Feeling fa-la-la-la festive this time of year? Whether you are decorating the Christmas tree, lighting candles on the Menorah, or wrapping presents for family, friends, and neighbors, tis' the season to spread some Holiday cheer. But there are some things that can put a damper on the festivities... Luckily, there are things that you can do to make sure these special items go untouched by the wrong paws.

Trevor, CDPT-KA and CCFT, from The Doggie Dojo demonstrated ways that we can get our pups to stay away from holiday decorations and THEN how to redirect that behavior to whatever you need them to.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUKEloF-cEI

TEACH YOUR DOG HOW TO LEAVE THINGS ALONE

Use both lower value and higher value reinforcements, to distinguish for the dog what they should be leaving and what they get in return
This will teach them that when they leave something alone, they will get something else in return
Increased reinforcement teaches them that when they leave X alone they will get something better
Reward them for good behavior

START WITH TREATS IN YOUR HAND

Use an iron fist, keep fist closed and introduce reinforcement to your dog, praise and treat them
Repeat until they are getting better
Open hand and see if they will leave it

GET YOUR DOG TO LEAVE IT ALONE ON THE FLOOR

Start by covering the treat with your hands
As they get better you can move the treats around
Treat and praise them when they do what you want

INVOLVE TOYS IN THIS GAME

Now add some toys in the mix!
Praise them and treat when they leave items that you want them to leave alone

NOW INTRODUCE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS / OTHER DECOR

Start with getting out toys you want your dog to play with
Then add in the ornaments, presents, etc.
Move them around the room, etc. Again, reward them for "Leaving It"

TIPS FOR LEAVING IT AROUND THE HOLIDAYS

Dogs love to forage! Christmas presents and trees are a great place to forage - in their minds. To encourage foraging elsewhere, try something like a Snuffle Mat so that they can forage and look for reinforcement.
Get long lasting dog chews (like Bully Sticks, Beef Tendon, or Himalayan Chews) to redirect problem behavior and to get them something to do!
Give your dog an environment they can succeed in.
- Don't leave food items underneath the Christmas tree
- Put barriers around the tree or put it on a table

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Intro music cred to Kevin May: https://soundcloud.com/kevin_may

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