How to Host Thanksgiving With a Territorial Dog

Perhaps you’re the rare human — and, more importantly, dog parent — who finds joy in hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at your home. After all, the spirit of the holiday is lovely if you’re lucky enough to have close family and friends you can celebrate with. This is, of course, to say nothing of the troubling and complicated origins of the day. Nevertheless, if you’re a food, fall, and football lover, this may even be your favorite time of the year.

Undoubtedly, hosting Thanksgiving is already an anxiety-inducing task. That’s particularly true for most introverts or really anyone who is unlucky enough not to live in an egalitarian household. It’s overwhelming if the responsibility of hosting out-of-town houseguests, each with their own unique personality, falls on you. On top of that, there’s the stress of managing the all-important menu — especially as you’re navigating an increasing number of dietary restrictions and preferences. It’s no secret that, in addition to the mental toll of that emotional work, you’re likely left with physically exhausting responsibilities as well. Deep-cleaning the nooks and crannies of your house — using pet-safe cleaning products, of course — and putting up seasonal decorations is time-consuming, occasionally even dangerous. Moreover, braving the overcrowded grocery stores and cooking for a small army is enough to turn anyone off to opening their home this holiday.

However, if you are willing to seize the day, the one thing left standing between you and your hosting duties might just be a territorial dog. As the clock strikes closer and closer to Thanksgiving mealtime, you may fear it’s too late to address your dog’s aggressive behavior. Thankfully, we have some solutions to hosting a successful Thanksgiving with your little — or not so little — four-legged security guard. Accordingly, you can safeguard your pet’s safety this holiday, along with that of any of your dinner guests.

What is territorial behavior in dogs?

You may be asking how exactly you determine if you are, in fact, the proud owner of a territorial dog. How do you know if your pup displays what is considered to be territorial behavior?

Perhaps your dog is totally fine and even docile when it’s just you or your family occupying the residence. That said, maybe he becomes a bit of a gremlin when you add overnight visitors or rowdy dinner guests to the mix. Your canine companion may act differently if children or babies, as well as other pets, darken your doorstep. However, that may not always be the case. Either way, instead of basting the turkey or prepping mashed potatoes, you’re left consumed with worry in anticipation of your dog’s reaction to what is to come.

There are several ways a dog displays territorial behavior. Besides the obvious attack, your pet may growl or bark. He may even even urinate to let it be known that your home is their territory. Of course, none of this is ideal, but there are ways to make it better.

Long-term solutions to preventing unwanted behaviors

Early socialization with other pets and tiny humans helps to prevent these unwanted behaviors. However, if you’re in the “too little, too late” camp or recently rescued a dog with an unknown history, you must account for what your dog may do in uncomfortable situations. Responsible pet ownership means protecting not only your pet but the people they will encounter, to the best of your abilities. It also entails seeking a behaviorist to address ongoing issues or investing in long-term training. Patience and routine matter as you begin exposing your dog to new situations, places, noises, and people.

Determine the level of physical threat posed by your dog to house guests and visitors

Before you try to correct territorial behavior and potentially end up harmed in the process, ask a simple question. What is the threat level your dog poses to your guests? Is your pup a big Cane Corso or riled-up Rottweiler, or a petite Chihuahua? That’s not to say that some small dogs don’t have a gnarly bite. It’s just taking into consideration the potential for harm to be inflicted on an unknowing human if your dog is, indeed, territorial and reacts poorly. Similarly, is your pup food-motivated, willing and eager to respond to treats? Or, does fido have a one-track mind when he’s upset?

Thanksgiving with larger territorial dogs

This holiday, you’ll need to address your guests’ safety differently if your pet is on the larger side. If your big dog can’t think of much else when they feel that their space is being encroached upon, your friends and family may be at a greater risk for injury. Unfortunately, some dogs simply can’t deal with strangers coming into their house. To be clear, that’s typically okay if you’re someone who often doesn’t entertain.

Moreover, if your dog has a high prey drive, they may react poorly if a guest or family member brings their small dog or cat home for the holidays. If your pup has an instinct to chase or hunt smaller animals, you’ll want to make sure any visitors or kinfolk know your household isn’t open to any other furry guests.

