Rover is running full speed towards the road. There is no way to catch him and he's certainly not going to stop and look both ways before dashing across the street to play with Max. The good news is we've worked on distance control and I am able stop him and get him to come back to me using only my voice.

There are various types of distance control, but simply put, it's the ability to control Rover vocally from a distance.

One form of distance control is giving Rover an imaginary boundary five to ten feet from me. He can wander inside that boundary but if he puts a foot outside it I correct him, call him back to me and praise him for returning. The boundary moves as I do.

The hardest to perfect is the one I first described, stopping Rover while he's moving in full flight towards something he's interested in. This is one that can save his life, if he were to get away from you and take off after something.

We practice distance control a couple of times almost every day. Rover loves to swim and really loves to fetch his Wubba toy in the pool. He'd play fetch with the Wubba all day long if we let him. Sometimes I stop him as soon as he starts towards it, sometimes when he's about half way, and sometimes when he's almost to it. We also practice as Rover is heading for the pool. I wait until he's almost there and then correct him and call him back to me. He ALWAYS gets lots of praise for responding.

It's important to work up to things that Rover is REALLY interested in. If your Rover loves playing fetch or chasing a ball, use the ball, if he can't resist cookies, use those. Those items will most closely simulate the situations of high interest; like when he sees his friend Max across the street or a favorite neighbor and he wants to bolt towards them. The more we ingrain the response, the better.

It's important to make sure you win. We started doing the exercises with Rover on a long leash. That way we could stop him if we needed to. Once he was really consistent on leash, meaning we never had to actually use the leash, we started again off leash, in an enclosed area. Start by stopping him just as he starts to leave your side, this is when your "sphere of influence" is the strongest. The further Rover is from you the less influence you may have on him at first.

You can even start inside with a shorter leash. Put some treats on the floor and work on getting Rover to stop as he's going towards them and come back to you. Once he's consistent on leash work on it off leash.

We also practice this on the rare occasion we go to the dog park. Rover LOVES to run with the other dogs. I let him start to run, then stop him and get him to come back. When he does well he'll earn play time. If he doesn't respond immediately then he'll have to do a sit/stay and pass the distance control test again before he's allowed to play. This is a real challenge for him because we go to dog parks so infrequently and he loves to play. Because we work on it a little every day it's ingrained so he responds immediately.

We always start with Rover close by and work up to letting him get further and further away before stopping him. Our sphere of influence is about 50 feet although we rarely let him get that far away before stopping him.

This exercise takes time to ingrain. We worked on leash for weeks before Rover was consistent enough for us to even begin doing it off leash. Dogs are smart and they will know the difference between being on and off leash, even if the leash is a long one. Once he's consistent on leash however, his brain is wired to respond.

It's really fun seeing Rover learn to be responsive off leash. Along with being fun, it can be very important as it could possibly save his life. When you spend the time to teach Rover to how to respond in various situations your confidence increases and your bond with Rover gets stronger.

Dogs love doing things with us, even learning. When you know that Rover will respond, no matter what the distraction, you are well on the way to having the companion you can trust. You know the results. . .

We would like to offer these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other loud disturbances that may be frightening to him.

Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog's collar in case he gets out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet for lifelong identification. Remember to update your veterinary clinic and animal shelter with your correct contact information.

Give your dog a safe place to stay during storms. Inside your home, create a quiet den-like area where your dog can feel secure. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

If your dog lives outside, cover his doghouse or dog run with a blanket to shield him from the bursts of lightning. Outside dogs can get lost or even injured if they escape their fenced yards in fear during storms.

Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their family pack members, so it is important that you develop a calm, matter-of-fact attitude. Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with activities like play or brushing. Do not try to reassure him in a sympathetic voice—this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.

Some dogs become destructive when frightened. A crate is always the best way to keep your dog safe and your belongings intact. If you don't use a crate, remove any items in the room your dog could destroy or could hurt him if he chewed them.

During a storm, keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio playing soft music at normal volume to distract your dog and help him to relax.

Keep your dog away from doors that lead outside. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others entering your home or cause him to dart outside and get lost or injured.

Your dog may become incontinent due to his extreme fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this, and don't react if it occurs.

Dogs that continue to panic in thunderstorms may have to be reconditioned by creating an artificial storm with environmental recordings. While reconditioning can be a time-consuming procedure, it can have a high success rate. A qualified Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist can help your dog be calmer during storms.

In the most extreme cases, medication in conjunction with training may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Consult with your veterinarian about possible treatments.

