Hello this is Michele Forto, the lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works and boy we are in the holiday spirit! On today’s show we are going to talk about why dogs love Christmas, but before we jump into our topic today we want to give you a bit of advice. Did you know we do not ever recommend giving a puppy as a gift for Christmas? There are just so many ways that this does not work out well. We recommend that if your special someone is ready for a puppy, instead of giving them a pet why not give them a book on raising a puppy or some puppy supplies like toys, a leash and treats and then after the busy holiday season you can decide as a family what will make the best breed and go from there. Believe me, this is such a better way to go!
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Dogs love to be at the heart of every family and that includes every family gathering and celebration. Your pet will pick up on the excitement and not want to be left out. Unless they’re the shy and retiring type who likes things kept just so, most dogs thrive on the chaos of Christmas and love the festivities as much as we do. And there are a lot of reasons why:
More guests equals more attention. Yes all those visitors and relatives mean that your pooch gets more pets and kisses than usual, he doesn’t even mind the sloppy drunken kisses or the, lipsticky ones from Grandma.
More food equals more opportunity for snacking. With way more food in the house than the rest of the year, your pup really comes into his own in hovering up the leftovers.
Because basically Christmas means turkey….and cheese!
Wrapping up presents. Dogs love it. Give them the empty card tubes to play with.
Unwrapping presents. Your canine companion is keen to help out here too, scrunch the stuff up into balls and throw it for them.
Brisk walks in the morning and sure to get you in the mood for an Egg Nog or two!
Cousin Eddie comin’ to town? Your dog will more than happy to be the excuse if you need to get some fresh air or get away from the relatives. ‘Just taking the dog out’.
Netflix and chill with your pooch! Aaaah.
Cozy new dog coats and outfits, if you choose. Festive wear for dogs has reached new heights these days. Spoil your pooch and keep him warm with a knitted number or dress him as a snowman for Instagram. Its all good fun!
And have you seen the advent calendars for dogs now? Filled with tasty drops and meaty treats these are ideal for getting your hound ready for the big day. Open together in the morning for joint excitement.
What’s this at the bottom of the stocking? It’s only a new squeaky toy in the shape of a Christmas tree. You lucky, lucky boy!
Can’t find a partner for a bit of drunken dancing in the kitchen while the turkey’s in? Your dog will most certainly oblige you.
Decorations! Plenty of funny ornaments and balls rolling around the floor means plenty of chasing fun.
New socks and slippers? Woohoo, can I have your old ones too?
The Christmas ads are stuffed full of cute canines, meaning the family are far more likely to throw in an extra emotional cuddle.
Spending time with YOU! Seasonal holidays mean time off work if you’re lucky and your dog reaps the benefit… because all they really want for Christmas is you.
NOTE: While dogs love an extra treat please remember so much of our festive food is bad for dogs including onions, chocolate, raisins, nuts and Christmas pudding. Keep an eye out for staples or sticky tape in that wrapping paper and if you do have a house full of people try to keep a quiet spot where your dog can have a time out. Merry Christmas to our furry pals!
Do you have any others? Let us know on our social channels. Just search Dog Works Radio and always check out Alaska dog works.com for more tips and tricks and training advice.
Why #Dogs Love #Christmas
