Turkey Day Tips for you and your dog

Here are some quick tips to help you and your pup successfully get through Thanksgiving

Here is a round-up of Turkey Day Tips for last-minute situations

Leash On

Having a leash on your dog when people are visiting is something I often teach, no matter what time of year it is or who is coming over.

​The leash is one of my favorite training tools and getting your dog in the habit of wearing a leash, either drop or held in your hand, when visitors are over is incredibly helpful. Having to put your hands on your dog when they're doing something like jumping, counter surfing, getting on furniture, barking at the window - it can cause your dog to either become avoidant of your approach or it can be reinforcing as a version of attention on them.

​Use the leash to guide them, not your hands!

Prevent Begging

If you have a dog who likes to beg or steal food from the table or counter, today is not the day to be testing or training your dog to change his habits! If you are entertaining company and trying to prepare a meal, prevention is going to be your best plan. 

During times when you cannot be directly (with two eyes) watching your dog, use a tether or gate, or have your dog hang out in his own quiet space. 

Just remember, every time your dog begs or jumps and then gets the food, he is being reinforced for that behavior and it is much more likely to continue. 
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Set yourself and your dog up for success by preventing that option altogether!

Calm Arrivals

There is nothing more exciting or anxiety provoking, not to mention chaotic, than a visitor arriving to your door. Not only can this be an intrusion of space or the most exciting thing to happen ALL DAY for your dog but it's a time when training goes right out the open door. 
Think through the process of trying to welcome someone into your home while your dog is jumping all over them -- Or think about trying to let someone into your home while your dog is barking like a madman at them. Neither situation  plays out smoothly and without feedback for your dog
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Set everyone up for success by having your dog hang out in a quiet space with something to keep him busy, while you bring the visitors in. Then, once everyone is in and settled, if your dog can handle it and desires it, you can bring him out on leash - with treats in your pouch or pocket, for calmer meet and greets. But remember, you an also let your dog hang out in his quiet space for the duration of the visit!

Prepare Toys in Advance

There are lots of options out there for toys that you can prepare in advance, to help keep your dog busy. But just like with anything else, you want to see what your dog likes ahead of time, not when they are highly distracted. You also want to be sure that whatever they have and are playing with is safe from improper consumption.

For a few basic ideas...
You could stuff a Kong or Kong-like toy - Read more here
You could make an ice toy - Here is a demo for you
You could use a puzzle toy: Example here and another one here


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Reinforce the Good Stuff

Teaching your dog to relax in a bed or place or to offer some auto-sits can be a great way to have alternative behaviors to all the jumping, begging, and barking that can go on. But those are things you will likely need to work on in advance. So for now, put on a treat pouch and capture any good behavior your dog shows with a treat. 

Then give him a break, using the toy prep tips above because let's be real - you can't spend your entire day hosting people, prepping a meal, and training your dog!

Save most of the training for another day and use this day as a day full of information about what you should focus on later!

Know Your Dog

Most dogs were not made or prepared to handle a day of company, food, and chaos. It's important that you understand your dog's limits and can read his basic body language. Watch for indications that your dog needs space or a break. And if you can't watch for that, then assume he needs a break and space from all the people
I don't know about your family but in my family, we also like to enjoy cocktails with our Thanksgiving meal so as the day/night goes on, I also know that human impulses will get a little looser so it's extra important to prepare for this in advance. "Crazy Uncle Stu" might cooperate with when he first arrives but might not do so well later (yes, I'm labeling and stereotyping. I don't have an uncle named Stu but I'm sure you can relate to what I'm getting at). 
There is NO SHAME in having your dog opt out of any and all participation, especially this year, when opportunities for earlier socialization has been more sparse than in just a few years back. 

Stay safe. Stay curious. Stay kind. Enjoy your FEAST!