Christmas should be the time of year when we’re all happy to see each other and we all get along well together. The reality can be very different though. If we’re forced to spend more time indoors together than usual, kids and adults can start getting irritated with one another. The same can be true of our dogs. So what do you do when your own two dogs aren’t playing nicely together? Or, what if your pup is getting irritated with Uncle George’s pooch? We’ve got some tips to help dogs get along this Christmas. Read more for a smooth transition between Christmas and the New Year and a more peaceful 2022 ahead.
Get outside
If your pups are normally well behaved, but suddenly start being difficult with one another, think about how their day has been. Have they had the normal amount of exercise that they need? If they’ve been cooped up inside with the rest of the family all day when they normally enjoy 2 or 3 walks, that could be the problem right there. Make sure they get their full exercise quota every day. Getting outside for exercise in the fresh air can calm the situation down for them and can also do wonders for everyone else in the family too.
Use distractions
Your normally calm spaniel and your Uncle’s sweet poodle may be adorable on their own, but bring one of them into the other’s home turf and it can be a different story. If they start to get antagonistic or fight with one another, calmly redirect their attention to stop those behaviours.
Give them their safe space
Make sure each pup has his own place in the house to retreat to, so if each wants to go off to his own crate for quiet time they can do so with no problems.
Lead your pack
If the arguments are coming between your own dogs, strengthen your role as pack leader so they are not vying for that position themselves. Remember to help dogs get along you should reinforce basic training, keep them socialised and make sure that when you walk them they are side by side together.
Use a boot divider
You don’t want any driving distractions when you’re in the car. Using a boot divider ensures your pups can still interact with one another but are sufficiently separated that they can’t behave aggressively with one another.
Reward good behaviour
Use positive rewards when the behaviour is good. Don’t overreact to fights or bad interactions, but keep a calm demeanour.
