Sometimes travel plans aren’t what they call “well planned,” or planned at all. Often I find the best trips are the ones that blossom at 4 o’clock on a Friday. Those last-minute adventures are what my dog Norman and I live for! Though spontaneous trips don’t offer a lot of time or options for preparation, the following are tips we’ve learned along the way for making an “on the whim” trip go smoothly. With these tools in our pocket, no weekend needs to be “ho hum,” especially not when there’s a tail-wagging dog to share it with! 

1. Figure out where you’re staying

The first piece of business is shelter. Don’t stress, there are a number of options. It just depends on what your “glamping’” standards are. I find that staying with friends or family is the easiest and least pricey, though it can be stressful, especially if your dog likes sofa snacks or leaves little “presents” on the carpet. You don’t want to put your friends in that situation.

If staying with friends is out, I like to car camp. Norman loves to roam around while we hang out by the fire, plus who doesn’t love cuddling in a tent next to a stinky little tail-wagger? This gives us the flexibility to be the wild animals we are, but it does require a bit of planning and gear packing. If you plan to camp, check the weather — no one likes camping in negative 5 degrees, even if you have a fur coat. Also, be sure that the campsite is dog-friendly. A good place to start is National Park Paws, a website which provides pet policies for the American National and Federal Parks System.

There also are a number of affordable hotel/lodge options that allow dogs and love them as much as you do. This can be a great choice if you’re arriving somewhere in the middle of winter, say . . . in a blizzard. There’s a misconception that pet hotels equate to urine-stained carpet and fur-covered blankets; that’s not the case. Many are nice and create a special experience for you and your dog. There is usually some extra charge to bring your little buddy along, but the fees are usually nominal. It’s really just an extra token to say, “Thanks for vacuuming up that extra fur and sorry for the dog fart smell.” To find pet-friendly hotels, check out BringFido.com and GoPetFriendly.com. I also like to use TripAdvisor.com with the “pet friendly” option selected. 

Don’t think that you’re losing out on an adventure by choosing to stay in a hotel. Any type of travel can result in an adventure at any point! It’s always good to keep in mind that last-minute travel can be unpredictable, so be prepared to roll with the punches. Plus, taking your dog with you on any trip usually results in a more enhanced and amusing adventure. Staying in pet-friendly hotels can be really lovely too. It’s always a good time when you can jump on the beds with your dog. Honestly, life may not get any better than that!

2. Pack your gear

This is the fun part! How in the world are you supposed to pack for an adventure with six legs? Usually, when I’m “planning” the activities for the weekend, I can’t decide what our adventure together will entail, so I end up bringing everything I might need for every option. Some say this is poor planning, but I like to think I’m creatively preparing for whatever comes our way. For those of you who just cannot be bothered to choose between skiing, biking, snowshoeing, hiking or underwater basket weaving: I hear you, I feel you, and I know your struggles. 

• Plastic bins: I like the ones with clear sides so that I can see all of my stuff, but these are not as durable as other models. So, it comes down to what you prefer: clear sides or durable. These bins are fantastic gear collectors for any adventure, as well as costumes and accessories (an obvious must-have).
• Bungee cords to keep everything in place: I bungee things to the sides of my car, seats and anything that can hold stuff in place. You don’t want anything smushing your furry adventure buddy during a sharp turn!  
• Secured dog kennel: Best practice is to have your dog in a secured kennel inside the vehicle or seat belted into place with a pet-appropriate seat belt.
• First aid kit: Go ahead and keep that sucker in your car. It’s never a bad thing to have.  
• Dog bin: This should include:
  
  • A copy of veterinary records
  • An extra leash
  • Poop bags (I recycle old grocery bags)
  • Dog bed or blanket
• Doggy first aid kit:  
  
  • Hydrogen peroxide in case you need to make them barf something up they shouldn’t have eaten (consult with a veterinarian before administering)
  • Bandage materials in your human first aid kit will do, but if you want ones designed specifically for dogs
  • Tweezers, antihistamine for allergic reactions, and Kwik Stop to stop bleeding on broken nails
  • If you’re doing a snowy expedition, throw in some paw wax to protect those pads
• Food for your pup: I like to count how many dog meals we’ll be gone for and literally put that many scoops, plus a little bit more than planned for backup, into a travel container. If you travel more often, then consider a portable food dispenser. If you’re testing the waters and don’t need another gear investment, then a container that seals well and won’t spill kibble into every nook and cranny of your car will do. Don’t forget the water bowl and treats! 

