Alexandria, VA – The Holiday Season is upon us–filled with excitement, merriment, and cheer. While the holiday hubbub can be stressful to us humans, dogs can be particularly vulnerable to holiday stressors because they can’t prepare for what may be in store: visitors they’ve never met, things being rearranged, and even a large evergreen tree planted right in the middle of the living room.

Because the gayety of the holidays can be overwhelming for many pups, here are some tips and guidelines to keep your four-legged family members safe and happy. After all, our pets deserve a very merry holiday season too.

Everyone appreciates a dog with good manners. A dog that can gracefully interact with family and friends during the holidays is a joy to behold. If you haven’t brushed up on your dog’s door manners or addressed his excellent counter-surfing skills, then you may not want them to be the holiday door greeters or kitchen helpers while the ham and sweet potato pie are sitting on the counter.

The holidays can be a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends. Following our tips and guidelines, you and your dog can have a merry and safe holiday season.

Happy Holidays to you and yours from the Wholistic Hound Academy team!

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head Trainer of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center — offering classes and private lessons in puppy training, adult dog manners, behavior modification, agility, dog sports, and canine fitness and conditioning, kids and dogs, pre-pet planning and pet selection. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound.com to enroll in our programs, and like us on Facebook.com/wholistichound and follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/wholistichound.

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