That said, if this sounds like your dog, you may need to consider forgoing your Thanksgiving hosting responsibilities. Because, even if you can contain your dog to a room away from houseguests, it may not be enough. Your dog may try to break free of his confinement or exhibit displacement behaviors, which you also want to discourage. He may ruin the ambiance by barking or growling throughout the entire afternoon. Not only would it be a nightmare for guests, but it would be a nightmare for your dog, too. Do you really want your pet to spend Thanksgiving howling at the top of their lungs? Wouldn’t it be better for both of you to instead spend time snuggled up together?

Thanksgiving with small to medium-sized reactive dogs

While the level of physical threat to your friends and family decreases for smaller or medium-sized dogs, it isn’t nonexistent. However, it is significantly easier to handle and restrain — if necessary — a smaller animal. As such, you can simply pick the dog up and physically comfort or crate them until they calm down enough to be let free. It’s far less likely a Bichon Frise or Schnoodle will inflict any degree of serious injury before you can interject.

Despite this, some medium-sized dogs like a Belgian Malinois can pack quite a punch if they are determined enough. So, if your pet has a history of aggressive behavior towards anyone, leave the hosting to someone else. For legal, physical, and moral reasons, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How to redirect your dog’s attention

A great method for handling territorial dogs is to redirect their energy and attention. Since many dogs are food-motivated, consider distracting your pup with a treat before they engage in territorial acts. Many pets will be calmer after you provide them with a high-value snack or something that diverts their focus like a lick pad.

To be clear, don’t reward your dog for barking or growling — this is confusing for them. Moreover, it makes training your pup harder in the long run. Resist the short-term victory, even if throwing down a treat seems like an easy way to immediately stop territorial behavior.

Instead, if your dog is displaying aggressive tendencies as guests enter the home or ring the doorbell, show them a treat in your hand. Next, ask them to perform a command or trick. Essentially, you want to keep their brain busy so it doesn’t have the capacity to worry about the stranger at your door.

Do a trial run with people your dog already knows

Anticipation, practice, and persistence are key to addressing territorial behavior. If you have the time, consider doing a trial run of Thanksgiving. We recommend doing this with people your dog already knows and is comfortable with. Not only is it a good way to test how they’ll react on the day of, but it will also give you a chance to nip naughty behaviors in the bud.

Have a small circle of people over who your pet has seen in your home at some point. This can include a relative, friend, or neighbor. Have them ring the doorbell or knock, giving you a chance to offer your dog a treat as they enter. As a reminder, don’t reward your dog if he is barking, growling, or otherwise displaying territorial behavior. Either have each person enter separately or repeat the exercise several times. It’s crucial your dog associates a knock at the door or a ring of the bell with getting a tasty cookie or mouthful of cheese.

Advise your Thanksgiving guests how to act around your territorial dog

You can do everything in your power to redirect your pup’s energy and you may do it all perfectly. Nevertheless, it still may not be enough to prevent your territorial dog from putting a damper on Thanksgiving festivities. That is to say, if the human they are reacting to is similarly freaking out, things can go south quickly.

Without frightening your guests or warding them off from attending a meal you’ve spent days cooking, have an honest conversation to prepare them. Alert them to your dog’s territorial tendencies so everyone knows what to expect in advance. Let them know if your pet has any specific triggers. Most importantly, advise your friends and family to behave calmly and normally when walking into your home. And, if they are comfortable, meet them outside to arm them with treats. Assuming you did a trial run or have been training for the big day, your dog should be expecting treats when someone enters the door.

How to have the happiest Thanksgiving holiday with your dogs and other pets

There is no foolproof way to respond to a reactive dog. Despite that, there are steps you can take to mitigate their reaction. Thankfully, with a little preparation and a lot of patience, everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving in your home, even if it’s one shared with a territorial pet.

So, loosen your belt and get on your way to that glorious food-coma-induced nap in front of the fire! Perhaps you’ll even be able to share the snooze with your pet if they partake in eating Thanksgiving foods safe for dogs this holiday. That said, be sure to avoid sharing any tasty morsels that pose a danger to your pooch. The last thing you need is a headache that comes from an emergency vet bill instead of the bottle of Barolo you’ve waited all year to uncork.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets, even if that includes a — now hopefully former — territorial guard dog.