Holiday Guests and Having a Well Mannered Dog

Tips for a Smooth Thanksgiving

Ah, Thanksgiving. Time to gather with friends, family, and… chaos, right? Between the food, the people, and the sheer volume of everything happening, it’s easy for our well-mannered dog to get overwhelmed (let’s be honest, some of us humans do too). But with a little prep work, your dog can be the well-behaved superstar that steals hearts—instead of turkey legs—at your gathering. Here’s how to keep things calm and, dare I say, pleasant this Thanksgiving.

Preparing Your Dog for Thanksgiving Guests

Get Your Dog Comfortable with Crowds and Noise

Thanksgiving can feel like a zoo for your dog, especially if they’re not used to a lot of people coming and going. Start prepping a few days ahead. Play doorbells, laughter, and the general sounds of chaos (you know, like that aunt who laughs a bit too loud) to get them used to it. It helps when the big day comes if the doorbell doesn’t send them into a barking fit.

With all the guests coming and going, practicing door manners is key. Reinforce those “sit” or “stay” commands when the door opens, and reward calm behavior—it’ll make a world of difference. A well-mannered pup at the door not only keeps things running smoothly but will also impress your guests. Want more tips to keep your training on point?

Thanksgiving Dinner Etiquette for a Well Mannered Dog

Prevent Counter Surfing and Table Temptations

Let’s be real—Thanksgiving food smells amazing, and your dog knows it. The temptation to swipe something off the counter is strong, even for the best-behaved dogs. Use gates or practice the “place” command to keep your dog away from the kitchen and dining areas. If all else fails, some strategic furniture rearranging can keep your dog from launching a mission impossible for the turkey.

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog

Before you start sharing scraps with those puppy dog eyes staring at you, remember some foods are a no-go. Quick list:

Turkey bones – Not worth the vet bill.
Chocolate – You’d be surprised how quickly it can show up in holiday treats.
Grapes & raisins – No, they aren’t healthy for dogs.
Onions & garlic – These sneak into stuffing and sides, but they’re toxic to dogs.
Alcohol – Just… no.

If your dog does accidentally eat something harmful, have a first aid guide ready, and contact your vet as soon as possible.

If your dog gets into something they shouldn’t, having a first-aid guide on hand is smart. I’ve got a downloadable first-aid checklist you can print for peace of mind. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s better to be prepared, right?

Healthy Treat Alternatives

Want your dog to enjoy the holiday feast safely? Stick with dog-friendly treats instead of sneaking them bites from the table. I highly recommend Smack Pet Food—it’s healthy, keeps your dog happily occupied, and best of all, they love it. While you’re digging into your pumpkin pie, they’ll be content with their own tasty treat.

You can order it online and use the coupon code KARENLAWS for a discount at checkout by visiting their website.. Or, if you prefer, you can get it directly from me!

Maintaining a Calm Atmosphere for a Well Mannered Dog

Tire Out Your Dog Before Guests Arrive

One of the simplest ways to have a well mannered dog during Thanksgiving is to ensure they get plenty of exercise. Take them on a long walk or plan some playtime before guests arrive to reduce energy levels and set a calm tone for the day.

Create a Safe Retreat for Relaxation

Dogs can get overwhelmed by all the activity, so setting up a safe space for them to retreat to is essential. Give them a cozy corner with their bed, favorite toys, and a familiar blanket. This can be their calm zone where they know they can go to relax if needed. To build more positive habits, consider subscribing to the Ontario Dog Trainer Video Vault for ongoing training and tips.

Handling High-Stress Situations and Emergencies

Know When to Consider Boarding

If your dog isn’t a fan of crowds, or you know the day is just going to be too much, consider boarding them for the day. A boarding kennel can be a way better option than dealing with the stress of trying to manage them around people all day. You’ll enjoy yourself more too, knowing they’re safe and sound.

Safe Trash and Garbage Practices

With all that holiday food comes a ton of trash, and nothing’s more tempting to a dog than digging into the post-feast garbage. Keep it secure. I know it sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many holiday mishaps involve the trash can. Again, keep that first-aid checklist handy, just in case

. If your dog does get into something harmful, having a first aid checklist handy will guide you through steps to help them until you can reach your vet. Keep in mind that some vets may be closed on Thanksgiving, so do your research in advance to know which emergency services are available nearby.

Reinforcing Good Habits Beyond Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a golden opportunity to reinforce all those polite behaviors you’ve been working on. Whether it’s sitting calmly at the door, staying out of the kitchen, or just greeting people without jumping all over them, give plenty of praise and rewards. By the end of the day, your dog will be a pro at handling the chaos.

Learn From Each Gathering

Every holiday gathering is a chance to see how well your dog handles the hustle and bustle. Take note of what went smoothly and where things could’ve gone better. Maybe the door manners were spot on, but the noise or new faces made them anxious. Jot those observations down so you can work on them with a trainer before the next big event.

If you’re looking for something more flexible, I offer online coaching, so you can book training sessions that fit your schedule. Check out the details my training packages and book a session with me..

If you didn’t already know, I’ve been a professional dog trainer for over 30 years, specializing in helping dog owners build strong, happy relationships with their pets. Whether you have questions about behavior, need advice for traveling with your dog, or simply want guidance on how to make daily life and RV travel more enjoyable for both of you, I’m here to help.

I offer personalized 1:1 coaching sessions tailored to your needs. Feel free to book a call through this link, and let’s make your next adventure with your dog stress-free and fun!

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Have a Well Mannered Dog During Thanksgiving