3. Pack your car

The subtle art of car packing is like real-life Tetris! The fundamentals to keep in mind are: Put the less urgent items in the more unreachable places and keep the things that you’ll need mid-drive or when you arrive in the wee hours of the night right up in the front. The other key piece is making enough room so that your pup is nice and comfy snuggled safely in their kennel or car harness in-between all of your gear.

Parting Words of Wisdom and Encouragement

I applaud you for taking on the task of embracing spontaneous travel with your pet. It might seem like a lot of gear (and it is) and it might seem like a risk (and it is). However, the result of all of your efforts is something really special. I always come back to this quote by Albert Einstein: “A ship is always safe at the shore — but that is NOT what it is built for.”

That quote motivates me when I want to take the easy route and travel alone (or with humans). It helps me remember that every single time I bring Norman on the journey, it is richer and more vibrant than if I had left my best adventure buddy at home. There is something magical that happens when I take those extra steps so Norman can come. He knows how special it is too, and he shows his appreciation in subtle but meaningful ways. I like to think that when he sits on command, comes back to check on me on the trail, and eats a little less poop than he’d prefer, that’s Norman’s way of saying, “Thank you for taking me along.” 

To celebrate pumpkin season, we want to share this awesome recipe for Pumpkin Apple Pupcakes for your pup. Natalia and Willow from The Labs & Co show us how it’s done — they make these pupcakes look too good to pass up! Disclaimer: your dog’s GI may be upset from food they’re not accustomed to and remember that treats should only be 10% of calories in order to keep a complete and balanced diet.

Pumpkin Apple Pupcake Dog Treats Recipe

Recipe by Kelli Mlinarik Marko

Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Cooking time: 15-20 mins
Yield: 24 pupcakes

Pupcake Ingredients

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 3/4 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin (NOT pie pumpkin)
• 1 medium apple; peeled and small diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 eggs

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cream cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• Zuke’s Mini Naturals for toppers

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix oats, cinnamon, and flour. Pulse rolled oats ahead of time in a food processor if you want a finer texture.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin, apple sauce, eggs (slightly beaten), and apple.
4. Slowly combine and mix the wet and dry ingredients. It will be a very thick mixture.
5. Scoop batter into a greased mini-muffin tin. Pile the pupcakes up high as they will not rise. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until you see the tops just barely starting to brown. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely (you can leave them overnight if you wish).
6. To make the frosting, whisk together the cream cheese and apple sauce. If the frosting is not smooth enough, add one more tablespoon of apple sauce. Spread on pupcakes and decorate with Zuke’s Mini Naturals! 

Try out these delicious dog-friendly Gingerbread Cookies straight from the Zuke’s Test Kitchen. Disclaimer: your dog’s GI may be upset from food they’re not accustomed to and remember that treats should only be 10% of calories in order to keep a complete and balanced diet.

Cookie Ingredients

• 2 cups oat flour (or any non-wheat baking flour)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 to 1 cup canned, pureed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses

Icing Ingredients

• 4oz low- or fat-free cream cheese
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 to 2 tbsp plain yogurt (low or fat free)
• 1 to 3 tbsp flour (if needed to thicken)
• Optional: 2-3 drops natural food coloring

Decorations

• Zuke’s Mini Naturals Trees
• Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter

Directions

To make the cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl and mix well.
3. Add the eggs, pumpkin and blackstrap molasses to the bowl and blend until it forms a ball of dough.
4. Place ball of dough on a non-stick baking mat, parchment paper or a clean work surface sprinkled with flour.
5. Place a piece of parchment paper over the ball of dough and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough until it is approximately 1/4-inch thick; Note: Separate dough into two batches for easier rolling.
6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a non-stick cookie sheet.
7. Bake cookies for 15 minutes at 350°F. Then flip cookies over and bake on other side for another 15 minutes.
8. Cool completely before icing.

To make the icing:

1. Place cream cheese, honey and yogurt in mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
2. Mix in one tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach your desired consistency for spreading or piping onto cookies.
3. Optional: add 2-3 drops of food coloring to icing and mix.

To decorate:

1. Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate with icing as you wish, and top icing with Zuke’s Mini Naturals Trees and Zuke’s Mini Naturals! 

