Hazards in the kitchen

There are quite a lot of hazards at Christmas – in the kitchen there is the  boiling water while you boil potatoes, ovens opening and closing, dishwashers being filled and glasses of bubbles and corks. Having a baby gate can be really helpful to avoid your puppy getting into mischief in the kitchen.

Avoiding Christmas tree climbing

Christmas baubles and dangly items are very enticing for pup’s! Avoiding glass baubles

 to protect sensitive paws and placing the tree up high in an elevated place that your puppy can’t access it is a really sensible idea while your teaching leave it. Never leave your puppy unsupervised with the tree. Having a solid base and attachments to avoid it moving will help keep everyone safe.

Gifts to avoid

Bones that splinter and are too harsh on a puppy’s teeth should be avoided.

While coats that keep a puppy warm outside can be great additions costumes such as fairy wings on harnesses can often be grabbed by other dogs when in the park which can scare your puppy who is wearing one. Some puppies will chew on clothing that us on them too.

Puppies have very sharp teeth so can often destroy toys that are filled with stuffing so make sure the toys are good quality.

Make sure balls aren’t too small for your puppy – they could get them caught in their throat.

Gifts to think about

Toys that exercise your dogs problem solving skills can be great and help keep them occupied while you’re cooking (if that’s how your spending part of your Christmas!).

Big chews can help keep a puppy occupied and ease sore gums too!

Sleep

Puppies need lots of sleep (around 18 hours) otherwise they can become over tired and overstimulated, this can look like nipping, barking and chewing in some cases. Having a safe space that they can curl up in and get away from the hustle and bustle is key (but introduce this way in advance of Christmas Day). In the Polite Pup Club we give guidance on crate training and settle stations. A change in routine can also mean that they wake in the night or get up earlier so consider this around the holidays. It is important they have the chance to relax and do nothing.. rather than be on the go all the time (I hope you have a restful time too!).

Letting friends and family know

Make sure your guests know  not to feed your pup chicken bones, chocolate, onions which can be toxic. Be sure that they shut the door behind them too. Your puppy may run over to greet them by the door so recall and wait training are life saving skills.

Are you local to St Albans? Why not come and learn some skills in puppy class?