Hosting for the Thanksgiving? How to Keep It Pawsitive for Your Pup and Guests

The holiday season is descending on the Hudson Valley! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering in Beacon or a big family dinner in Albany, the holidays are a time for connection, great food, and making memories. But for our four-legged family members, the sudden influx of guests, strange smells, and disrupted schedules can be a recipe for stress rather than celebration.

At Pawsitive Spots, we believe the best gift you can give your dog (and yourself!) is a solid plan. With a little preparation, you can ensure everyone—two-legged and four—has a safe and happy holiday.

Here is our guide to managing the festivities, broken down into three easy steps.

Part 1: The Base (Preparation)

Setting the stage before the doorbell rings.

1. Stick to the Routine Dogs thrive on predictability. Even though your to-do list is a mile long, try to keep your dog’s feeding times, potty breaks, and morning rituals as close to their normal schedule as possible. That familiarity provides a comforting anchor amidst the chaos.

2. Pre-Party Exercise (The “Tired Dog” Rule) A fulfilled dog is a calm dog! Before guests arrive, prioritize meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs.

• Local Tip: Take advantage of our beautiful region! A long “sniffari” on the Dutchess Rail Trail or a hike on one of the Unique Dog-Friendly Trails in Dutchess County early in the day helps burn off that anxious energy.

3. The Safety Check With guests shuffling in and out with luggage and gifts, the risk of a “door dash” increases significantly. If you have a pup who sees an open door as an invitation to explore the neighborhood, don’t rely on luck! Utilize the management strategies outlined below (like gates or keeping them on a leash) to physically prevent escapes during arrivals.

• Action Item: Double-check that your dog’s collar tags are legible and their microchip contact information is up to date. It’s the ultimate peace of mind.

Part 2: Management

Setting up your home environment for success.

1. Use Management Tools Don’t be afraid to use baby gates, crates, or a tether (leash) system inside the house (click for reccomendations). These aren’t punishments; they are safety tools. They keep your dog from getting overwhelmed at the front door and prevent them from jumping on Grandma in all the excitement.

2. Create a Safety Zone If things get too loud, your dog needs an escape hatch. Set up a designated quiet room or crate space away from the party noise.

• Pro Tip: This shouldn’t be a random room your dog never visits (like a basement). Choose a space where your dog already feels safe and happy, such as the bedroom where they sleep at night or the corner with their favorite day-bed.
• The Setup: Add white noise (or calming music), fresh water, and their bed. Make sure guests know this area is strictly off-limits.

3. Call in the Professionals If you know your dog struggles deeply with anxiety or crowds, the kindest option might be removing them from the environment entirely. Consider hiring a professional pet sitter or booking a night at a local boarding facility.

Part 3: Enjoying the Holidays

Navigating the party while it happens.

1. Master the Arrival (The Greeting) Arrivals are the peak of excitement. To avoid the “jump-and-greet” chaos:

• The Human Buffer: Step outside to greet your guests on the porch or driveway while the dog stays inside. This lets you get the loud greetings and hugs out of the way so you can enter the house calmly.
• Secure the Dog: If your dog is an enthusiastic jumper, pop them in their crate, behind a gate, or in their designated room before you open the front door. Let everyone get settled with their coats off before bringing the dog out (on a leash) to say hello.

2. The 20-Minute Rule Once everyone is inside, coach your guests to ignore the dog (no eye contact, no touching, no talking) for the first 15–20 minutes. This allows the dog to sniff and settle down without the pressure of high-energy interaction.

3. No Table Scraps Be firm about the “no feeding” rule. Rich holiday foods (like fatty ham, turkey skin, or onions) can cause serious health issues like pancreatitis. If guests want to bond with the dog, they can do it with a belly rub, not a fork.

4. Prepare Dog-Safe Options If you want your dog to partake in the feast, prepare dog-safe holiday food in advance (like plain pumpkin puree or unseasoned turkey). Let guests know there is a specific jar of treats they can give, provided they ask you first.

5. Be Your Dog’s Advocate Keep an eye on your pup’s body language. If you see lip-licking, yawning, or a tucked tail, be ready to separate them from the guests immediately using your management plan. It’s okay to put the dog away if they look stressed!

6. Occupy the “Begging Hour” When the humans sit down for the main meal, give your dog their own “holiday feast.” Prepare a long-lasting chew, a frozen Kong, or a food-filled puzzle toy (click for our favorites). This keeps them happily occupied and prevents begging at the table.

Keep It Pawsitive!

The holidays are about love and gratitude, and that extends to our pets. By setting boundaries and preparing ahead of time, you’re setting your dog up for success.

From Frank.Endog and the whole Pawsitive Spots team, we wish you a safe, happy, and treat-filled Thanksgiving!

Do you have a go-to trick for calming your dog during parties? Share it with the community on Instagram @frank.endog!