Trainer shares advice to keep your dog settled if you’re busy in the kitchen over Christmas

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This time of year, we can often find ourselves spending more time in the kitchen, pouring drinks, and preparing food for parties and meals with loved ones.

With so much excitement, and perhaps a bit of chaos at times, your dog might want to join in with one of the best dog toys, too! However, a hyperactive dog under your feet can pose a safety risk if you’re carrying hot food, glassware, and maybe items that are poisonous to our pups.

Training your dog to stay settled while everything’s going on in the kitchen can really help make life easier, and here’s what to do – according to expert trainer Juliana DeWillems, the founder of JW Dog Training & Behavior, in a new Instagram post.

“I don’t want my dog jumping, barking, or being underfoot in the kitchen, especially during holiday festivities,” DeWillems begins. “But what do I want her to do? What behavior can I reward her for that replaces all those other behaviors I don’t want?”

She continues, “Settling on a comfy bed or mat can be an excellent replacement behavior to unwanted/undesirable behavior.”

So, she encouraged her dog to do so, taking the following steps:

1. Made sure her dog knew the skill really well before asking her to do it in the busy kitchen environment and for a longer duration.

2. Used a comfortable bed she knows her dog likes, and placed it where she could observe the action in the kitchen.

3. Dropped her dog treats at random intervals, to help her learn that if she stays calm in her bed, she’ll get tasty rewards.

“If she got up, no worries!” DeWillems adds. “I simply reset her back to her bed.”

While it’s important to practice this in training sessions, and proof the behavior with positive reinforcement, you could also use a tether or one of the best dog playpens – as well as plenty of enrichment – to set your dog up for success.

And, as DeWillems does beforehand, ensure that your dog’s had plenty of water, been to the bathroom, and enjoyed some exercise before you ask them to settle on their bed. This way, your dog’s more likely to relax happily rather than be restless.

If you’d like more ideas to help keep your pup occupied while you’re busy, these ways to keep your dog entertained while at work could also be applied when you’re busy around the house! And, to ensure that your dog doesn’t get into any trouble, here’s how to puppy proof your house and yard.