It’s that time of year — the time of “pumpkin everything:” pies, lattes, scented candles and... wait for it... dog treats! These seasonal treats are a highly nutritious addition to your pooch’s day and super easy to make (no baking required). Start with a delicious seasonal ingredient for your pup: Pumpkin! Add in oatmeal and peanut butter to hold it all together. And don’t forget the star ingredient, the Mini Naturals Pumpkins! Disclaimer: your dog’s GI may be upset from food they’re not accustomed to and remember that treats should only be 10% of calories in order to keep a complete and balanced diet.

Howl-o-ween Pumpkin Bites

Note: When cooking pumpkin treats for your dog, be sure to use all-natural pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and other ingredients. Since we use some maple syrup (or honey if you prefer) in this recipe to bind the treats together, we don’t want to add any more sugar!

Ingredients

• 3 cups dry, uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup all-natural pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar)
• 1 cup all-natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 4-6 tbsp flaxseed powder (you can sub coconut flour or chia seed flour)
• 1 cup Mini Naturals Pumpkins (plus extra for toppings)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients together in a medium bowl until very thoroughly mixed
• Roll into balls about 1” in diameter
• Top with extra Mini Naturals Pumpkins
• Place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and freeze one hour
• Store in airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week

They say the quickest way to a dog’s heart is through his stomach. Show your pooch some love with our “You-Make-My-Heart-Beet” pupcakes. We tried out this recipe in our newly renovated test kitchen, and the pupcakes were a huge hit with the office dogs. Disclaimer: your dog’s GI may be upset from food they’re not accustomed to and remember that treats should only be 10% of calories in order to keep a complete and balanced diet.

‘You-Make-My-Heart-Beet’ Pupcakes  

Original recipe by Kelli Mlinarik Marko and adapted by the Zuke’s Pack

Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Cooking time: 15-20 mins
Yield: 24 pupcakes

Pupcake Ingredients  

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 3/4 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin (NOT pie pumpkin)
• 1-2 large beets
• 3 eggs

Frosting Ingredients  

• 1/2 cup cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon applesauce
• 1 tablespoon beets (leftover from batter)
• Zuke’s Mini Naturals for toppers

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Quarter and steam 1-2 large beets until soft. Chop finely in a food processor or blender.
• Mix oats, cinnamon, and flour. Pulse rolled oats ahead of time in a food processor if you want a finer texture.
• In another bowl, mix the apple sauce, pumpkin, and eggs (slightly beaten).
• Slowly combine and mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add about 1/4-1/2 cup of the beets to add color and consistency to your liking.
• Scoop batter into a greased mini-muffin tin. Pile the pupcakes up high as they will not rise. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until you see the tops just barely starting to brown. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely (you can leave them overnight if you wish).
• To make the frosting, whisk together the cream cheese, apple sauce, and leftover beets for color (start with a little — about a 1/2 teaspoon — as it doesn’t take much to make a bright, pink color). If the frosting is not smooth enough, add one more tablespoon of apple sauce. Spread on pupcakes and decorate with Zuke’s Mini Naturals! 

It’s been eight years since I adopted Max from a rescue group at a farmers market in Long Beach, California. Little did he (or I, for that matter) know that we would be embarking on a seemingly never-ending journey together. Throughout the years, we have made some mistakes, learned some lessons, and found some amazing spots to camp. If you are thinking about traveling with your pet on a road trip, here are some tips that will help in planning and taking the next step for your journey with your four-legged best friend. I can’t imagine life on the road without Max.

Pack Their Bag

It makes things so much easier when everything they need is in one place. Remember to pack food, toys, poop bags, and treats, as well as their favorite bed or blanket. It’s important for our dogs to have a space where they feel comfortable.

Bring Vaccination Records

I’ve had Max’s shot records handy and for good reason: many state parks require to see shot records in order to camp. Although it was only in a few places, I was thankful that I had records with me. Max is microchipped and has an ID tag, just in case.

Watch Out for “No Dogs Allowed”

More often than not, dogs won’t be allowed on national or state park trails. Do your research so you won’t be disappointed on the restrictions when you enter a park. I have found that your best bet for letting your furry friend roam with you are national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. You can find campsites on our public lands through their website at blm.gov/. If you are tired of camping, look for a nearby pet-friendly hotels. Max and I have stayed in both, and they are a nice way to recharge after camping for extended periods of time. 

Image

Photos courtesy of Alison Turner. 

