The holiday season is a wonderful time to connect with family and friends, but it can also be overwhelming for your service dog. To ensure that both you and your furry companion have a great time, here are some straightforward strategies to help manage your service dog during busy family and public events.
Prepare You and Your Dog
- If you don’t travel often, you will need to get him ready. Do a few single day trips and single over night stays before weekend and longer trips. Practice in a variety of situations from tenting, RVing to staying at friends homes and hotel/motels.
- Travel by train or air is ” Ph.D. ” (advanced) level training. Start well in advance and break down what will be involved in the travel into small pieces. Train the pieces, then slowly add them together. Check out our posts on Air Travel.
- Find out if there are other pets in the setting and make a plan with the host how to prevent or manage interactions. Putting up barriers, closing doors, giving resident cats their own space etc.
Create a Quiet Space
One of the best ways to keep your service dog calm is to set up a quiet area where they can retreat when things get too hectic.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Low-Traffic Spot: Find a corner of the house that isn’t too busy.
- Make It Cozy: Put down their favorite bed or blanket and include some toys and a water dish.
- Set Boundaries: Let family members know this is your dog’s safe space, so they can relax without interruptions. Use physical barriers like X-pens and baby gates to give your dog a barrier to retreat behind from kids if that works for your disability.
Have a Plan for Social Interactions
Family gatherings often come with lots of questions and interactions, which can be stressful for you and your service dog. Practice some simple responses to help manage these situations:
- Use clear phrases like, “He’s working right now,” or “She needs a break.”
- Politely excuse yourself if your dog seems overwhelmed or respond if he tells you that you need to remove yourself to a calmer space.
- If he is not trained to cue you to leave a stressful situation, then train that task ahead of time. Use that as an excuse to engage family in training.
- Educate family members about how to interact appropriately with service dogs.
- Brief family and friends not to feed your dog.
Stick to Your Daily Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and holiday festivities can disrupt their normal schedule.
To keep your service dog comfortable:
- Maintain Regular Feeding Times: Stick to their usual meal schedule and food. This is not the time to introduce new foods.
- Show you dog where you want him to potty. Use that spot consistently.
- Schedule Walks: Make sure they get their regular exercise at the same time of day it happens at home.
- Incorporate Short Training Sessions: This keeps their mind engaged and helps reduce stress.
- Allow him time to gradually adjust to time changes. For feeding, change the time 15 min per day.
Use Comfort Items
Certain tools can help ease anxiety in dogs during busy gatherings:
- Familiar Scents: Bring along a blanket, dishes and toys that smell like home.
- Tactile Comfort: Petting, gentle touch and using a calm low tone can help soothe your dog.
- Have your dog sleep where he sleeps at home. For example on your bed. Bring a sheet to lay on your bed to prevent fur.
Watch Their Diet
Keeping your service dog’s diet consistent is essential during the holidays:
- Stick to Their Regular Food: Avoid giving them new treats that could upset their stomach.
- Educate Family Members: Let others know not to feed your dog table scraps.
- Keep an Eye Out for Dropped Food: Be aware of any potential hazards on the floor (including medication).
- Keep your dog behind a barrier when kids are eating. They often drop food or intentionally sneak food to dogs.
Recognize Signs of Stress
Be attentive to your dog’s behavior. Signs of stress may include:
- Excessive panting, drooling or pacing. Has trouble settling.
- Yawning or licking their lips
- Trying to escape or hide
- Potty mistakes
If you notice these signs, it’s important to take a break and give your dog some downtime.
Conclusion
By following these practical tips, you can help ensure that both you and your service dog enjoy the holiday season together. Remember, the goal is to create a positive experience for everyone involved. With a little planning and care, you can navigate gatherings smoothly while keeping your partner happy and relaxed. Happy holidays!
