Thanksgiving is all about good food, time with family, and a house full of activity, but for our dogs, all that excitement can sometimes be a lot to handle. Between guests arriving at the door, tempting food on the table, and changes to their normal routine, the holiday can bring plenty of new distractions.
Preparing your dog for Thanksgiving can help make the holiday safer, calmer, and more enjoyable for everyone, including your pup! Here are a few simple ways to set your dog up for success this Thanksgiving.
Practice Calm Greetings With Thanksgiving Guests
If you are hosting Thanksgiving, your front door may be opening and closing throughout the day as family and friends arrive. For dogs who get especially excited when someone comes in, practicing calm greetings ahead of time can make a big difference.
Work on cues like “sit,” “stay,” or “place,” and reward your dog for remaining calm as someone enters the home. You can even practice with family members before Thanksgiving so your dog becomes more comfortable waiting away from the doorway instead of rushing to greet every guest.
It is also important to keep an eye on your dog anytime the door is open. Make sure their collar and ID tags are secure, and consider using a baby gate, leash, or separate room during busy arrival and departure times.
Give Your Dog a Break From Thanksgiving Crowds
Even dogs who love people can become overwhelmed by a full house, extra noise, and lots of attention.
Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your dog can relax if they need a break. Their crate, bed, favorite toys, and fresh water can help create a familiar retreat away from the excitement.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language throughout the day. If they seem tired, restless, nervous, or overstimulated, giving them some quiet time can help them decompress before stress begins to build.
Brush Up on Thanksgiving Table Manners
The Thanksgiving table can be especially tempting for dogs, so practicing good manners before the big meal can save you from trying to manage unwanted behavior while everyone is eating.
Cues like “leave it,” “off,” and “place” can help teach your dog to stay away from the table, countertops, and serving areas. Rewarding calm behavior in a designated spot can also give them something positive to focus on during the meal.
Management is just as important as training. Keep food away from the edges of tables and counters, and avoid leaving plates unattended where curious paws or noses can reach them.
Know Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Dogs
It can be tempting to share a little Thanksgiving dinner with your dog, but not everything on the holiday table is safe for them.
Small portions of plain, unseasoned foods like turkey without skin or bones, plain pumpkin, carrots, or green beans can be dog-friendly options for many pups.
Foods containing onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones, or heavily seasoned ingredients should be kept away from dogs. Rich, fatty foods and table scraps can also upset their stomachs, so when in doubt, it is best to stick with their regular food or dog-safe treats.
And remember to remind your guests, too! One well-meaning family member slipping your dog “just one bite” can quickly turn into several people sharing food throughout the day.
Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
Keep Their Routine as Normal as PossibleThanksgiving can throw off everyone’s schedule, including your dog’s.
Try to keep meals, potty breaks, walks, and rest times as close to their usual schedule as possible. Giving your dog some exercise before guests arrive can also help them burn off extra energy and settle more easily once the festivities begin.
A walk, enrichment activity, or play session before the house gets busy can make a big difference in helping your dog feel calmer throughout the day.
Not Hosting at Home?
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, spending the holiday somewhere that is not dog-friendly, or know your dog would be happier away from a busy gathering, planning ahead for their care can make the day easier for everyone.
A comfortable lodging environment can give your pup a familiar routine, plenty of care, and a place to relax away from the travel, crowds, open doors, and unfamiliar surroundings that can come with holiday plans.
Golden Paws offers lodging for pups who need a safe, comfortable place to stay while their families are away. We also celebrate with a special dog-safe Thanksgiving meal for our daycare and lodging pups, featuring turkey, mashed pumpkin, and green beans, so they can enjoy a little holiday feast of their own. Thanksgiving is a busy time for holiday travel, so it is always a good idea to plan your pet’s accommodations early.
Start Practicing Before Thanksgiving Day
The best time to work on holiday manners is before the doorbell starts ringing!
Practicing skills like focus, impulse control, polite greetings, recall, and basic obedience can help your dog feel more confident and make busy holiday gatherings easier to manage.
Our next Puppy Kindergarten and Basic 1 training classes begin November 3, making this a great opportunity to start building skills your dog can use not only on Thanksgiving, but throughout the entire holiday season.
Whether your pup will be joining the festivities at home or enjoying a stay with us while you are away, a little preparation can go a long way toward creating a safer, happier, and more relaxing Thanksgiving for everyone.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Golden Paws!