Susan Jakobs is a professional dog trainer. She submits a series of articles designed to “build” a better dog. She offers six-week training classes in Rock Falls, IL, and is currently training therapy dogs for CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. Contact Jakobs about classes or with questions at Dog Builders, 815-590-8008 or www.dogbuilders.com. This is her second essay in time for upcoming holiday meals.
Enjoy the holidays and keep your pets safe.
1. Educate family and friends about foods that are deadly. Bones can cause an obstruction or a perforation. Grapes, raisins, currants, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, and fatty scraps can lead to pancreatitis. Alcohol can put your dog into a coma, and xylitol can cause liver failure or hypoglycemia.
2. Set the rule, DO NOT FEED THE DOG PEOPLE FOOD!
3. Establish the punishment. The offender pays for the emergency bill and cleans up any messes.
4. Enforce the rule.
5. Supervise, supervise, supervise.
6. Nag, nag, nag.
Below are more inclusive approaches.
Keep your dog on the leash next to you at the table. This is a fast fix. It allows you to control the situation, and your dog is also a part of the festivities.
Train a “place” command. Put a dog bed in the kitchen or common area, so he has a comfortable “place.” Training involves teaching him to stay in his place during dinner. I use a tasty dog treat to reinforce the “place” command. Reward your dog with a safe bone or a favorite toy when he is in his “place.” Eventually, your dog will go to his “place” for a treat and not beg at the table.
If your dog does not like kids or strangers, or if you know some of your guests do not like dogs, just put your dog away and relax.
If your dog is a real food hound, then have a safe place for your guests to store their belongings.
