In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into all things festive food and treats! The Christmas season is filled with delicious indulgences, but not everything we enjoy is safe for our dogs. From harmful foods to healthy alternatives and tips for rewarding good behaviour, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the holiday season with your four-legged friend.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Foods to Avoid: Learn about the festive favourites that are toxic or dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, cooked bones, and more.
• Healthy Alternatives: Discover safe, nutritious, and dog-friendly treats that let your pup join in the festive fun without any risks. From carrot sticks to sweet potato chews, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep tails wagging!
• Rewarding Calm Behaviour: Find out why it’s so important to reward calm, relaxed behaviour during the busy Christmas period—and how to avoid reinforcing pestering or over-excitement.
• Portion Control Tips: With extra treats around, balancing your dog’s diet is key. Learn how to adjust meal sizes and use their regular food creatively throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy.
• Interactive Feeding Options: Explore fun ways to make mealtime more enriching with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing Kongs, scatter feeding, and homemade activities. These ideas are perfect for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and engaged while you’re busy with holiday preparations.
• Activity of the Week: The Dog Wand: This week’s fun game involves creating a “dog wand” with a toy attached to a string. It’s ideal for dogs who are hesitant with toys and provides fantastic physical and mental exercise.

This episode is packed with tips and ideas to keep your dog safe, happy, and included in the holiday celebrations. Whether it’s avoiding risky foods, sharing healthy treats, or engaging them with fun and enriching activities, you’ll walk away with practical advice to make this Christmas enjoyable for everyone.

And don’t forget—our Wags Without Walks membership is the perfect gift for your dog this Christmas! It’s full of enrichment ideas, training games, and monthly challenges to keep your dog entertained and fulfilled, even when walks aren’t an option. There’s a special festive offer running until 25th December at midnight, so don’t miss out!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
🎁 Wags Without Walks Membership
📘 My Book: The Vet Says Rest

Stay Connected:
🐾 Instagram: @lauracartercanines
🐾 Facebook: @lauracartercanines

Let’s make this Christmas the best one yet—for you and your dog! 🎄🐾

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we tackle how to keep your dog calm and happy when holiday guests are visiting. From managing over-excitement to creating safe spaces and using enrichment activities, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to make the festive season stress-free for both you and your dog.

What We Covered in This Episode:

• Creating a Safe Space: Setting up a quiet, cosy retreat for your dog away from the holiday hustle and bustle to help them decompress and avoid overstimulation.

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• Managing Over-Excitement: Tips for controlling greetings, using stair gates, leads, and coaching guests to keep interactions calm and positive.

• Enrichment Before and During Visits: How mental stimulation through games like snuffle mats, puzzle toys, and scent work can tire your dog’s brain and help them stay relaxed.

• Impulse Control Games: Fun activities that teach your dog patience and self-control, making them better equipped to handle the excitement of visitors.

Discover More with Wags Without Walks!
If you’re looking for more ways to keep your dog happy and enriched this holiday season, my Wags Without Walks membership is here to help! Packed with fun activities, monthly challenges, and practical games, it’s designed to keep your dog mentally and emotionally stimulated, even when walks aren’t an option. It’s the perfect gift for your dog (and yourself!) this Christmas. Join today at lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks.

Want to Learn More?
Check out my book, The Vet Says Rest, available on Amazon! It’s full of tips, tricks, and activities to keep your dog entertained and happy during times of restricted exercise. Perfect for when walks aren’t possible due to weather, injury, or recovery.

Connect with Me on Social Media:
Stay up-to-date with the latest tips, tricks, and activities for you and your dog by following me:

• Instagram: @lauracartercanines
• Facebook: @lauracartercanines

I love seeing what you and your dogs are up to, so tag me in your posts and share your enrichment adventures!

Thanks for tuning in to How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk. Let’s make this festive season joyful and stress-free for you and your furry friend!

To join Wags without Walks go to : www.lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks