ADC November-2025

Can Your Dog Eat Turkey This Thanksgiving?

When you’re carving the holiday turkey and that big turkey leg is sitting on the platter, it’s tempting to hand a piece to your pup. But while PetMD confirms that plain turkey meat can be healthy in small, simple portions, the turkey leg specifically is not a safe holiday treat. Turkey legs contain dark meat, which is much higher in fat and more likely to cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in dogs. Even more importantly, cooked turkey leg bones can splinter easily, creating a choking hazard or causing internal injury if swallowed. (PetMD – Turkey for Dogs, PetMD – Bones)

If you want to share Thanksgiving turkey with your dog, stick to plain, fully cooked white meat only—no skin, no seasoning, and absolutely no bones. PetMD notes that treats like turkey should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and skipping the dark meat or fatty trimmings helps prevent digestive issues. Simple, unseasoned bites are the safest way for your dog to enjoy a little holiday flavor. (PetMD – Safe Holiday Foods)

Safer treat alternatives include fresh apple slices (without seeds), steamed carrots, green beans, or plain pumpkin purée (not pie filling). These snacks are low-fat, dog-friendly, and help your dog feel included in the celebration. But if your dog tends to eat everything in sight, struggles with impulse control, steals food, or has difficulty following basic commands during busy holiday moments, this is the perfect time to give them the structure and training they need.

At Abby’s Dog Daycare, we offer various Training Programs designed to teach or increase your dog’s reliability in basic obedience commands and improve specific behaviors—like food stealing, counter surfing, or ignoring cues during distractions (such as a Thanksgiving feast). During your selected training program, your dog visits our facility and receives personalized, guidance from our professional trainer. The goal is to build better habits, tighter responsiveness, and a calm, well-mannered dog you can trust—especially during the holidays.

If you’re ready for a safer, more enjoyable season for both you and your dog, our training team is here to help. Visit our website www.abbysdogdaycare.com to schedule a FREE evaluation with our on-site trainer!

Is Dog Training Too Expensive? What You’re Really Paying For

Dog training can seem expensive when you’re unfamiliar with how much structure, time, and expertise go into doing it properly. Many owners compare professional behavioral programs to quick, low-cost obedience classes without realizing they are completely different services. Training prices vary because each program offers a different level of commitment, repetition, and behavioral work. When a trainer cuts their price, they’re also cutting the scope of work—fewer hours, limited behavior shaping, and little to no individualized planning. PetMD notes that effective training depends on consistency, proper technique, and qualified guidance, which is why results vary so drastically across the industry.¹

At Abby’s Dog Daycare, our training philosophy is built on structure, consistency, and clear communication. Leading our programs is Mary, who brings 30+ years of hands-on experience, certification from Animal Behavior College, and recognition as an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Her ability to read dogs, understand behavior, and adjust methods based on each dog’s needs sets her far above the industry standard. With Mary, you’re not paying for basic commands—you’re investing in a trainer who knows how to create real behavioral change.

We offer a variety of training programs to fit different needs and goals. Each program includes structured daily sessions and personalized guidance. We invite you to explore our full list of training plans to find the best fit for your dog. The American Kennel Club emphasizes the importance of choosing a trainer with verified credentials because the dog-training industry is completely unregulated. That’s why experience, education, and proven results matter. When you train with us, you know exactly what you’re paying for: a structured environment, a qualified professional, and lasting improvements that make life with your dog calmer, easier, and more enjoyable. Schedule a FREE evaluation with our trainer to see what training program is best suited for you and your dog!

Sources