Your dog's phobia of thunderstorms won't get better on its own. Help him learn that it's just noise and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.

Introducing a new dog to your current household of animals can be a challenging task if proper measures aren't taken.  By following a few tips, the introduction can be seamless for everyone.

• Set reasonable goals when you bring a new dog into your pack. Knowing the dogs' backgrounds as to how well they were socialized will help you manage what might happen. Remember and respect that your resident dog and/or cat may perceive the new dog to be encroaching on their established territory, which can be very stressful.
  
• Proceed slowly and calmly. Slow-paced introductions may help prevent any fear-based or aggressive reactions from developing. If bad behaviors are not reined in from the start, they can become habit and be very hard to change in the future.
  
• Never leave new pets unattended, even if a pet is caged. When two pets meet, it is imperative you watch them at all times. The situation can change suddenly.
  
• If you have more than one resident dog, introduce each dog one at a time to the new dog to prevent them from overwhelming the newcomer.
  
• Stay in control of the introduction. If you are not sure how your pet will react, take the necessary precautions to keep him (and you) safe.
  
• Be patient and adaptable. You will need to teach your new dog to trust you while communicating to your resident pets that you will continue to keep them safe. Building good relationships takes time.

Dog to Dog

Before you bring the new dog (or puppy) home, bring home his scent so your resident pets can be introduced to his smell first. Rub the new dog with a cloth or use a blanket he has slept on and bring it into your home and place it where he will be sleeping.

In addition, be sure both your resident dog and the new dog are up to date on their vaccinations to avoid any risk of infection.

Introduce in a Neutral Location

Introduce the dogs in a neutral location that is unfamiliar to both dogs, such as a park. This prevents your resident dog from feeling his territory is being threatened.

Each dog should be on a loosely held six-foot leash and handled by a separate person. Try to stay relaxed so the dogs don't pick up on any tension you might be feeling.

Don't force an interaction between the dogs. Just walk near each other for a few minutes. One or both of the dogs may ignore each other, which is fine. Just stay upbeat and give the dogs time to get comfortable with the situation.

As long as you stay calm, be observant of the dogs, and keep it slow, the process should provide very successful results.

Making the decision to become a dog owner brings a lot of responsibility.  These tips will help you build a great relationship between you and your dog and help your canine companion live a long, healthy and happy life.

Get your dog spayed or neutered. Spayed/neutered pets not only live longer and healthier lives, but they also make better companions. The best age to spay/neuter a dog is around five to six months old, at the beginning of puberty. Talk to your vet about the right time for your dog.

Provide proper identification. Your dog should always wear an I.D. tag with your name, address and phone number. Getting your dog microchipped gives an added layer of protection and increases the chances that he will be returned to you if he is lost or runs away.

Get training to help you understand your dog. Knowing your dog's unique temperament and tendencies will help you to better control how he behaves. A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and other pets in public places, will be more welcome at gatherings, and will enjoy a better relationship with everyone he meets. Plus, his good manners will reflect positively on you, his responsible owner.

Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Choose a veterinarian who shares your medical philosophies and beliefs; then follow his/her recommendations for vaccinations, diet, spaying/neutering, annual check-ups, and other care.

Make time for your dog. Owning a dog is a big responsibility that takes time and discipline. Make time daily to pet, play with, take on walks, or do other activities with your dog that are fun for both of you.

Provide regular exercise appropriate for your dog's breed, age, size, and other unique characteristics. Whether it's a short walk or a rousing game of fetch, exercise is essential to your dog's physical and behavioral health.

Provide shelter for your dog. A crate or doghouse is an ideal place for your dog to rest, sleep, and feel safe. The enclosure should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around comfortably, but small enough to retain his body heat inside the shelter.

Travel safely. Keep your dog safe in the car by using a crate or by attaching the dog to a seat belt with a harness. Never let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck (he could be thrown into traffic) or allow him to hang his head out of the car window (a danger to his eyes).

Watch for temperature extremes. Never leave your dog in the car if it is extremely hot or cold outside. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

February 14 is a special date to express our love for our sweethearts with flowers and candy or a romantic dinner,  but this year, Valentine's Day has gone to the dogs!. Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers helpful tips to help make the day of love even more extraordinary and unique by including your treasured canine companion in the day's festivities. Here are a few tips to help you spoil your pooch this Valentine's Day.

Spend quality time with your pet. Schedule a "pet spa day" and indulge your pooch. An aromatherapy spa treatment will relax your dog's cares away. Start with a warm bath and blow dry, and finish with a well-deserved massage. Your dog will return home rejuvenated.

Try a night away for two. Getting out of town with your dog is a fun way to bond outside of the home. Whether you go down the road or somewhere exotic, there are many dog-friendly hotels that are more then happy to accommodate you and your pup.

Get some exercise. A spirited walk and a picnic in your local dog park is a great way to get exercise and spend some quality time together. Who knows; maybe your canine will find a valentine, too.

If outdoor therapy isn't for your dog, maybe a little retail therapy is! Spend time together on a shopping spree at your favorite pet retailer or boutique. Clothing and accessories aren't the only things that will spoil your dog. How about a luxury pet bed that will send your dog to an ultra comfortable dream world? You both will sleep easy knowing this purchase was meant to pamper.

Remember this special day forever by having a one-of-a-kind pet portrait made of your dog. You will appreciate the elegance and joy that this artwork will bring for years to come.

Give your pampered pooch a new toy. Nothing says "Be My Valentine" like some pink and red heart-shaped toys. Your dog will get hours of enjoyment out of these new toys. Plus, those cute little toys scattered throughout the house are just little reminders of how much you love your pup.

Dinner and a movie are a fun way to spend Valentine's Day with your beloved pooch. Pick your favorite animal-related movie, and curl up with your pup and your favorite snacks. What's better than a good movie, fun food, a blanket and a best friend?

Cross off your annual vet check-up from your list. An annual vet visit for a thorough check means extra peace of mind on this special day.

Bake some homemade dog biscuits for your pooch. If baking isn't your forte, pick up gourmet treats at a local pet boutique. Even our furry friends deserve to have their tummies pampered on Valentine's Day.

It doesn't really matter how you spoil your dog this Valentine's Day as long as you both have fun. Whether you opt for simple or extravagant, make it a safe and enjoyable holiday for both you and your furry friend.

Your dog can only look at the world from a canine perspective and he views us as being dogs.  

How he perceives his needs are being met or not met will, to some extent, determine his behavior. The more he thinks his needs are being satisfied, the happier and calmer he'll be.  If he thinks his basic needs aren't being met, the more he's likely to do things to try and satisfy those requirements.
 

Food:
Food is a primary resource which is obviously needed for survival.  Your dog needs enough proper nutrition to fuel his body's requirements.  If he is concerned about not getting enough nutrition, he might do things that reflect those concerns.  He may be protective of his food, or he might eat inappropriate things.  He may even try to steal food from the counter or go digging in the garbage. 
 
How he acts around food can also be an indication of his relationship with you.  If he thinks he's in charge he might try to take your food.  The leaders control the resources and get the best food.  You can sometimes confuse things by giving him food, either treats or table scraps, from your hands.  In his mind,  this can get turned around so that he thinks he's the leader because he's taking food away from you.
 
Robin and I are not veterinarians, dieticians or experts in nutrition, but we do know that some things that aren't good for us aren't good for dogs.  We avoid by-products, chemical preservatives and dyes in our dog's food.  If you have questions about your dog's diet talk to your vet or someone at the natural pet food stores.  They are well informed about the latest nutritional studies. 
 
Safety and Security:
Safety is making sure that your dog can't get into things that can hurt him and teaching him right from wrong.  Left to himself, he is liable to make wrong decisions.  Teaching him to "leave it" and "drop it" can be important commands.  Dogs won't know that chewing a wire can electrocute them or that eating chocolate can poison them.  Just as with children, you need to keep your dogs safe.  It's part of your responsibilities as leaders.
 
Security also primarily has to do with leadership.  As I've stated, the vast majority of dogs don't want to be in charge.  Your dog doesn't understand your world, people coming and going from your house (the den) can be confusing for him.  In his world, packs don't do a lot of socializing with other packs.  Pack members, except the leaders, don't wander away on their own. Again, your dog is looking at your world through from his perspective.  
 
Because your dog doesn't understand the differences between him and you, he will either do things that he feels he needs to in order to keep the pack safe, or he will defer to the leaders to keep the pack safe. In order for him to relax and not stress about visitors, your comings and goings and other issues, you need to take the leadership job and give him consistent signals that we have things under control.
 
Shelter:
You might think that because your dog lives in your house, he has shelter.  This may or may not be true from his point of view.  Take notice of where he goes to nap or when he's uncomfortable with a situation.  If he goes under a desk or table, or behind a sofa or chair or into a closet, he's looking for shelter.
 
