Holiday Dog Training Tips

Food, Guests, and Good Manners

The holidays mean full tables, tempting smells, and lots of well-intentioned humans, which can make this season especially tricky for dogs.

Duo Duo Project supporter Dawna of Canine Corral Dog Daycare and Happy Tails to You Dog Training shares an important reminder about holiday food and dog safety and how a little preparation can prevent big problems.

Don’t let your dog miss out on the holiday feast!

Dawna’s Food-Focused Holiday Training Tips:

• Give your dog their own safe alternative. Prepare a plate for them! A little bit of variety in moderation helps your dog’s system adapt to new foods. Just skip the chocolate, anything containing xylitol, raisins and grapes, bones, fatty meats, onions and garlic, raw dough, and alcohol. Stick to dog-safe meats and veggies.

• Don’t rely on “they know better.” Even well-trained dogs struggle when irresistible food is everywhere. Training plus management is key.

• Practice “leave it” before the guests arrive. This cue can be a lifesaver during the holidays. Reinforce it daily with food distractions so it’s strong when it matters most.

• Ask guests not to feed your dog. It’s okay to advocate for your dog’s health and training. Clear boundaries help everyone relax.

Plan Ahead for Success

From dropped snacks to guests sneaking “just a bite,” holiday gatherings create nonstop opportunities for dogs to grab food they shouldn’t. Even foods that seem harmless can cause digestive upset or worse.

That’s why Dawna encourages guardians to think ahead.

“Let them enjoy the holidays too,” Dawna shares. “The holidays should be joyful, not stressful, for dogs or their people.”

We are so grateful to Dawna not only for sharing her training wisdom but for being a longtime supporter of Duo Duo Project. Stay tuned for more training tips from Dawna in 2026. Wishing you and your furry family members a peaceful, safe, and treat-smart holiday season.

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