'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, Roscoe was dragging around pieces of a Christmas tree he had just torn to bits. Wait, that's not how it goes! Dogs and Christmas trees don't have to be a bone of contention in your house. We've got five tips for pup-proofing your yuletide evergreen and to keep him from sabotaging your holiday cheer.
1. Teach him 'leave it' when he comes near your tree as soon as possible. The initial scent of that beautiful fir will intrigue him so be sure to give the command immediately...even if their first encounter is outside in the driveway. Sound training with your LINK AKC Smart Collar is one way to help him learn.
2. Tree preservatives are often packed with sugar, which is terrible for your canine companion. Use a wooden pet gate to keep your dog away from the unsavory tree water, tinsel and everything else under the tree you don't want him to play with. You can even decorate the pet gate!
3. If Roscoe could talk, he'd tell you his favorite things in life are food and tennis balls, so decorating the Christmas tree with...food and things that look like tennis balls is going to confuse your pup when he decides to play with it and gets in trouble. Lay off the candy canes, gingerbread cookies and be mindful of where you hang heirloom ornaments.
4. Shiny objects, delicious smells and family gleefully running amok seems like an open invitation for Roscoe to join in and eat something he shouldn't this Christmas. Chewing up a yet-to-be wrappped necktie you were going to re-gift beats biting into the power strip powering the Christmas tree. In case there are no neckties to chew, wipe cords with a pet-friendly, anti-chew spray prior to use.
5. Even if your Christmas tree is more Charlie Brown than Rockefeller Center, batten down the hatches and dog-proof it with a few sensible precautions. Tape down electrical cords, use fishing line as a low-visibility wall anchor and make sure your tree stand provides ample support.
Your dog and Christmas tree still not getting along? Alternative Christmas trees, such as wooden card displays and wire, table-top conversation pieces, are chic, festive and, best of all, pooch-proof!