Get Out of the Car

Remember to move around outside of the car as much as you can. Even if you are planning a long driving day, it’s important to take your dog out as much as you get out. I always take Max for a walk when we stop for gas. Having a routine is important to your pet. Max and I have a walking routine each morning so things seem familiar to him. I think it’s comforting for your dog to know that they will be walked and fed each morning, even though they don’t know what the day has in store.

For ideas on how to incorporate some training into your road trip adventures, check out our article Training Tips For Road Trips With Your Dog.

Follow the Weather

Remember that your dog can get overheated fast in summer months. It’s important to keep them cool and supply as much water to them as you drink. Use common sense and don’t leave your pet in a hot car, and remember to bring blankets and sweaters for cold weather.

With just a few adjustments based on your needs, you and your best friend will have the time of your lives!

Whether you’re training, re-enforcing behaviors because dogs, just like kids, need constant reminders, or placing tasty morsels in puzzle toys for mental and physical stimulation, healthy treats are an important part of your pooch’s nutrition and daily wellbeing.  

Treats have calories too and nutritionists say they shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. So, for your dog to benefit from tasty rewards, choose delectable, irresistible morsels with a very low-calorie count.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals fit the bill because they are less than 3 calories per treat. Made with top quality proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, rabbit, duck, and peanut butter. Other ingredients include fresh fruits and vegetables along with vitamins and minerals for a delicious tidbit. Further, the “secret ingredient” is peace of mind, knowing they don’t contain any corn, wheat, or soy, and are free of fillers, by-products, and artificial colorants. In addition, part of your dog’s daily ration of kibble can be used as treats.

How to Dispense Treats

It’s a great idea to invest in a treat bag that fits into a pocket in an “open” position so that it’s easy to reach inside. Other alternatives include one that clips onto a belt or slung across the body and sits on the hip. Fill your treat bag with your dog’s favorite flavor or mix it up to add to the surprise. Keep what you are not using in a sealed container to preserve freshness. A great treat bag is an essential part of your dog’s outdoor gear. He can even carry extra treats if he is wearing an outdoor backpack.

Treats are Rewards

When you first begin basic training, even a five-minute session can involve a lot of treats. That’s why good nutritional content is so important. Having the dog a little hungry when starting training can encourage them to be more interested. If you shoot over your dog’s daily allowance, you can always substitute with kibble taken from his daily food intake to complete the session. Never substitute with human snacks. Treats are synonymous with positive re-enforcement and the whole experience is supposed to be a feel-good one for both you and your dog. It’s for this reason that dog trainers no longer refer to basic learning behaviors as “commands” but instead, now call them “cues.”

Making Treats the Equivalent of a Bedtime Story

Dogs are fast learners and quickly learn the word “treat”. Once your dog is trained, treats can also be placed in a puzzle toy to offer mental and physical stimulation especially when they are home alone. Consider saving a couple from the daily allowance to give before bedtime. Whether you’re at home or curling up for the night besides a campfire, for your pooch, this ritual is the equivalent of a bedtime story along with a goodnight hug. 

In Summer Fun Safety Guide: Staying Safe on the Trails, I touched on things to keep in mind when enjoying the great outdoors with your pup. In this post, allow me to bring some attention to matters closer to home — literally, your own backyard!

Barbecues

I don’t know about you, but I love backyard barbecues. So do my dogs! Meat on the grill, flying Frisbees, music, friends, laughter…all key ingredients in the recipe for a good time. If your dog accompanies you to your next backyard event, I’d like you to be cautious of a few things:

• Corn cobs: Unless chewed into tiny pieces — and most dogs don’t — these barbecue staples can easily obstruct the intestines.
• Rib bones: When improperly chewed, rib bones can block the gut and warrant emergency veterinary care. Also rib meat can be too fatty for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Skewers: Bamboo or metal shish kabob skewers are coated in tasty juices that attract curious and hungry pups. Just imagine what could happen if a dog swallows one. It’s not good. Take my word for it.

Fido’s Flowers

Some outdoor plants warrant erring on the side of caution. It may depend on the area of the world you inhabit as to which of these you may encounter, but do yourself and your dog a favor and file these names away to help keep your dog out of trouble in the yard:

• Lily of the Valley and Foxglove: Once used to create human cardiac medications, a compound in these can cause seizures, heart arrhythmias, and gastrointestinal distress.
• Sago Palm: Be particularly aware of this one. It’s very toxic to the stomach and liver. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog ingests this plant.
• Crocus: Both spring and fall varieties are poisonous, but the fall variety warrants more caution.
• Lilies: Especially toxic to cats, lily ingestion by a cat or dog can cause severe stomach pain and/or kidney damage.
• Also notable: Oleander, rhododendron, azalea, cyclamen, amaryllis, yew, and chrysanthemum. For a comprehensive list of toxic plants, visit petpoisonhelpline.com.

