What has six legs, two wings, runs fast, but cannot fly? The family dog running off with the holiday turkey! I know that sounds like a bad Dixie Cup joke but many a holiday fiesta has turned into a fiasco due to a feisty Fido.
So whatʼs a dog-lover to do when hosting the holidays? Many people these days (yours-truly included) consider their dogs to be members of the family, and it just doesnʼt feel right to keep them out of the holiday fun.
So, how can we involve Fido and still keep the festivities running smoothly? This article will look at some options for management while we do a little reality check for the benefit of the whole pack, family and friends included.
If youʼre hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, please keep in mind that Fido is likely to be overwhelmed. A house full of people in party mode, often including children, creates an exciting and over-stimulating environment for a dog. Allowing Fido to be a part of the action can be wonderful, but first and foremost we need to ensure his safety and that of the guests.
So letʼs get real. Is Fido well socialized and friendly with strangers? If your answer is not a resounding “Yes!” then itʼs time for a bit of soul searching. Is he nervous or anxious around strangers? What about children? Is he territorial or possessive around toys or food? Has he ever growled or barked at a houseguest before? Questions like these are critical to ask and answer honestly before deciding to host a party where Fido is on the attendee list.
Also consider Fidoʼs comfort level. Will he enjoy all these strangers in the house? If you know in your heart that he would likely find it stressful, you may want to keep him in the garage or a room at the back of the house with something yummy to chew on. Maybe consider turning on the TV to keep him comfortable and drown out the distracting noises of the party. Another option might be to have him stay at a familiar boarding facility or a friendʼs house. That way he wonʼt even know what heʼs missing.
If youʼve decided that Fido is friendly and easy-going enough to be included in the festivities, letʼs analyze his social skills a bit more. He may be friendly, but does he jump on people or clear coffee tables with his tail when he gets excited? This could cause serious injury to grandparents or small children, not to mention some nasty red wine stains on the carpet. What about begging? Is Fido going to drool all over Aunt Bettyʼs new shoes hoping for some of that crab dip?
If Fidoʼs manners are not already up to speed, hopefully youʼre reading this in time to do a little practice training before the party. Try having a couple of friends over for a test run and keep in mind that there is no rule against using a leash in the house while you practice those “sits” and “stays” and “downs.”
Anyone who has ever hosted Thanksgiving dinner understands how chaotic the kitchen can be. In general, the kitchen is a problematic area for dogs – steaming dishes on the stove, splattering grease, boiling water, hot ovens, and sharp utensils on every counter top.
Iʼve seen my wife scurry her bare feet away from a kitchen knife plummeting to the floor after accidently nudging it with her elbow. She has fast reflexes but dogs with their noses to the ground in search of crumbs and dribbled gravy may not escape the Ginzu blade so easily. Come the holidays, such normal kitchen hazards are escalated due to a lot more activity and traffic than usual.
Considering the mental picture that Iʼve just created, I want you to ask yourself… is the kitchen a safe place for Fido? I would argue that the kitchen is not a safe place – not on Thanksgiving or any other night.
Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for all we have. Itʼs a time to celebrate with loved ones, taking the time to appreciate the parts of our lives that matter most. At my house, for sure, that includes our dogs.
That said, as a responsible and loving dog owner, I have to decide the best way to manage the environment for everyoneʼs enjoyment and safety. It can be great to have Fido join the party as long as it makes sense, but itʼs important to know his limits and avoid a situation that could land him in the emergency room.
If Fido canʼt contain himself, or if your guests arenʼt likely to treat him well, or if the whole darn thing seems too overwhelming for him or for you, please put him in a safe room or in the garage with his favorite chew toy for some quiet time on his own.
Be smart, be safe and enjoy the Holiday season!
Chad Culp is a certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, and owner of Thriving Canine: Dog Training Services (thriving canine.com). He travels the Bay Area doing behavior consults and conducts obedience and non-competitive agility classes in Gilroy and Morgan Hill. To contact him, email chad@thrivingcanine.com.
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