Mutt Monday: Planning Ahead for Thanksgiving

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I'll admit it; I'm a little anal when it comes to planning ahead for the holidays. Is this too soon to be thinking about what I'll do with the pups when company arrives, or what the menu will be? If so, oh well! I'll trudge on anyway.

With the smell of turkey and sweet potatoes wafting throughout the house on Thanksgiving, the dogs' noses are always on high alert. Oliver's Medical Alert nose not withstanding, even Tanner and Jacque will be quite attuned to what's going on in the kitchen. Cooking is definitely of interest to these boys!

While I prepare a delicious repast for my family, it is also important to assure that the dogs get their yummies to be thankful for. And besides, it keeps them out of mischief when the buffet table may be within Tanner's reach. Isn't counter-surfing fun?!!!

Lots of preparation goes into making this day of family fun a success. Training for good behavior is as important as training to assure no food aggression, preparing a special treat for the dogs, and making sure that all our guests are aware of how best to manage the dogs' presence. After all, the dogs do live here. I don't banish them to the bedroom just because company arrives.

I hope you enjoy some of the helpful tips and ideas that are posted below along this theme. If you'd like to see more throughout the week, give me a hand getting the word out by clicking on this Tweet:

Learn gr8 tips @AllThingsDog 4 preparing home, dogs + family 4 Thanksgiving. #Bloggers pls add your tips: http://t.co/mu3suBx1r0
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) October 6, 2013

Next week I'll be backtracking to share..

 Halloween Safety Tips

Since the #Coupaween Twitter Party, I've been collecting some of the great ideas from TWitter, so do return and join us 10/14-10/20 for safety tips that will help you keep your pets out of mischief and harm's way.