Be Thankful for Dog Manners

I hope you will be including your dog on the list of things you’re thankful for this year. You and your guests will be even more thankful if he’s on his best behavior during the meal. Here are simple ways to help your dog mind his manners on Thanksgiving Day and during this holiday season.

Designate a dog handler. If your dog is prone to problematic behaviors like mouthing, stealing, and overly rambunctious when guests arrive, you both may benefit from having someone watch him during the festivities. A designated handler can be helpful if you are concerned about your guests’ behavior around your dog, particularly if you have small children. Interactions between kids and dogs should always be closely supervised. If your handler needs a break to eat or socialize, make your dog comfortable in his crate or in a dog-safe part of your house that is off-limits to guests.

Monitor greetings carefully. Your dog may be just as excited as you are to have friends and family around for Thanksgiving, but that’s no excuse for jumping or barking at every arrival. You can teach him to hand target then sit as an acceptable way to say hello. If he’s prone to jumping or zooming around during greetings, consider keeping him on leash until everyone has arrived and he’s calmed down.

Help your dog be a good host. Your guests may be happy to see your dog, but they may not want him climbing into their laps or leaning against them. If your dog is an attention hound who adores the spotlight and will do anything possible to get guests to pet or play with him, such as pawing or attention barking, redirect his attention to a food puzzle or favorite toy, or by asking him to do tricks for guests who are dying to spend time with him.

Say no to begging and food stealing.  Faced with an unattended table of hors d’oeuvres or an abandoned plate of feast remnants, even the best-behaved dog may give in to temptation. Mooching from dinner guests is never good manners. Careful supervision and a refresher of the “leave it,” “drop it” and “off” commands. Some pups may need to be kept on leash during dinner or in a dog-safe space away from the festivities. Ask your guests not to feed your dog. Keep in mind that some food can be very dangerous for your dog. Have a safe Thanksgiving!