If you see that, then he'll probably like a dark and cozy crate.  We leave our dog's crate up and open all the time so when he wants to go to his retreat it's available to him. It's in our bedroom and has a cover to keep it dark.  We spend the most time there, six to eight hours every night, so the pack smells are concentrated there. The pack smells also help him feel safe and secure.
 
Part of your leadership responsibilities are to provide your dog with the safe place or shelter he needs.
 
Entertainment:
Dogs originally had important roles to fulfill which helped people survive, in other words they had jobs.  They typically helped hunt for food or they protected families and their animals.  Today most dogs aren't asked to fulfill the roles they were initially bred for.  We don't ask Shepherds to keep our flock together and safe, we don't send Terriers out to hunt and we don't need Retrievers to bring back what we kill on the hunt.
 
Your dog has retained the characteristics that he was initially bred to exhibit.  You need to find ways to channel his energy that fit his new role as just a family companion.  Shepherds might be very good at playing soccer; Retrievers are naturals for fetch games. Terriers might enjoy agility.
 
If you run or bike, consider taking your dog along with you.  Just be conscious of their need to rest.  Dogs are typically sprinters rather than distance runners.  Some dogs are as at home in the water as on land so swimming is great exercise for them, but there are a lot of dogs that will avoid water like the plague, this is true of most Terriers.  Walking, unless you really go on very long walks will seldom tire a dog, unless you make the walk a mental challenge.  
 
Challenging a dog to use his brain will tire him out.  Practicing obedience commands, playing mentally challenging games, such as hide the toy or treat, walking to heel with lots of twists and turns are mental exercises.  There are mentally challenging toys such as Kongs, Buster Cubes and Leo Canine Genius toys.  These toys all involve making your dog figure out how to get the treats from inside of them. 
 
Balancing the physical and mental exercise will satisfy your dog's needs.  Both are needed.  If he is bored, he'll make up his own games.  If he isn't getting enough physical exercise, his energy will find an outlet, usually at the wrong time or in the wrong way.  If you take care of his needs, he'll be relaxed and happy. 
 
Try to look at how your dog views things; it is the leaders' responsibility to provide all the needs of the pack.  If any of your dog's basic needs are lacking, then you are not fulfilling your job as leader and he will try to take care of the needs himself.  This is usually why problems occur.
 
If you do provide for all his needs, he will be more likely to be calm, relaxed, and happy.  Given a choice, more than nine out of ten dogs would rather defer to someone else, but if his needs aren't being met, ten out of ten dogs will do things to try and satisfy their basic needs. They think their survival depends on it.
 
If you have any questions, please call us at (954) 424-0170 or SouthBroward@BarkBusters.com.

When traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays, more and more pet owners are taking Fido and Bowser along too. Whether you travel by car, truck, plane or train, help ensure a safe and pleasant journey by taking these safety precautions.

General Travel Tips
No matter what your mode of travel, the single best safe practice you can employ to keep your dog safe during the journey is to keep him restrained.

Affix current identification to your dog. Even better, have him microchipped, which provides a permanent form of I.D. to help ensure he is returned to you if he becomes lost.

Carry a recent photograph of your dog to make it easier for others to help you look for him if he gets lost during the trip.

If your dog is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, consult with your veterinarian about using pet tranquilizers for your dog appropriate for the particular type of travel you will take.

Feed your pet his usual meal one to two hours before travel. (If your dog is prone to motion sickness, feed him two to four hours before travel.) Do not give him food or water during travel as it may spill, forcing him to lie in a mess during the trip. Dogs can go 8 to 12 hours without food or water.

Cars and Trucks

No matter how long or short the journey, your dog should be restrained. An unrestrained dog is dangerous to himself and others. He can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or himself.

Secure your dog in the back seat (dogs riding in the front seat can be seriously hurt if the airbags deploy) with a pet travel safety harness or car seat, or in a pet carrier fastened to a seatbelt. If you drive an SUV, install a pet barrier to keep the dog in the back area of the vehicle as well as securing him in his harness and attaching it to the hooks in the floor.

If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup, use a crate or carrier secured to the truck bed to prevent him from being thrown into traffic at a sudden stop.

Do not allow your dog to ride with his head out the window. Road debris and other flying objects can injure his eyes.

Before you set out on your journey and after arriving at your destination, give your dog plenty of exercise. This will help him be more relaxed and able to acclimate to his new surroundings.