Yard Chemicals

When protecting your home from small creatures of the verminous variety, read the labels of the products you are using! For example, some mouse and rat baits can inhibit normal blood clotting in dogs (this is treatable), while some other products cause severe permanent neurologic damage (not treatable unless caught very early). Know the toxicity of the products you are using and keep them suitably away from your furry family members. Here are a few more items to consider:

• Compost: Decomposing organic matter smells fabulous to dogs — but it can contain molds called mycotoxins that also can cause neurologic problems.
• Mulches: Here is another area where geography plays a part in your dog’s risk of exposure. Fresh pine mulch when highly resinous (sap-rich!) is irritating to the stomach if eaten. Cocoa mulch is made from cocoa bean shells. (Read: It’s chocolate!) It contains the same worrisome compounds found in chocolate candy. Plus, it smells good so dogs like to eat it!
• Soil Additives and Fertilizers: Both organophosphates (conventional fertilizer) and blood and bone meal (more organic-style products) are toxic, the latter having a pleasant smell for dogs. I recommend keeping your dog inside when using these products. Thoroughly water the products into the soil before allowing your dog back into the area.

Summer should be about enjoying the sunny skies, the warm evenings, and spending quality time with those you love. By being cautiously aware of potential dangers to your dog, you should be able to enjoy the season to its fullest.

Disclaimer: This information is educational in nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.  

Are you looking for love? Then look no further than your local animal shelter or rescue. Are you more into online dating? Check out petfinder.com. Your soul-mutt is waiting for you!

In 2006 I adopted the two loves of my life: Tonto, an outgoing border collie mix, and Finn, a shy and emotional border collie mix. In the 11+ years I have had them, they have never once broken my heart and the only tears they have ever caused are from joy. They may not bring me flowers or take me to the movies, but they ease my heart, make me smile daily, and take me on the best adventures.

Just like any real relationship, there is a fair share of give and take. They surely do not clean up after themselves and I am always responsible for their meals, exercise and “bathroom” clean up. Sounds like a lot of work, right? It is. It is also a lot of reward.

Before I adopted my dogs, I wasn’t really an active person and I absolutely wasn’t familiar with the strength of a bond between an animal and their human. If I am sad, they sense it. If I am happy, they feel it. Loyalty? Forget about it—you are the only thing that matters to them. I swear the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words” was written about dogs. Though unspoken, my conversations with them are the best I have ever had because they speak directly to my heart.

Through them I have learned to love myself more. I have lost weight. I have become passionate about hiking and adventure, and I am able to see myself a little bit more clearly. We have hiked hundreds of miles together. We have been to 27 states and seven national parks together. They greet me each morning with a kiss and they make sure to not forget at night either. Dogs may not be able to help pay the bills or take you out for a nice dinner, but after all, isn’t it long-term commitment you are really looking for?

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million are dogs enter shelters each year and approximately 1.2 million euthanized. Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 64% are adopted, 13% are euthanized, and 23% of dogs are returned to their owners. It’s always a perfect time to add more love to your life. You may feel like you are the one doing the rescuing, but I assure you, they rescue you right back!

Check out more adventures from Bryce LaDuc and her pups on Instagram. 

December is one of the most behaviorally challenging months for dogs, as it’s full of distractions and temptations that can get dogs into trouble.

With a veterinarian as a father, I know it’s far too common for pets to get into the holiday meal and become sick, or dash out doors and end up injured. Sometimes the season makes existing behavior problems all the more evident.

Many of the challenges of the holidays can be addressed with easy-to-implement solutions. Here are the top challenges my clients have during the holidays and tactics to address them.

1. Barking at People

Dogs naturally want to alert their people when something changes in the environment. During Christmas break, people are more likely to be hanging around the neighborhood, giving your dog more opportunity to bark. Preventing your dog from going into a frantic frenzy at the window requires management and training. Close the blinds during the busy times of day to prevent stimulation overload. In addition, train your dog to run to you when sights they would normally bark at pass by. Start without any distractions present. Call your canine to you and reward with a treat or toy. Once your canine reliably comes when called, even with you in another room, add a minor distraction, like a family member standing outside. As soon as your dog notices the distraction, call them to you and reward. Then progress to working with real distractions that pass. Soon, your dog’s cue to run to you will be the sight of something passing by the window, ending watchdog barking all together.

