Holiday Dog Training Tips: Building Impulse Control for a Calmer Thanksgiving
- Stephanie Tauscher
- Oct 28, 2025
- 4 min read
The Holiday struggle is real (for Dogs too)
The sights, smells, and excitement of Thanksgiving can test even the most well-mannered dog’s self-control. Between the doorbell ringing every ten minutes, the turkey on the counter, and guests who can’t resist saying hi, it’s no wonder many dogs forget their training.
If you’re wondering how to stop your dog from jumping on Thanksgiving guests or stealing food off the counter, the key is building impulse control — the skill of pausing, even when everything feels exciting. Impulse control isn’t about forcing your dog to “behave.” It’s about helping them learn how to make better choices when their brain is buzzing with holiday energy.
jumping on guests
When dogs leap toward arriving guests, they’re not being “bad” — they’re displaying reinforced behavior under high arousal. Every past success (a pet, a laugh, or even eye contact) teaches them that jumping works to get attention. During the holidays, that learning history collides with a flood of excitement, making impulse control harder.
Try this:
Plan the greeting. Have your dog behind a gate, on leash, or practicing a mat stay as guests arrive. This removes the chance for self-reinforcement before they’ve earned it.
Reinforce calm early and often. Deliver treats or calm praise the instant their paws stay on the floor — long before they escalate. As I like to say "don't wait for them to 'mess up'." Instead, you’re shaping the behavior you want through positive reinforcement. After all, if 4 on the floor is what you want--show them so with praise or food reinforcement, don't wait for them to jump to then offer and off cue and snacks or you might end up on the wrong side of the learning loop.
Coach your guests. Ask visitors to wait until you cue them to say hello. When everyone responds consistently, your dog learns that self-control is the fastest way to earn attention.
Over time, these consistent experiences shift your dog’s neural “default” from impulsive to thoughtful — choosing what works instead of reacting automatically.
counter surfing and food stealing
Counter surfing is classic opportunistic behavior: if food was available once, your dog’s brain files it under “try again.” That reinforcement history is powerful — especially when turkey and pie are involved (I mean...same).
Instead of waiting to correct the grab, design the environment to make success easy:
Manage the space. Use gates or tethers to prevent access during meal prep. Removing access reduces the opportunity for reinforcement — the most effective way to weaken a behavior.
Build an alternative response. A “go to your mat” or “settle” cue channels their natural foraging energy toward a predictable, rewarded routine. You might also consider giving them a different "search" activity that may be more appropriate than stealing the turkey.
Reinforce generously. Keep a small container of treats near their mat. Every few calm seconds earns a treat, turning patience into a practiced skill.
Door dashing during arrivals
Doorways combine triggers: movement, noise, people, and opportunity. To a dog, that cocktail activates the seeking system in the brain — a rush of dopamine that fuels forward motion. Teaching a dog to pause at thresholds builds something called frustration tolerance: the ability to want something and wait for it.
Support your dog by:
Adding structure. Before you open the door, cue a sit, wait, or station behavior. This builds a conditioned sequence — sit → “door opens → reinforcement→ freedom.”
Practicing low stakes first. Rehearse with no guests and no pressure, so the brain can learn the pattern without arousal spikes.
Using management tools. A leash or gate protects safety while the skill builds.
With repetition, the dog’s impulse to bolt transitions into an expectation of stillness — because that’s what consistently earns the next good thing.
When Excitement Turns Into Chaos
Holidays can overwhelm even the most social dogs. New sounds, visitors, and changing routines make it harder for dogs to self-regulate. You may see barking, pacing, or grabbing at hands and sleeves — all normal signs of stress.
Support them by:
Keeping rest breaks on the schedule — a quiet room, a stuffed Kong, or a nap after play.
Watching for early signs of overwhelm (panting, whining, pacing).
Keeping training sessions short and fun, using treats and praise.
Impulse control isn’t built in one day — it’s like any muscle that strengthens with practice and consistency.
When to Get Help
If your Thanksgiving plans already sound like an obstacle course of doorbells, counters, and visitors, an extra Impulse Control Session could make all the difference.
Our one-on-one sessions help your dog practice calm skills that stick — from waiting at the door to resisting that irresistible countertop turkey. You’ll learn simple ways to reduce over-excitement, increase focus, and keep things peaceful for everyone (two- and four-legged alike).
November Special: Add an Impulse Control Session for $11
In celebration of the 11th month, current members can add a focused Impulse Control Session to their plan for just $11. Whether you’re working on jumping, counter surfing, or door dashing, this mini-session gives you targeted coaching right when it matters most.
Memberships start at $85, and this month you can add an Impulse Control Session for $11 when you join.
Final Thoughts
Impulse control isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Every calm moment you reinforce is one more deposit in your dog’s training “bank account.” With practice, patience, and a little structure, you can both enjoy the season with fewer leaps, lunges, and kitchen raids — and a lot more peace.
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