How to Train Your Dog to 'Leave It' With Holiday Decor | Pupford

We want our pups to be a part of the Holidays, but there are certain things that we don't want them getting into. Here is how you can help your dog with 'Leave It' around the Holidays.

By devin@pupford.com |December 16, 2020

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... *insert very cute but sometimes very mischievious pup here* 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.

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HOW TO GET YOUR PUP TO STAY AWAY FROM HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

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

Related Reading: How to Teach a Dog to Leave It

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

Related Reading: Dog Holidays Calendar

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

dog laying down near christmas tree leaving it alone | Pupford

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 Yak Cheese Dog Chew) 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
Put your tree up on a table

Teaching your dog the difference between their toys and holiday decor will be very helpful as you try to get your pup to leave certain items alone. Remember that positive reinforcement is the #1 thing when it comes to training your pup. Not only will you see success over time, your pup and you will be able to build a relationship built on trust.

Have any more training tips around the holidays (or in general?!) Let us know in the comments below.