The Holidays Aren’t Always Fun for Dogs

We love the holidays. There’s food, family, laughter, and traditions that make the season special. But here’s something we sometimes forget: while we’re enjoying the festivities, our dogs might be quietly thinking, “What on earth is going on around here?”

Routines Get Messy

Dogs love predictability. Breakfast at the usual time, walks on schedule, cozy evenings in their favorite spot—that’s their happy place. The holidays can throw all of that out the window. Suddenly, the doorbell’s ringing nonstop, people are staying up late, and your dog’s dinner might be hours later than usual. To them, it feels like their world is upside down.

Crowds, Noise, and… a Tree in the Living Room?

Imagine being a dog and seeing your humans bring a whole tree indoors, cover it with lights, and then act like that’s completely normal. Add in loud music, clinking glasses, and a house full of strangers. For some dogs, that’s thrilling. For others, it’s overwhelming or even scary.

And those guests? Some might not know the rules. Kids may want to hug or chase the dog. Adults may sneak them table scraps. Your dog is left trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s not, and where they can go to breathe.

The Food Temptations

We all know holiday tables are loaded with rich, delicious food. Dogs know it too. Problem is, much of it isn’t safe for them. Chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and even turkey bones can cause serious harm. Your dog doesn’t know that; they just smell heaven coming from the kitchen.

What You Can Do for Your Dog

The good news is, a few small steps can make the holidays easier for your pup:

Keep routines steady whenever possible. Meals and walks on time are a gift of comfort.
Give them a safe retreat. A quiet room for your dog with their bed and toys can be a lifesaver when things get hectic.
Watch the food. Tempting as it is, keep the holiday goodies out of reach.
Advocate for them. Not all dogs like hugs, costumes, or crowds. It’s okay to say, “Let’s give the dog a break.”

The Best Gift of All

At the heart of it, the holidays are about love and connection. For our dogs, love looks like consistency, safety, and understanding. They don’t care about gifts under the tree. Our dogs just want to know we’ve got their back, even when the house is buzzing with activity.

So this holiday season, while you’re spreading cheer, take a moment to notice how your dog is doing. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give them is a little peace and quiet.

How to Prepare For Your Dog Training Session

Michael Baugh CDBC

Dog training on-the-fly can look too much like testing and not enough like teaching. Sure, there are some circumstances where a properly reinforced single-event training moment is acceptable, even preferred (example: randomly calling your dog to you for a click and treat). Most of the time, though, I recommend well-planned brief sessions for training with your dog, seven to ten minutes in duration, one to three times per day.

What Should You do Before Starting a Dog Training Session?

✅ Make sure you have all the props you’ll need nearby. (for example, your dog’s mat, or target stick)

✅ Have treats and your clicker if you are using one. (Carry your treat bag around for an hour before a session so your dog doesn’t automatically flip into “training mode.”)

✅ Create a low-stress, minimally distracting place to train.

✅ Imagine what a successful session will look like. Visualization works.

✅ Take a breath. Relax. I like to do a brief meditation before training. It helps me focus and pay attention.

Begin.

When we set ourselves and our dogs up for success, training is fun. It’s not always easy, but the challenges are easier to solve. Enjoy this moment. Keep in mind how your session connects to your larger dog training goals without getting lost in the future, or getting frustrated because you’re not there yet. Teach in the here and now. The days with your dog are passing, and this is all part of the joy you share with each other.

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston TX. He specializes in aggressive dog training.

How Do I Get My Dog to Come When Called?

“Come!” It seems like such a simple request, but for many dog owners, it’s one of the hardest things to teach. You call your dog, and instead of running happily toward you, she stands frozen, bolts in the opposite direction, or flat-out ignores you. Frustrating, right?

But here’s the good news: teaching your dog to come when called isn’t about dominance or control—it’s about trust, consistency, and reinforcement.

Why Coming When Called Matters

A reliable recall can literally save your dog’s life. It’s also critical in aggressive dog training. If your dog tends to lunge, growl, or snap at others, being able to call her away quickly and reliably prevents dangerous situations and keeps everyone safe. A strong recall isn’t just a convenience; it’s peace of mind.

The Sacred Promise of Recall

Successful recall is built on one principle: when your dog hears the cue to come, something great always follows.

Think of it as a sacred promise. If you call your dog with “Come!” she can count on you to make it worthwhile every single time. That might mean a piece of chicken, cheese, or another irresistible treat. Praise and affection are wonderful too—but food is the fastest way to a reliable recall.

Here’s the process:

Pick your recall word. Keep it short and clear. “Come!” is my go-to.
Say “(Dog’s name), come!”
When she comes, immediately praise and treat. Every. Single. Time.
Start practicing at very short distances with no distractions.
Gradually increase both distance and distractions only when your dog is succeeding consistently.

I recommend 15–25 single-rep sessions per day. Short, fun, consistent training sessions help build the habit.

Why Punishment Fails

It can be tempting to punish your dog for ignoring you, but punishment destroys trust. If your dog learns that “Come” sometimes leads to scolding, leash pops, or confinement, she’ll avoid you. After all, who would run toward punishment?

Shock collars and other aversive tools may appear to work in the short term, but they come with serious risks:

Increased anxiety and fear around people and other dogs.
Higher likelihood of aggression.
Damaged relationship between you and your dog.

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, teaches your dog that coming to you is always safe, rewarding, and fun.

Building a Dog Who Loves to Come

Think of recall training as building your dog’s favorite game. When you call, it should feel like an invitation to something wonderful. That way, whether she’s sniffing in the yard, chasing a squirrel, or facing a stressful encounter, she’ll trust that running back to you is always the best option.

With time, practice, and lots of reinforcement, you can turn “Why won’t my dog come when called?” into “Wow, my dog always comes when called.”