As the festive season approaches, households across the UK are beginning to decorate their homes with Christmas trees, but for many pet owners, this tradition comes with an unexpected challenge: curious dogs who see the tree as their new favourite toy.
The Simple Training Method
A professional dog trainer, known on TikTok as 'trainuppupofficial', has shared her remarkably straightforward technique to teach dogs to ignore Christmas trees. The method requires nothing more than a handful of your dog's favourite treats and a few minutes of your time.
The trainer begins by throwing a single treat towards the Christmas tree, allowing the dog to run over and eat it. Once the dog has finished the treat and lifts its head, the owner immediately drops several treats around their own feet and engages the dog in play away from the tree.
"Very quickly, your pup will realise there's way more value in ignoring the tree and doing stuff with you, than interacting with it," the expert explained in her viral video.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many viewers raised concerns about what happens when owners aren't present to supervise. For this common scenario, the trainer offered practical solutions.
She advised blocking access to the tree when you're not around until your dog has fully learned to ignore it. This can be achieved by shutting them in a different room, using a crate, or placing a physical barrier around the tree to prevent access.
Additional Expert Tips
According to Christmas Tree World, several other strategies can help keep your dog away from your Christmas tree. They recommend waiting a few days after putting your tree up before decorating it, allowing your dog to become accustomed to its presence and likely lose interest.
When you do decorate, place fragile ornaments, fairy lights, and tinsel higher up the tree, well out of your dog's reach. For persistent cases, consider using pet-safe repellent sprays around the lower branches. These sprays are specifically designed to taste and smell unpleasant to dogs, deterring them from approaching the tree.
With these simple techniques, dog owners can enjoy both their festive decorations and their furry family members throughout the Christmas season.
