Here's my story about how to host thanksgiving with a territorial dog - I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier. 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. 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. 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. 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. There are several ways a dog displays territorial behavior. Besides the obvious attack, your pet may growl or bark. 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. 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. 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. I learned this the hard way, but at least Lucy is okay now. 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. 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. 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. 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. I wish I had known this sooner. a great method for handling territorial dogs is to redirect their energy and attention. 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. I learned this the hard way, but at least Lucy is okay now. instead, if your dog is displaying aggressive tendencies as guests enter the home or ring the doorbell, show them a treat...
Source: This article is based on information from DogTime