Do you have an anxious dog? As the holidays approach you may be travelling to visit your family. Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems pet owners face. Broken cages, chewing through walls and doors, coming home to a ransacked house is no way to end your holiday vacation. Desensitizing your dog to the process of you leaving the house, and creating a safe space for them to be at peace while you are gone, are essential to breaking through separation anxiety.

Alternatively, some of you are the hosts of the family. Having an anxious dog when you have guests over can be equally frustrating. No one wants their dogs jumping all over their guests, knocking over the kids, or barking and running all around. An anxious or excited dog just adds more stress to the demanding task of hosting for your family and friends. Make sure to work your dogs body and mind for about 20 minutes before guests arrive, instruct your guests how to interact with your dog when they come into the house, and have a game plan on how to react if unwanted behaviors come up. This preparation will allow you to have a peaceful gathering.

Take the time to teach your dog how you expect them to behave whether you are home for the holidays or away, and keep your house looking merry and bright this holiday season.