In a world of social media and a lack of true connection, I feel like people are losing sight of manners and proper etiquette. These are basic human concepts that I find to be extremely important, although it’s becoming a lost art. So in case you need a refresher (or know someone who does) for the holiday season, I present to you holiday etiquette for pet parents!
Holiday Etiquette for Pet Parents
I feel like basic manners and etiquette are becoming a thing of the past, but I refuse to give up on it. I was taught to show respect and manners growing up, and it stuck with me into adulthood. Now as a pet parent I’ve learned some added techniques for proper etiquette.
Always ask if your dog is invited before bringing them to someone’s home.
Personally I think this is the most important item on our list. Just like you wouldn’t show up to a holiday celebration with an extra friend (at least, I hope you wouldn’t…), you shouldn’t just show up with your dog. I know, I know. Your dog is your kid. If anyone gets it, it’s me. BUT, you don’t know if people in the household have severe allergies or fears. Maybe there will be elderly people in attendance who could trip over your small dog. Who knows. Always ask first nonetheless.
Come prepared with waste bags and other necessities.
If you’re a guest at someone’s home or event, come prepared. Bring plenty of waste bags as well as food and water dishes for your dog. Don’t expect people to have items for your dog. Also be sure to have your dog’s leash and some treats.
Bring a lint roller.
This may sound silly, but what if your dog sheds and leaves a mess on someone’s couch? I can’t imagine just leaving it there for the host to clean up. Come prepared to clean up a mess that your dog has made.
Find out if other guests have allergies.
Your host may not know if guests have allergies to dogs, but you might! If it’s a large gathering of sorts at an indoor location, ask around it see if anyone has severe allergies to dogs. It’s the polite thing to do.
Leave your dog at home if they are not well behaved or good with other pets/people.
If your dog doesn’t do well with others, whether it’s humans or other pets, leave them at home. Come on people. You’re a guest in someone else’s home. The last thing you need is your pup causing an unnecessary ruckus. And if your dog has bad manners, like jumping on or nipping at people, just leave them at home. It’s best for everyone.
Consider the host.
You may think it’s fine for your dog to lick the plate (I do 😉 ) but the host may find it disgusting. Be mindful of pet parent practices when you’re a guest in someone’s home. You can give your dog a taste of turkey, but don’t allow them to lick the plate or eat off your fork. If you want to be invited back, you may want to keep you dog mom/dad quirks to a minimum.
Some of these tips for holiday etiquette for pet parents may sound harsh because dogs are our kids. But I personally wouldn’t want small children showing up to MY home with their loud and disastrous behavior, so I don’t want my dog to do that when we’re guests. Just think about the scenario if it were the other way around. What would YOU want?
Do you have any advice for holiday etiquette for pet parents?
This post has been a part of our 12 Days of Holiday Planning for Pet Parents!
Cathy Armato says
These are such important tips. I may be a “crazy” dog mom but not all my friends & certainly not my family members are. They wouldn’t appreciate all the liberties I give my dogs at our house being imposed on theirs. It’s important to always respect the wishes of the host and to consider other guests.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them