5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Out of Trouble This Thanksgiving
Because your pup is not too proud to beg.
Imagine Thanksgiving Day from your dog’s perspective: There’s an endless buffet of human food and a bunch of humans in need of some emotional support (aka some puppy cuddles). The holiday should be their favorite! But as many pet parents know, all that tempting food and all those rambunctious humans can often spell disaster for your pup. The good news is you can set your dog up for success by making it easier for them to stay out of trouble. There are so many temptations on this holiday, but with a little thinking ahead, you can avoid having your dog partake in the wrong part of the festivities.
There’s no foolproof way to keep a dog from stealing a turkey leg from the counter or begging a guest for a bite. It can take months — and sometimes years — to train a pup to be on their best behavior in a crowded environment full of distractions and enticing smells. My advice here isn’t about about training, but rather, helping your pup do well on this day even if you haven’t spent your whole life preparing for the moment.
Trick question: All dogs are perfect! But find out which type is the best fit for you.
Here’s some advice on handling Thanksgiving with dogs.
Get some exercise.
Well before your guests arrive, help your dog get into the right emotional state by giving them a lot of exercise. It might be hard to find the time for a long walk, run, or hike, but you’ll reap the benefits all day if your dog can get into the relaxed, contented state that exercise brings. Some training for the sake mental exercise can also help them be their best selves the rest of the day. Boredom is the enemy of the well-behaved dog, so make your dog’s day as interesting as possible.
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Create separation.
Set up a barrier to prevent your dog from being in the kitchen while you cook and in the dining room when you are eating. If your dog can tolerate separation, there’s no shame in simply keeping them physically away from trouble. If your dog is comfortable in a crate or another room, take advantage. For many dogs, being separated is a reasonable way to stop them from begging, jumping up for food or stealing it from the serving area.
Provide stimulation.
Stock up on some new toys and treats that you can put to use as you prepare and celebrate your Thanksgiving dinner. If you can keep your dog interested in anything other than the delicious smells coming from the oven (and the garbage can!), you are setting them up for success. Stuff some Kongs or other food extraction toys ahead of time that you can give your dog to keep them occupied.
Consider freezing a couple Kongs so that they will last even longer. Plan to give them at least one toy stuffed with goodies while you cook and another while you eat. If they have has something really appetizing to chew on or lick, it makes it easier for them to deal with not receiving the human food. That applies to dogs who are in a crate in another room or in the room with guests.
Clean up after dinner.
Wrap the leftovers up and put them in the fridge or freezer as fast as possible after you are done eating. With possible temptations secured and out of reach, the risk of trouble is largely behind you. Don’t forget to take the garbage out, too. A Thanksgiving trash party for your pup will rob you of some of those feelings of gratitude the day inspires, and even worse, it may be harmful to their health.
Exercise... again.
Take a walk after the big meal. The exercise feels great, especially after a large meal, and the chance to be outside makes most pups content. After any potential stress caused by visitors or the unusual nature of the day, a walk will be most welcome. Plus, it gives you time to reflect on how grateful you are for each other.
