How to Control your Pet During a Celebration

Holidays and Celebrations... Ah… the food, the drink, the cat on the counter, the dog snatching food from the table… What’s a host to do with these lovable creatures in a house full of guests and tons smell-good food? Read on for some ideas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pets
• Guests

1. Plan Ahead: Your pet does not need to be scolded for steeling food, jumping on guests, and getting in the way but its up to you to plan a space for your pet on this day. The best option is the most upper or lowest level of the house.
2. Take the time to make sure you pet has its needs met for the day. Cats need some toys, a cat-box, food and drink. Dogs need a favorite place to take a nap, water, and routine potty breaks.
3. Put a small sign at eye level for everyone old enough to read letting everyone know pets are in this area so leave the door closed. This avoids a disaster of biblical proportion in the middle of your celebration.
4. Lots of attention: Give your pet lots of love and attention the morning of the big day. Pets need to know this is not a punishment. Your love and attention reassures them.
5. If you have a family room where the kids can play before the big meal, this is a great place to confine your pet. Gates work for dogs but cats need a closed door of course. If this is your choice, make sure the children all understand the pets need to stay in the family room. Once mealtime arrives, the children will leave the room and the pets will take a nap after all that playtime.
6. After your guests leave, take a moment to spend time with your pet and give them lots of praise. They may not understand it all but they do understand life is good when they are smothered with love and attention.