Ways to entertain your dog while you're entertaining guests

PetSmart - PetSmart Charities®

Lots of visitors to your home can mean noises, crowds, and smells that can be stressful to your pets.  Whether you’re gathering outdoors or in the living room, you’re allowing strangers into your pet’s valuable real estate. You can head off potential problems by respecting his perspective and giving him some space of his own. Here are some tips to keep your pet happy while company is visiting:

• Give him a “safe place.”  Your pet will be happier and safer in a room away from the front door.  Isolate him in one room with toys, water, and “dirty laundry” – a shirt or pillowcase that smells like you.  There he can be away from the loud welcomes and hugs.  You’ll also prevent him from getting out through the constantly opening door.
• Give him things to do.  Provide plenty of interesting toys to keep your pet busy while the people-party is going on.  Dogs love things to chew, things that roll, and things that challenge their minds.  Here’s something that combines all three: a round, heavy rubber toy filled with treats he has to work to remove.
• Give him something else to listen to.  In the room where your pet is staying safe, play a radio softly or run a fan on low speed.  The soothing “white noise” will help block out the strange, loud noises of the people party.
• Keep him away from “people-food.”  Dogs should eat dog food, cats should eat cat food, and people should eat people food.  Sweets and bones (especially from fowl or pork) are especially dangerous to pets.  No matter how nicely he asks, be strong and stick to the species-specific treats.
• Respect his turf and boundaries.   Especially in his yard, your dog values his territory. The combined noise and activity can excite the “chase” and “protect” elements of his nature.  To avoid misunderstandings, watch your dog for signs of overexcitement or stress.  For everyone’s safety, it might be time for an indoor “time-out” until things calm down.

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