Extended family members may not know your policy about letting pets in and out and they may be too busy to notice a pet slipping out.

If you have pets that tend to wander outside, warn family members in advance that they must be careful that nobody with four feet escapes. Holidays are notorious times for pets to go on unplanned walkabouts.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Why they do this is another mystery of dog behavior called “caching,” which wolves also do, although no one is certain of the reason for this instinctual drive. It is quite curious that some dogs do it with whatever treat they get while others never bury anything.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

The leash and collar are not a grab bar or weapon for you to jerk, grab or to pull on. They are there for guidance, as gentle reminders to the dog of what you are asking him to do. Do NOT be influenced by trainers you see on television who use the leash in a punishing manner: this is frowned upon by the best trainers and can damage a dog neck.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

When hunting for a supplement, closely inspect the label to determine what it contains to ensure that you are getting something appropriate for your pet. Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium are the ones to keep in mind when doing this. Proper supplements that meet your dog’s needs will ensure a strong immune system.

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Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone.

Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles or veterinary experience. When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays. And make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury.

So choose a place that allows you and your dog’s paw pals to run and roughhouse, has ample space for participants to take a party break and relax from the pack, and room to chase balls and play fetch.

But most importantly, choose an area that is safe for pets to explore without fear of a dog escaping and leaving the festivities too early without a guardian. If you are having the party in your backyard, make sure the area is fenced-in and away from traffic.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury.