Thanksgiving Table Rules for Dogs: For a Happy Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, food. But for dog owners, it can also be a day filled with temptation, begging, and food-related dangers. From turkey bones to table scraps, the holiday feast can quickly turn risky without a little structure.

With proper training and preparation, your dog can be a polite guest at the table instead of a distraction under it. Here’s how to maintain good manners and safety this Thanksgiving.

1. Teach Boundaries Before the Big Day

The best table manners start before guests arrive. Dogs who already understand place, down, and leave it are far less likely to beg or steal food.

If your dog struggles to stay calm around food or guests, now’s the time to refresh obedience work. Our Basic Obedience Training Program is designed to build reliable manners in real-life situations like family meals and busy gatherings.

2. Know What’s Off-Limits

Many Thanksgiving foods are dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause digestive upset or serious health problems.

Foods to Avoid:

• Cooked bones (especially turkey) 
• Onions, garlic, and chives 
• Stuffing and gravy 
• Chocolate and desserts with xylitol 
• Alcohol 
• Fatty meats or skin 
• Raisins and grapes 

Instead, set aside a small plate of dog-safe foods like plain turkey, sweet potato, or green beans (without seasoning).

For a deeper look at what dogs can and can’t eat safely, check out our post on summer foods that are (and aren’t) safe for dogs.

For a national perspective, the AKC’s Thanksgiving food safety guide for dogs explains which holiday favorites pose the biggest risks.

3. Use Place Training During Mealtime

The place command is one of the most effective tools for a calm, polite dog during dinner. Before the meal begins, send your dog to their bed or mat nearby and reward calm behavior.

Practice in the days leading up to Thanksgiving by extending the duration of place while you eat dinner or prepare food. By the holiday, your dog will already know the expectation.

4. Manage Guest Interactions

Not all guests are dog-savvy. Make sure family and friends know not to feed your dog scraps or leftovers. If you have small children visiting, remind them that even friendly dogs need space while eating or resting.

If your dog is nervous around visitors, give them a quiet space away from the table where they can relax.

5. Reinforce Calm Energy

Thanksgiving energy can be chaotic. The doorbell, laughter, and smells can overstimulate even the best-trained dogs.

Before guests arrive:

• Take your dog for a structured walk to burn off energy. 
• Reinforce obedience with short training sessions. 
• Use commands like down and stay to practice calmness. 

Structured routines help your dog stay composed no matter how exciting the environment becomes.

Checklist: Thanksgiving Table Manners for Dogs

• Refresh obedience basics like sit, down, and place. 
• Practice meal routines before the holiday. 
• Keep dangerous foods out of reach. 
• Prepare a dog-safe meal alternative. 
• Inform guests not to feed your dog table scraps. 
• Provide a quiet place for rest if the house gets busy. 
• Supervise children and dogs at all times. 
• Praise calm, polite behavior throughout the day. 

These steps make Thanksgiving smoother and safer for everyone at the table.

FAQ: Thanksgiving and Dog Manners

Q: How do I stop my dog from begging at the table?
A: Use the place command to create distance and reinforce calmness. Be consistent and never give food from the table.

Q: My dog gets anxious around guests. What can I do?
A: Give them structure. Crate time, place training, and pre-guest exercise all help maintain calm energy.

Q: Can I give my dog turkey?
A: Yes, but only plain, cooked turkey without seasoning, skin, or bones.

Q: How can I keep guests from feeding my dog scraps?
A: Communicate boundaries early and keep a bowl of dog treats nearby so guests can offer approved snacks instead.

Q: My dog jumps up when people arrive. How can I fix this?
A: Practice calm greetings daily. Reward four paws on the floor and use leash control when introducing guests.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Good Manners

Thanksgiving is about sharing, but not everything on the table is safe to share with your dog. With structure, clear boundaries, and obedience training, your dog can be part of the celebration without the chaos.

By practicing calmness and consistency, you’ll be grateful for a peaceful dinner and a well-mannered companion.

Ready to master your dog’s manners before the holidays? Contact us today and we’ll help you build reliable obedience for every occasion.