- โฑ๏ธ 6 min read
- ๐ถ For dogs
- ๐ฆ Thanksgiving hosting
- ๐ Doorbell plan
Your dog is calm all week, then the doorbell rings and it is jumping, barking and weaving between guests' legs. Owners say it plainly: the problem is when people come over. With Thanksgiving and holiday visits coming, you want a plan before the first knock.
The answer is a mix of preparation and a job to do: exercise beforehand, a quiet settle spot, and something to lick or work on while guests arrive and eat. Petstone's step-by-step plan below covers why dogs get wound up, how to set up the spot, which activities help, and when to ask a trainer or vet for help.
Quick answer
- Give your dog a walk or play session before guests arrive.
- Set up a quiet spot away from the door, with a bed, water and blankets.
- Hand over a lick mat, treat toy or chew in that spot as guests arrive and during the meal, and stay close enough to supervise.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog, and watch the door so your dog cannot slip out.
Why dogs get wound up when guests arrive
New people, new smells, noise and an open door all at once is a lot for most dogs. The ASPCA notes that more people in your home may be overwhelming for pets, and the AVMA reminds owners that visitors can sometimes upset pets.
The doorbell
A ring or knock often means excitement, so many dogs rush to the door.
New people
Some dogs want to greet everyone at once; others feel unsure and bark.
Food smells
A busy kitchen and a full table tempt even a well-mannered dog to beg.
An open door
Guests coming and going give a curious dog a chance to slip out.
- Barking that will not settle, or jumping again and again
- Hiding, trembling, or tucking the tail
- Growling, freezing or lifting a lip when someone leans over
- Pacing and panting when the room is not hot
If you see these signs, calmly move your dog to its quiet spot. A dog that has had enough deserves space, not more greetings.
What to do before guests arrive
- Walk or play with your dog an hour or two before the first guest is due.
- Check your dog's ID tag and microchip details. The AVMA advises proper identification with current contact information.
- Prepare a lick mat or treat toy in advance and keep it in the freezer.
- Tell guests your plan, including asking before sharing any food.
How to set up a settle spot, step by step
The ASPCA suggests leaving a few blankets on the floor or a bedroom door open so pets have a quiet place to curl up. The AVMA suggests putting your pet in another room or a crate with a favorite toy if visitors upset them.
- Pick a room or corner away from the front door and the kitchen.
- Add your dog's bed or crate, fresh water and a familiar blanket.
- Practice a few days before: lead your dog there, reward settling, and stay a few minutes.
- When guests are due, settle your dog in the spot with something to lick or work on.
- Bring your dog out to meet guests only once things are quiet, and on a leash if jumping is a habit.
Which activities keep a dog busy during the meal
The ASPCA suggests stuffing Thanksgiving treats into a puzzle toy to keep pets occupied during the meal. One owner idea shared often is to give a chew or a lick mat once the dog is calmly in its bed while guests mill around.
According to SodaPup, this flat lick mat has a raised leaf pattern, is freezer safe and top-rack dishwasher safe, and is about 8 x 8 inches. Spread plain pumpkin puree or wet food, freeze it, and hand it over in the settle spot.
See the SodaPup Autumn eMatNot sure what to spread on it? Our guide What to Put on a Lick Mat: Safe Fillings, Freezing Tips and What to Skip covers fillings, freezing and what to keep off the mat. Dogs that like to nudge food out of a toy may prefer the SodaPup Roasted Turkey Rubber Treat Dispenser.
Whatever you choose, stay within sight. Lick mats and treat toys are for supervised use, and you can pick them up as soon as they are licked clean.
How to stop guests from feeding your dog
The AKC suggests making sure guests and children know to ask you before sharing food with your pets. Many holiday foods are risky: the ASPCA warns that poultry bones can be a major choking hazard and that onions and garlic are toxic to pets, and the AVMA lists raisins, grapes and xylitol among the dangers.
- No bones, skin, gravy, stuffing or casseroles for your dog
- No pie, sweets, chocolate or anything sugar-free
- Keep the trash covered and empty it during the day
- Keep guests' bags and medicines up and out of reach
When to ask a trainer or vet for help
The AVMA notes that sudden behavior changes can be a sign that something is wrong. If your dog's fear, barking or growling around visitors is severe, getting worse or new, talk to your vet first and ask about a qualified trainer or behaviorist. If your dog eats something it should not, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
For more on reading your dog's stress signals, see 9 Signs Your Dog Is Anxious (Not Just Misbehaving).
Shop this guide at Petstone
Busy-time helpers for a calmer holiday at home, all for supervised use.
SodaPupAutumn eMat Fall Leaves Lick MatA fall lick mat to fill and freeze before guests arrive.View product
SodaPupRoasted Turkey Rubber Treat DispenserA turkey-shaped treat toy for dogs who like to work for food.View product
MidfoxFleece Snuffle Ball for Dogs and CatsA sniffing game with kibble for curious, nose-led dogs.View product
๐ Buy any 2 items and save 5%, applied automatically at checkout. Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Related Petstone guides
FAQ
Should I put my dog in another room when guests come over?
For many dogs, yes. The AVMA suggests another room or a crate with a favorite toy if visitors upset your pet, and the ASPCA suggests a quiet place with blankets.
How do I keep my dog busy during Thanksgiving dinner?
Give your dog a filled, frozen lick mat or a stuffed puzzle toy in its quiet spot, and check on it while you eat. The ASPCA suggests a puzzle toy to keep pets occupied during the meal.
Can guests give my dog a little turkey?
Ask them to check with you first. The AVMA says plain, boneless, skinless turkey is generally safe in small portions, but bones, skin, gravy and seasoned dishes are not.
What if my dog still barks at every guest?
Keep practicing the settle spot on quiet days, and talk to your vet or a qualified trainer if the barking is intense or getting worse.
Sources
- ASPCA: Thanksgiving Safety Tips (quiet place for pets, puzzle toys during the meal, bones, onions and garlic, trash, guests' items)
- AVMA: Thanksgiving Pet Safety (visitors can upset pets, another room or crate, doors, ID, toxic foods, turkey, behavior changes)
- AKC: Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs (guests should ask before sharing food)
- SodaPup: Autumn Design eMat Enrichment Lick Mat (product facts)
Prepared by the Petstone team from product information, brand specifications and common owner questions, drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a person before publishing.