When stopping for a break and before you open the car door, attach a leash to your dog's collar so he can't escape. Even the most obedient pet can become disoriented when traveling. Always use a leash to walk your dog.

On a long car ride, stop every four hours or so to allow your dog to relieve himself (be sure to clean up after him), stretch his legs, refresh himself with a small drink of water, and help him understand that he's going to another environment.

Watch for temperature extremes. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

Airline or Train Travel

Whether he will go in the cabin with you or in the cargo hold, your dog will need to travel in an airline (or train) -approved pet carrier. Check the airline (or train line) website for requirements.

If your pet will travel as cargo, check for restrictions on any health/immunization and other requirements.

Use direct flights to avoid mix-ups during transfers or the possibility of delays in getting your pet off the plane. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.

Upon arrival at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place, and then clip a leash on your dog so you can safely examine him. If anything seems wrong, get him to a veterinarian right away.

A happy, well-socialized dog that knows you will always be there to keep him safe and secure will enjoy traveling to new places with you.

To communicate with each other, dogs use body language and guttural sounds, such as barks and growls. When they first meet, dogs use their body language to assess where each ranks in the pack order. Signs of dominance and confidence are a stiff body, head and ears up, hackles up and tail up. Signs of submission and respect are a lowering of the body, the head, the ears and the tail.  

Because dogs instinctively know and understand these body signals, it only makes sense that we humans would be able to communicate with them better if we can learn how to imitate the ways in which they communicate with each other.

For example, dogs do not instinctively know the words that come most naturally to us.  If two dogs meet and neither shows respect to the other, they will issue warning growls.  This again is a language that dogs already understand.  They do not instinctively know "Spot don't come any closer."

That's why experts say behavioral training is so important – and that lasting training isn't about treats and physical punishment.  It's about understanding the way your dog thinks and communicates in a way that establishes the owner as "top dog." 

"Dogs are pack animals," stated Bruce Edwards, Bark Busters Dog Behavioral Therapist and Trainer.  "They have a specific way of interacting, which includes an instinctual manner of communication.  Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is the first step toward establishing leadership and control."

So, while Spot and Rover might learn the meaning of a few words, they will learn more quickly if we communicate using their language.  Once we communicate clearly with them by using a language they already know, then we can start to teach them some of our own language.

Learning canine is not hard.  It takes practice, however, because it is not instinctive for us.  If you watch Rover and Spot talk to their friends and then to strangers, you will begin to see certain patterns of communication.  We learn how they meet each other, how they greet each other, and how they call one another to follow.  We see how they let each other know when they are uncomfortable with someone getting into their space. 

Using a dog's own language to communicate with them is the quickest, most effective way of getting through to him.  Thus, when we are trying to train our dogs, it just makes common sense to teach them in a language they already understand.

Cute and cuddly and oh-so-sweet, puppies are eternally appealing. And while a darling puppy might seem like the perfect gift choice for your child, remember that many such presents end up at animal shelters. A 2007 study at an animal shelter reported that 54% of the dogs surrendered to the shelter were six months to three years old and 15% were less than six months old.

Be absolutely certain the gift recipient wants a puppy or a dog.  A pup is not some battery-operated toy you can play with, then store away in the closet.  If someone on your gift list wants a dog, consider giving a gift certificate for one instead. Wrap a can of dog food or a fancy collar and include a note saying a puppy (or dog) of the recipient's choice comes with the gift.

Adding a puppy to your life is, on average, a 15-year responsibility. Raising a happy, well-balanced puppy requires an enormous time commitment and so a young pup is not a suitable choice for every dog-lover. Dogs of other ages also make perfect companions. For example, most senior dogs tend to be calmer, have more predictable behaviors, and are already housebroken.

If the intended recipient seems ready for a puppy, be sure s/he is also ready to participate in training and managing all aspects of the responsibilities of dog ownership. "If it's your child who wants a puppy, you as parents must be realistic and acknowledge that the bulk of dog care will invariably fall on you, not the kids," said Crowe. Most children are simply not ready to apply themselves to taking care of a dog until they are of high school age.

Whoever ends up taking care of the puppy, give your pup the best chance for a long and happy life with his family by following these tips.

Do your homework. Learning about what to expect during a puppy's stages of development over the first 12 months will help you understand and manage his—what may seem as—strange behaviors. Understand that a puppy needs leadership, boundaries and consistency—all to come from his human family members. Hold a family meeting to discuss house rules about caring for the dog. Decide together how your family will integrate him into your home.

