Table Manners & Turkey Temptations:

Dear Owners, We Need to Talk About Turkey

Ah, Thanksgiving.
That glorious day when the house fills with the scent of roasted heaven, your people wear stretchy pants without apology, and you bring out the fancy napkins (which, by the way, I wasn’t allowed to chew).

And me? I’m expected to sit…stay…leave it — all while you lift a golden bird from the oven and act like that smell isn’t sending me into a tail-wagging trance?

Let’s just say... I’ve been training for this moment my entire life.

So in honor of delicious distractions and good doodle manners, I bring you:
The Official Heritage Manor Labradoodle’s Guide to Thanksgiving Survival.

🧡 Rule 1: The Counter Is Lava (Even If There’s Pumpkin Pie Up There)

Listen, I know the rules. But when you leave a pie unattended on the edge of the counter for “just a second,” I feel like that’s an invitation. It’s not? Huh. Could’ve fooled me.

So I do my best to resist. I give you the soulful stare. I might inch closer. I might sniff the air like a food detective. But I’ll try to be good — because I know helping myself is “bad manners” and could land me in the dreaded no-treat zone.

🥕 Tip for Owners: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. If your doodle is resisting temptation like a champ, give them a safe treat to reward their good choices — and keep tempting dishes far back on the counter just in case curiosity almost wins.

Rule 2: Know Your Limits (And Your No-Nos)

Turkey is amazing. I’ll be the first to admit it. And yes, I will gladly vacuum up any crumb that falls to the floor (five-second rule, right?). But as much as I love leftovers, not everything on that Thanksgiving table is doodle-safe.

Safe-ish Thanksgiving goodies (in moderation):

Plain, skinless turkey (fully cooked, boneless, unseasoned)
Steamed green beans or carrots
Plain sweet potato (no sugar, butter, or marshmallows!)
A lick of mashed potato if there’s no butter or garlic

Absolutely not — don’t even think about it:

Turkey bones (they can splinter — very dangerous!)
Gravy, stuffing, and casseroles (loaded with spices, fat, and onions)
Chocolate desserts, pies, or cookies
Grapes and raisins (toxic!)
Onions, garlic, nutmeg, and anything with xylitol
Alcohol and coffee (I know you know, but we have to say it)

🐾 Heritage Manor Reminder: If you’re not sure it’s safe, stick to vet-approved treats or a simple homemade doodle snack.

Rule 3: Not Every Guest Loves Me (I Know. It Hurts Me Too.)

It’s shocking, but true: some of your guests aren’t into being greeted by a wet nose, or having their thigh lovingly leaned on during dessert.

So if things get a little loud or overwhelming — kids dropping food, relatives passing dishes, and chairs scooting all over — it helps to have a cozy, safe space just for me. Somewhere I can relax, decompress, and recharge my social battery.

🛏 My favorite setup? A soft bed in a quiet room, a filled KONG or lick mat, and maybe a little background music. It’s not hiding — it’s called self-care.

🎧 Pro Tip from the Doodle Den: Classical music or soft instrumental playlists are great for calming pups during busy holiday gatherings.

Rule 4: Give Me a Job (I’m a Working Dog, After All!)

I like feeling included. And I can behave — if I have something to focus on. So instead of banishing me to another room all day, maybe give me a Thanksgiving assignment?

Let me greet the guests (on leash, if needed!)
Keep me nearby on my “place” during dinner
Give me my own chew during dessert
And afterward? I specialize in snuggle duty

Don’t forget to brush up on helpful commands like “place,” “stay,” and “leave it” before the big day. It makes everything smoother for both of us!

Rule 5: Gratitude Tastes Better Than Gravy

Let’s be honest — as much as I dream of turkey legs and sweet potatoes, Thanksgiving isn’t really about the food. It’s about you, my favorite person.

It’s about slowing down.
It’s about the way you smile at me when I curl up by your chair.
It’s about being part of a pack — and knowing I’m safe, loved, and home.

When the dishes are done, the laughter fades, and the house gets quiet, you’ll find me right where I belong: next to you. That’s what I’m most thankful for.

Tell Us: What’s Your Doodle’s Table Manners Move?

Do they pull the soulful stare?
The quiet sit-and-wait routine?
Or the classic inch-under-the-table crawl?

We’d love to know!

Tag us at @heritagemanorlabradoodles.hml or share your story in the comments. Bonus points for festive bandanas, sweet family moments, and, of course, drool-worthy doodle grins.

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From the Doodle Den at Heritage Manor Labradoodles

At Heritage Manor Labradoodles, we believe dogs bring out the best in us — joy, connection, love, and gratitude. And on holidays like this, we’re reminded how lucky we are to share life with companions who love unconditionally.

So this Thanksgiving, offer your doodle a safe treat, a little extra patience, and a whole lot of love.
We promise — they’ll give it all back, one tail wag at a time.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Heritage Manor Labradoodles.

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A Doodle’s Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving Dinner

Table Manners & Turkey Temptations:

Dear Owners, We Need to Talk About Turkey

🧡 Rule 1: The Counter Is Lava (Even If There’s Pumpkin Pie Up There)

Rule 2: Know Your Limits (And Your No-Nos)

Safe-ish Thanksgiving goodies (in moderation):

Absolutely not — don’t even think about it:

Rule 3: Not Every Guest Loves Me (I Know. It Hurts Me Too.)

Rule 4: Give Me a Job (I’m a Working Dog, After All!)

Rule 5: Gratitude Tastes Better Than Gravy

Tell Us: What’s Your Doodle’s Table Manners Move?

We’d love to know!

Tag us at @heritagemanorlabradoodles.hml or share your story in the comments. Bonus points for festive bandanas, sweet family moments, and, of course, drool-worthy doodle grins.

From the Doodle Den at Heritage Manor Labradoodles

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A Doodle’s Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving Dinner

Table Manners & Turkey Temptations:

Dear Owners, We Need to Talk About Turkey

🧡 Rule 1: The Counter Is Lava (Even If There’s Pumpkin Pie Up There)

Rule 2: Know Your Limits (And Your No-Nos)

Safe-ish Thanksgiving goodies (in moderation):

Absolutely not — don’t even think about it:

Rule 3: Not Every Guest Loves Me (I Know. It Hurts Me Too.)

Rule 4: Give Me a Job (I’m a Working Dog, After All!)

Rule 5: Gratitude Tastes Better Than Gravy

Tell Us: What’s Your Doodle’s Table Manners Move?

We’d love to know!Tag us at @heritagemanorlabradoodles.hml or share your story in the comments. Bonus points for festive bandanas, sweet family moments, and, of course, drool-worthy doodle grins.

From the Doodle Den at Heritage Manor Labradoodles

Archive

We’d love to know!

Tag us at @heritagemanorlabradoodles.hml or share your story in the comments. Bonus points for festive bandanas, sweet family moments, and, of course, drool-worthy doodle grins.