Dogs and the holidays

[jenn D]

I don't know how folks do it who get a new dog or pup during the holidays. I love my boys to the moon and back but the holidays get so busy and I just don't get out enough to exercise each one the way I do the rest of the year. Usually I take a duo on a nice long walk, then the second two go later in the afternoon. This time of year though all four have to make due with mom throwing the ball for them in the backyard. I can see how this routine change affects them because they really need a good long energy outlet.
In addition, we have so many new visitors to the house for "holiday visits". I think my pack wants some peace and quiet and their normal routine back.

[Deeann Roesser]

Do you have access to a boarding facility where they could go for several hours of playtime with other dogs? That might help get their energy out.  Can you designate a room, or the garage to be their get away for a couple of hours each day?  I hope it works out for you.

[Adina P]

If it wasn't for traveling some years, our life is not terribly different around the holidays.
The biggest difference for us comes simply with the change in seasons.  It's either freezing or wet & muddy.  So the dogs are couped up more and I rarely go outside except for pooper scooping.  I would NEVER want to house train a puppy in the winter.  But there really isn't a significant increase in 'hustle and bustle' around here at Christmas time.  I know that although I would generally recommend against getting a puppy around Christmas, for ME and MY family, it's only the weather that would be a big deal (and only for me not the pup) if we aren't traveling.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

For me during this season, Daycare is the answer.  If I know that I'm going to be out doing errands and shopping a good part of the day I send them to Daycare where they get lots of play time and I don't have to feel guilty about not exercising them.  I could never afford to do this if I had four though....and I think a good game of fetch in the yard can certainly be fine on days when they can't get their walk.

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

This is the reason we got our George on New Years. We didn't plan for that quickly, but just when the holidays were OVER! And potty training her was pretty easy. A combination of a mild winter for us and the thick fur coat of a doodle. :)

[Kris and Sawyer]

I don't know..everything I've read recently says running them hard with a game of fetch is better than a daily walk. And honestly, that's easier, right?

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Charlie and Beau just love playing fetch in our yard and they get exhausted after 5 minutes - 10 max.  Our lot is only a 1/2 acre, but the side yard is quite large and my husband throws the ball the full length.  Going for a 30 minutes walk is equally tiring to them.  I think my two guys are couch potatoes compared to so many doodle on this site.  They have never been off the charts hyper.  Hang in their Jen ~ the holidays will be here and gone before we know it. 

[DJ & Chance]

I have to do a lot of holiday entertainment as part of my work, and what has work for me is to hire someone to sit with Chance in my house--away from the crowds-- during the parties.  Chance gets to greet guests as they come in and leave, and in between he gets peace and quiet and the undivided attention of the dog sitter.

[jenn D]

Thanks everyone. We just have a ton of family coming in this holiday season. So maybe I'm projecting onto my dogs.