Hello again, wonderful dog‑lovers! It’s Almudena here — still savoring the aromas of Thanksgiving and the wonderful contentment that follows the big meal. Now that the turkey’s been carved, the relatives have drifted home, the dishes are (mostly) washed — let’s talk about the after‑party for your dog.
The “calm crash” moment
We humans know the post‑feast slump: comfortable chairs, soft couches, perhaps some football or board games. Our dogs feel it too. After the arrivals, noise, excitement, odors, and motion, they often wind down into either hyper‑ness (because they got revved up) or fatigue (because they’ve been on alert all day). Either state requires our mindful support.
Tip 1: Choose a calm‑down zone
Now is the time to invite your dog into a soothing environment:
- Create a sanctuary: dim lights, soft music (or none at all), the mat or bed with a favorite blanket.
- Offer a treat that encourages focus (e.g., a long‑lasting chew) so your dog is happily engaged and not seeking out chaos.
- Use a “settle” cue, if you have one: you might say, “mat” or “place” and reward calmness. This builds the idea: “It’s OK to relax now.”
- Avoid rekindling the excitement with door slams, racing fetch games, or large gatherings – let the afternoon soften.
Tip 2: Monitor your dog’s signals
Even after the excitement, dogs continue to communicate:
- Some may droop: yawning, half‑closed eyes, lack of engagement. That’s fine — it’s the “let me rest” option.
- Others may still be wired: chasing shadows, pacing, grooming themselves repeatedly. That suggests they haven’t processed the day’s stimuli.
- Either way: gently guide them to your calm zone. Use your voice, your body language (slow movements, low tone), and the mat/place cue.
Tip 3: End the day with meaningful movement
After a rest period, a gentle walk or mild play session can wrap the day nicely:
- A slow walk outside helps your dog reset: fresh air, fewer people, different smells.
- A short game of lengthened fetch or interactive toy lets your dog move again but in a controlled way.
- Finish with a final “settle” session: ask for a short sit or down, reward good focus, and then let your dog choose rest. This reinforces calm behavior even after physical activity.
Tip 4: Reflect & repeat – building future resilience
Thanksgiving is over (for now!), but the lessons carry forward:
- Did your dog handle the door jolts well? Great — that means next year you can build on that.
- Did she struggle with the noise? Then note it, and plan some desensitization games in the coming weeks.
- Did you yourself feel stressed managing the logistics and the dog? Consider ways for next year: perhaps earlier quiet time for dog, guest instructions about greetings, or a separate dog‑space.
Final thought
The best gift you can give your dog after Thanksgiving isn’t another extra turkey slice (though a little lean white meat is fine) — it’s rest, clarity, connection. You created a full day together, and now you both deserve a calm, meaningful finish.
Thank you for inviting your dog into your family traditions, for being willing to train, include, and elevate their experience. If you ever need support — whether for high‑energy holidays, fearful dogs, or training games — I’m here.
Wishing you a mellow evening, easy snoozes, and a dog that happily settles into your post‑feast calm.