The festive season is a magical time, and if you’ve got a puppy, it’s even more special. Between the decorations, visitors, and extra excitement, Christmas offers unique opportunities to bond with your puppy and work on their training. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to overlook how overwhelming this time of year can be for a young dog. Setting aside a little time each day for focused training will not only help keep your puppy calm and well-behaved but also create moments of connection amid the seasonal chaos. Here are five key areas to focus on during the holidays to help your puppy thrive while keeping the festive chaos manageable.
1. Calmness Around Visitors
With guests coming and going, your puppy will encounter lots of new faces and potentially overwhelming situations. Start by teaching them a "place" command, where they go to a designated mat or bed and relax. Practice this in short, positive sessions with rewards for staying calm.
Encourage guests to ignore your puppy until they are calm to avoid reinforcing excitable jumping. Over time, your pup will learn that being calm earns attention and treats, a win for everyone during busy gatherings.
2. Leave It and Drop It
Christmas brings an array of tempting items into your home – from shiny baubles to delicious treats. The "leave it" and "drop it" commands are good for keeping your puppy safe and your decorations intact.
Practice "leave it" with low-value items first, rewarding your puppy for not touching. Gradually increase the difficulty by introducing more tempting objects. For "drop it," use a favourite toy and trade it for a treat, reinforcing the idea that giving things up leads to rewards.
3. Polite Walking on the Lead
Christmas walks can be a lovely way to burn off some of your puppy’s energy, but bustling streets and icy paths can be challenging. Practice loose-lead walking in a quiet area before heading to busier locations.
Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage your puppy to stay by your side, rewarding them for not pulling. If they do pull, stop walking and wait until the lead is slack before continuing. Consistency is key, and holiday strolls can become a perfect training opportunity.
4. Crate Training and Alone Time
With all the excitement of Christmas, it’s easy to forget that puppies still need downtime. A crate or quiet space gives your puppy a chance to relax and decompress.
If your puppy isn’t used to being in a crate, start by making it a positive place. Place their favourite toys and treats inside and let them explore at their own pace. Gradually extend the time they spend in the crate, ensuring it always feels safe and enjoyable.
This training also helps if you need to leave your puppy alone briefly during busy festive preparations.
5. Confidence Building with New Experiences
Christmas exposes your puppy to a range of new sights, sounds, and smells. Use this time to build their confidence. Introduce them to new experiences gradually and positively, such as the sound of wrapping paper, the sight of twinkling lights, or meeting guests in small, controlled steps.
Reward them for calm and curious behaviour, creating positive associations with these novel experiences.
Conclusion
Training your puppy over Christmas doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By incorporating these five areas into your festive routine, you’ll help your puppy develop valuable life skills while creating lasting memories together.
Chippy Puppy Classes is here to support you every step of the way. If you need additional guidance or want to prepare your puppy for the New Year, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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