Thanksgiving at the Warner household after a morning of vigorous exercise - calm-submissive dogs everywhere! For most people the holidays are a time to rest (and by rest, I mean feverishly clean, pack, or prepare for family). There's a lot of excitement and stress around the holidays, which makes it all the more important that you don't neglect your dogs on these exciting days.
If you're like me, your dogs are going to be around a lot of family or friends which is exciting for dogs. Or if you are training fearful dogs it can be a very stressful experience for your nervous friend which means you need to be extra calm and make sure you provide your dog with extra care.
While veterinarians and behaviorists are keen on subscribing medications for dogs these days, I still think the first step to combat stress should be thorough exercise - especially before big events like family storming the house. For humans or dogs, the act of exercise releases endorphins and takes the edge off in a natural, safe way.
Even if your dog is well trained and friendly, all the excitement might turn them into jumpers and make them appear more hyperactive then they actually are. People will like your dogs and respect you more if they encounter your dogs in a calm state rather than in an excited state.
Aside from helping your dogs get ready for all the action and the stress, exercise is a great way to compensate for all the extra treats that both you and your dog are going to be eating on Thanksgiving and other holidays of the season.
After a big meal, it is easy to kick back on the couch, unbutton the top button on your pants and watch football, but it's much better for you and your pup to get the family together and take a nice holiday walk. It will aid your digestion and help the family bond.
Don't get swept up in the action today and forget about your four-legged friends. Show them how thankful you are for their presence in your life by making sure you go the extra mile to meet their needs.
If you're like me, your dogs are going to be around a lot of family or friends which is exciting for dogs. Or if you are training fearful dogs it can be a very stressful experience for your nervous friend which means you need to be extra calm and make sure you provide your dog with extra care.
While veterinarians and behaviorists are keen on subscribing medications for dogs these days, I still think the first step to combat stress should be thorough exercise - especially before big events like family storming the house. For humans or dogs, the act of exercise releases endorphins and takes the edge off in a natural, safe way.
Even if your dog is well trained and friendly, all the excitement might turn them into jumpers and make them appear more hyperactive then they actually are. People will like your dogs and respect you more if they encounter your dogs in a calm state rather than in an excited state.
Aside from helping your dogs get ready for all the action and the stress, exercise is a great way to compensate for all the extra treats that both you and your dog are going to be eating on Thanksgiving and other holidays of the season.
After a big meal, it is easy to kick back on the couch, unbutton the top button on your pants and watch football, but it's much better for you and your pup to get the family together and take a nice holiday walk. It will aid your digestion and help the family bond.
Don't get swept up in the action today and forget about your four-legged friends. Show them how thankful you are for their presence in your life by making sure you go the extra mile to meet their needs.
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