Why Thanksgiving Can Be a Challenge for Dogs

Thanksgiving brings together two irresistible things for dogs: food and people. While it’s a wonderful time to celebrate, the mix of delicious aromas, dropped leftovers, and visiting guests can test even the best-trained pup’s manners.

As a professional trainer in Canton, I’ve seen how quickly good habits can slip when excitement (and turkey) are in the air. With preparation and consistency, you can help your dog stay polite, safe, and calm during the holiday.

The Importance of Holiday Manners

Good manners are about more than keeping your dog out of trouble, they make the day safer for everyone. Teaching your dog how to behave during meals helps prevent accidents, begging, or counter-surfing.

Reinforce obedience ahead of time with:

Place command: Keeps your dog relaxed during dinner.
Leave it: Prevents them from grabbing unsafe foods.
Down-stay: Promotes calm behavior while guests eat.

Our Basic & Advanced Obedience Program is perfect for reinforcing these skills before the holidays begin.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Avoid

While it’s tempting to share your feast, not all human foods are dog-friendly.

Toxic or dangerous foods include:

Turkey skin, bones, or seasoned meat
Stuffing with onions or garlic
Raisins and grapes
Chocolate or desserts with xylitol
Alcohol or raw dough

Even small portions of these foods can cause stomach upset or poisoning. The American Kennel Club offers a detailed breakdown of which Thanksgiving foods are safe or unsafe for dogs, including simple ways to share holiday flavors responsibly.

Safer Ways to Include Your Dog

You don’t have to exclude your dog entirely from the celebration. Try these safe and fun alternatives:

Offer plain turkey breast (no seasoning or skin).
Prepare a dog-safe pumpkin puree snack.
Include your dog in family photos before dinner starts.
Practice obedience drills between courses for fun engagement.

If your dog struggles with self-control, our blog on why repetition is key in dog training offers practical strategies for improving consistency during distractions like family gatherings.

Managing Guests and Excitement

Guests often mean well but may unintentionally disrupt your dog’s training. Before the doorbell starts ringing:

Remind visitors not to feed your dog table scraps.
Use baby gates or a crate if your dog becomes overstimulated.
Keep leashes or training collars nearby for quick redirection.
Reward calm behavior with praise or gentle petting.

When your dog has structure, they’ll handle the chaos with confidence.

Checklist: Thanksgiving Dog Manners

Refresh key obedience commands (“place,” “leave it,” “down-stay”).
Set clear house rules for guests.
Keep unsafe foods out of reach.
Reward calm behavior before and during dinner.
Create a quiet space for rest after the meal.

FAQ: Dogs and Thanksgiving

Q: Can I give my dog turkey?
A: Yes, but only unseasoned white meat without bones or skin.

Q: What if my dog eats something unsafe?
A: Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Q: How can I stop my dog from begging?
A: Use the “place” command during meals and reward them after dinner for staying calm.

Q: My dog gets nervous around large groups. What should I do?
A: Give them a quiet, crate-friendly space away from noise and activity. Play soft music or use a calming chew.

Celebrate With Structure and Gratitude

Thanksgiving is about family, food, and gratitude, and your dog can be part of that celebration when clear boundaries are in place. By combining obedience, structure, and safety, your dog learns how to enjoy the day right beside you.

At Off Leash K9 Training Canton, we specialize in helping families create harmony through obedience. Our Basic & Advanced Obedience Program strengthens focus and manners, so your dog can handle even the busiest holidays.

Ready to enjoy the holidays with a well-behaved dog? Contact us today and start building table manners that last all year.