Watch Your Pet Around Kids
No matter how well-behaved your dog or cat is, he may snap, scratch or even bite when provoked. Never leave a pet alone with children, and stop kids from rough play. “Subtle signals that your dog has had enough are dilated pupils, quick breaths and his tail going down,” says Silvia Jay, a dog-behaviour consultant in Greenfield, N.S.
Reward Good Behaviour
If your dog is fixated on the food platters, command him to sit and reward him with a doggie treat. As for cats, most avoid loud noises, but if he is determined to get at the snacks, contain him in another room with access to a litter box, food and water. Ask guests not to feed pets any table scraps – this can lead to an upset stomach and weight gain.