Sometimes, our dog’s needs get put on the back burner. When we own a fearful or nervous dog, the holidays can spell so much tension for your dog. Even the never-seen-before decorations can cause stress for the suspicious or nervous dog. Here are a few tips to help Boscoe get through the holiday safely and you and your guests comfortably.
Remember that what seems totally normal for you may not be in Boscoe’s world. If he has trouble greeting new people, having guests can be very traumatic. To make that easier, try putting Boscoe on a leash and having him lay nicely next to a family member with treats when you expect someone to come to the door. The leash can be his “connection” to the family and help ease his concern. With dogs that are deeply concerned about new people, giving Boscoe some private time in a crate or bedroom can be a relief for him as opposed to going through the greeting process. Another way is to teach Boscoe ahead of time how to greet strangers at the door before the rush of new holiday visitors, especially those that may stay for several days. Some dogs that are extremely apprehensive of visitors could be boarded in a safe boarding facility.
When there are children visitors involved and Boscoe has never been around children, special caution should be taken. When children are overly friendly or affectionate with a fearful dog that has never had children experiences, many times a bite can become Boscoe’s only line of defense. Dogs are right at eye level with children which tends to make dogs more nervous and feel less inhibited. In the dog world, the higher you are, the higher you are in social status. Since children are short, that puts them at risk for a bite from a nervous or fearful dog.
Teaching visiting children that when Boscoe is in his crate, it is like his bedroom and he should be left alone. It is so important for the dog to feel safe and have time out from the hustle. It is not mean or cruel to the dog.
Try not to make the festivities of the holiday a training or socialization time for the fearful dog unless you have already made a very reasonable and unthreatening game plan and are willing to stick to it. Most of us get involved in the holiday cheer and sometimes forget we are also watching a nervous dog. That is when accidents happen, such as Boscoe running out the door and down the street in fear, or accidentally getting backed into a corner by an over-friendly visitor who wants to conquer Boscoe’s fears too quickly.
Visitors should be well advised in advance that your dog may be fearful. Encourage guests to just let Boscoe approach in his own time, and without any pressure.
Prevention is always the best medicine when a fearful dog is involved. Prevent intimidating situations from occurring by using good management. After the holidays will usually be a better time for desensitization program that is supervised by a professional.
Caption: Kalidor wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season!