2. Unusual Christmas Sights and Sounds

For homes where Santa visits, the sight of the big man himself is anxiety provoking. Big boots, a deep voice, and a beard can be frightening. If you’re unsure how Fido will react around Mr. Claus, put your dog in a closed room with a chew toy to occupy him when the “Big Man” visits. For curious, but excited dogs, have Santa toss treats on the floor to strike a friendship. Holiday decorations that move, light up or make music also are stressful for pets. To help your dog adjust, start with the decoration in the off position. Toss treats around the object and let your dog move toward it at his own pace. Only once the dog is relaxed should the item be turned on, keeping it at a distance from your canine to start. Whenever the object moves or makes a noise, toss a treat. Within just a few sessions, most dogs will be relaxed.

3. Chewing

Alas, the holidays are one of the more difficult times to manage chewing because temptations are multiplied. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so it’s no wonder they uncover food items inside stockings and presents. With more décor around, it’s tempting to chew on even inedible items, like wiring from lights, bulbs on the tree or tinsel; creating a serious health risk. To combat chewing, decrease access to inappropriate items and increase available chew toys. All food items should be kept up in cupboards or high spaces the dog can’t reach, even if it means only putting food items out when ready to be opened or consumed. If chewing decorative items is tempting for your dog, put decor in off limits areas, like a closed room or behind a barrier, like a pen. For avid chewers, this may mean protecting the tree and presents in a room with a closed door. Encourage appropriate chewing by placing various toys, food puzzles and long-lasting chews around the home for your dog to chew on.

4. Marking the Christmas Tree

It’s tempting for male dogs, and even some females, to mark the Christmas tree, because it’s a high, vertical surface. The most likely time marking will occur is when the tree is first set out. For that reason, keep your dog on leash when you introduce them to the tree. Reward trained behaviors, like sit and down, around the tree to keep them focused. Allow sniffing of the tree and then call them back after a couple of seconds to allow short investigation without enough time to mark. After 20 minutes or so, most dogs lose interest and marking isn’t as enticing. If your pooch is still a determined marker, prevent access to the tree with gates or by keeping your dog on leash.

5. Fear with Guests

Some dogs are uncomfortable with company, especially children. If the visit is short-term, consider putting your dog in a crate or dog-proofed room. Doggy daycare is another solution for dog-friendly canines to avoid putting them in a situation that’s too stressful. If your dog is only shy at first, but warms up fast, instruct visitors to ignore your dog when they come in. Keep your canine on leash and provide a distraction, like a dental chew. Only allow petting if your dog makes the full approach to visitors and solicits petting.

6. Getting into the Food

With all the edible goodies lying around, dogs have ample opportunity to dig in. Food must be kept safely away from dogs, as canines are scavengers and will take any chance to secure a snack. If you’re having a holiday get-together where food will be left out, keep your dog on leash. If they attempt to sneak a snack, interrupt them gently with a verbal noise, and immediately direct them to do something else, like sit. Reward your dog while they are calmly at your side. If you can’t supervise, keep them secured in a dog-proofed area.

7. Dashing Out the Door and Running Away

Dogs have more chances to bolt out the door and run away during the holidays when visitors are more frequent. Hang a leash by the door so it’s easily accessible and always clip it to your dog before opening the door.  

8. Jumping on Guests and Excited Barking

Friendly dogs commonly become overly excited with greetings and may jump and bark for attention. If your dog is social with people, but shows hyperactive behavior when people arrive, prevent greetings until your dog is relaxed. Keep your dog on a head halter or front clip harness to better direct their movement. If they attempt to jump up or if they bark, simply turn around with them on leash and walk away a few feet. Once your dog is settled and quiet, approach again. Soon your canine will realize that barking and jumping take away the opportunity to greet. Most importantly, reward your dog with treats, toys and opportunity to greet when they are quiet and all four paws are on the floor. For more tips, check out the post, How to Keep Your Dog’s Four on the Floor With Visitors at the Door.

Keep in mind, if your dog is anxious or aggressive; seek professional help, starting with your veterinarian.

“Santa Ollie” photo by #ZukesPack ambassador Stephen Martin. Follow @explorewithollie on Instagram for more “awwww”-inducing photos and inspiring adventures.