Never allow your dog to greet your guests before you do.  Dogs can be taught to back away from the front door to allow people to enter.  If you are between those arriving and the dog, it is much easier to control the unwanted behaviors, and teach your dog that you make the decisions about how they should behave.  Set up practice times several days before the holidays; for more help call Kaylan at (405)721-STAY (7829).

Christmas ornaments, plants and chocolates can be toxic to dogs; so are onions, raisins, and some artificial sweeteners.  While we are rushed and preoccupied during this busy season, use your crate more for keeping your dog safe, or tie them to a doorknob in the room with you.  Give them their favorite bone, or chew toy. 

Many dogs need this "stationing" time to also understand that you can move about the house, but they don't have to be with you every minute.  It helps them with patience, impulse control, and coping skills.   There is a reason that the United States is the only country that markets multiple medications to treat anxiety for dogs.  ;-)