Hello friends — Almudena here, coming to you from the high desert of New Mexico, where the leaves have turned gold and the chill of Thanksgiving is in the air. At C.H.A.C.O., we’re gearing up for our favorite season of gratitude, turkey smells drifting, family voices rising, and of course — our four‑legged companions at the center of it all.
Why Thanksgiving offers the perfect training moment
Thanksgiving is more than just a big meal; it’s a rich opportunity for connection, boundaries, and building our dog’s confidence. When things get bustling — doorbells, visiting humans, unfamiliar sounds — our dogs often feel the ripple. These moments, handled well, can teach them calmness, manners, and gratitude.
Tip 1: Set the scene ahead of the feast
Before the guests arrive and the turkey hits the oven, help your dog step into a gracious mode. Ask yourself: Does your dog have a safe space (crate, mat, bedroom door) that is respected by everyone? A controlled arrival means your dog starts the day at ease instead of overwhelmed.
Spend a few minutes:
- Asking for a settle on a mat or bed (“down”, “place”).
- Using a “watch me” or “look” cue so your dog can check in with you amid the bustle.
- Offering a chew or frozen stuffed toy so your dog enjoys something special.
These small rituals create stability, show your dog that you’ve got the leadership, and reduce the adrenaline rush when people start arriving.
Tip 2: Guests, greetings & the dog in the mix
One of the trickiest bits of Thanksgiving is the door: strangers in, packages, bolting out to grab the last‑minute ingredient. Dogs can feel charged, excited, or even anxious.
Here’s how we can make it smoother:
- Ask guests not to greet the dog until you’ve given the okay. Big hugs and exuberant hellos can push your dog into over‑arousal.
- Teach your dog a greeting protocol: perhaps the dog sits and you reward calm attention. Once the dog is calm and polite, then the guest may say hello.
- Use the “coming in” moment as a training cue: for example, before opening the door, give your dog a command — “place” or “stay” — and as you open, the dog remains settled.
Tip 3: The feast is on — what about the dog?
As the guests settle and the turkey glistens, your dog is still watching, smelling, wondering. What can you do to include them and keep manners intact?
- Give your dog a special treat or toy during the meal — something that takes time and focus (e.g., a frozen stuffed Kong).
- If the dog is under the table or next to chairs, reinforce being on a mat or bed, rather than wandering or begging.
- If doorbells or motions happen during the meal, have your dog watch you — “look”, “touch”, or “watch me” — so they orient to you and not the distraction.
Tip 4: Show gratitude — for your dog and with your dog
Thanksgiving is the perfect moment to reflect on the joy our dogs bring: unconditional love, laughter, movement, companionship. Invite them into your gratitude ritual:
- Quietly take a moment with your dog in the afternoon, just you two. Reflect: “I’m grateful that you are calm right now, that you trusted me through this busy day.”
- Give a loving scratch, offer a walk after the meal, or some gentle play. This reinforces connection and shows your dog they are part of the family rhythm, not just an after‑thought.
Final thought
A peaceful, inclusive Thanksgiving with your dog is absolutely possible — and training doesn’t mean taking the fun away, it means enriching the fun. Your dog doesn’t have to be perfect; she just has to be connected, calm, and included.
From my pack and mine to yours — Happy Thanksgiving! May your home be warm, your turkey golden, your dog relaxed — and your heart full.