• Plan a budget. Food, veterinary care, training and other necessities can add up quickly.
• Use a crate. A crate is an invaluable tool for housebreaking a puppy and keeping him safe from household hazards. It also provides your young dog with a sense of security when you are busy or away. Your dog will welcome his crate as a safe haven throughout his life. Note: A puppy should not be crated for more than 5 hours at a time; his small bladder may have trouble holding on for that long.
• "Puppy-proof" your home. To keep your curious canine from hurting himself during his explorations, move out of his reach household items such as electrical wires and outlets, plants, and anything cherished or breakable. Also, lock away toxic items such as antifreeze, fertilizers, detergents and tobacco products.
• Use baby gates. Baby gates are a smart training tool to block off restricted areas of the house to help your puppy learn what areas are off limits. Gates also prevent his access to dangerous places like pools, balconies and open doors.
• Give dog-appropriate toys. Toys like the puppy-sized Kong™ are best for your little chewing pal. Never give old clothing or shoes as toys, because a puppy cannot differentiate between old and new items.
• Start training early. Dogs are pack animals and seek authority and reassurance from the pack leader.
• Providing this leadership is key to managing a dog's behavior. Plan to participate in puppy school and other training from a qualified trainer such as a Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist. 

The holidays are a busy time for many households. Friends and family come and go, deliveries are made to the door, delicious smells emanate from the kitchen, and a general happy hubbub means that something special is happening. Among those affected by these changes is the family dog.

The following are some tips to help calm your dog and keep everyone in the home safe during the active holiday season.







Children visitors
Dogs that live in a household with no children may not be comfortable when kids come to visit. The chaos created by youngsters like grandchildren will inherently raise the energy level in the house, causing the dog to worry or stress. Here are some ways to control such situations if your dog does not cope well with children.

Always supervise kids (especially very young children) and dogs when they are alone together. This is when most dog bites to children occur.

With a very young child, parents must be vigilant and monitor their tot's interactions with the dog. Parents should teach children of all ages to treat dogs with respect and gentleness.

Never invite a child to feed the dog by hand--this teaches the dog it is acceptable to take any food from a child. Because of a child's small size, the dog may view her as an equal and thus may try to take advantage of the situation.

Boundaries and security
Dogs need to have their own "home," a place where they feel secure and calm. If your dog doesn't already have a place of his own, create one for him. 

A crate or pet carrier provides a natural safe haven for your dog. Keep his crate or dog pillow in a quiet area of the home, and direct your dog to go there when you need to set boundaries. While he may not like being separated from you, he will still feel secure.

If your dog begins to bark or nip at visitors, remove him from the area and keep him in his safe place until your guests have gone.

Keep the dog out of certain rooms where he can get underfoot. For example, training your dog to stay out of the kitchen--where most household accidents occur--is a good safety measure. It also helps to prevent your dog from begging for food.

If you travel during the holidays, taking his crate/carrier will help your dog feel more relaxed, since "home" is wherever he finds you and his familiar bed.

Elderly dogs
Elderly dogs may not enjoy the extra hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Be mindful of keeping your older dog comfortable when his routine is disrupted.

If your elderly dog gets cranky around visitors, simply take him to his special quiet place where he won't be bothered and can feel secure.

Remind children to be respectful of your older dog. Always provide supervision when dogs and kids are together.

Front door behaviors
A knock on the door can be a stimulating event for a dog, whether he sees it as fun or alarming. It is natural for him to want to know who the visitors are to determine if they are friendly or not. However, a dog that explodes with excitement at the sound of the doorbell is both annoying and unsafe--he may dash out the door and run into harm's way, he may get underfoot and become a trip hazard, he may knock people over, or he may become aggressive to the visitor.

To help your dog be calmer, exercise him prior to the arrival of guests. After 30 minutes of walking or playing, your dog will more likely be relaxed or want to nap.

As a general rule, don't allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests because commotion and unusual circumstances can cause stress for dogs.

Consider putting your dog on a leash as guests arrive to maintain better control of him.

Teach your dog to sit and stay on command. When the doorbell rings, put him in a sit-stay and do not open the door until he calms down.

If your dog gets overly excited with arriving visitors, remove him from the scene ahead of time. Place him in his crate in a quiet room, and then let him join the party later.

By anticipating how your dog may react to new activities and visitors, you can help ensure that everyone--both two- and four-legged--has a fun and safe holiday season.