In the United States, we’re gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving this week. With all the cooking, visiting, and holiday chaos, it can be easy for your dog to get less attention than usual—or for all the activity to become overstimulating, leading to unwanted behaviors. That’s why I invite you to take a few moments this week to reflect on all the ways your dog makes your life better—with my free Dog Lover’s Gratitude Scavenger Hunt.
And you don’t have to save this just for Thanksgiving. Reflecting on what you’re grateful for is beneficial any time of year. Studies show that practicing gratitude can help reduce stress and even boost self-esteem. Check out more benefits here.
I get it—sometimes life gets in the way, and it’s easier to focus on stressors than the joys in front of us. I see it in dog training too: we can get so caught up in wanting our dogs to behave differently that we overlook their progress. Taking a moment to reflect can completely shift our perspective.
That’s why I created a tool to help us focus on the things that make us smile. The Dog Lover’s Gratitude Scavenger Hunt gives you a visual prompt to pause, notice, and celebrate everything you love most about your dog.
How to Use the Free Printable
You won’t have to go far for this scavenger hunt. Simply download the PDF, print it on standard letter paper, and you’re ready to go.
Each item prompts you to notice something about your dog. For example, one line asks you to:
“Find something in nature your dog is thankful for. (A sniff spot, a sturdy stick, a sunny patch in the yard…)”
You can track your discoveries by writing them down or even taking a photo. Gathering these observations in one place can later help you develop an enrichment plan. But for now, the goal is simply to reflect on what brings joy to both you and your dog.
The best part? You can print it out and repeat the scavenger hunt as your dog discovers new favorites. Keep your notes in a training journal so you can watch your dog grow and change over the years.
Print out the Dog Lover’s Gratitude Scavenger Hunt to get started!
While this resource is free for all visitors to my blog, the designs are for personal use only.You may not make the designs available for digital download, resell, or redistribute them in any form, whether as-is or modified.
This product is © COPYRIGHT and the intellectual property of The Distracted Dog Lover.
Make it a Family Game
Invite everyone in your family to join the scavenger hunt. Do you get the same answers? You might be surprised—different family members often notice different sides of your dog’s personality.
If you see that everyone has chosen different items, explore those options with your dog and watch their body language. You’ll notice how your dog expresses joy in different ways.
I love hearing what my kids notice and appreciate about our dogs. It often gives me a fresh perspective and usually sparks fun conversations about the silly things our dogs have done—moments that make us all laugh together.
As you reflect on all the ways your dog makes life better, you might also consider sharing some Thanksgiving traditions with them. Since this week’s Mindful Monday is short, it’s the perfect time to highlight dog-safe Thanksgiving foods you can enjoy together.
Dog-Safe Options:
Plain mashed sweet potatoes – fiber-rich, soothing, and perfect for a small lick or spoonful (or check my Facebook or Instagram for my sweet potato chew recipe)
Cooked or raw carrots – naturally sweet and easy to digest
Plain green beans – crunchy, low-calorie, and fun to munch
Unseasoned turkey meat (no skin, no bones) – protein-packed treat
Pumpkin purée (just pumpkin!) – supports digestion and adds a festive touch
Not safe for dogs:
- Onions, garlic, gravy, stuffing, pie, chocolate, or turkey bones
- Seasoning and butter should be kept out of their portions
A gentle trainer reminder: try not to feed your dogs directly from the table. This can quickly teach them that begging pays off. Instead, place their festive treats in a dish or an enrichment toy and let them enjoy safely. See some of my favorite enrichment toys here.
If your dog is trying any of these foods for the first time, start with small amounts to make sure their digestive system adjusts without issues.
In Conclusion
I hope the Dog Lover’s Gratitude Scavenger Hunt gives you a few moments of peaceful reflection during this busy season—and reminds you of all the little ways your dog brightens your life.
If you complete the scavenger hunt, I’d love to hear about it! You can even send me your answers and a picture of your dog to be featured on my social media. It’s always so fun to see the unique ways dogs bring joy to their humans.
Remember, gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a practice that can strengthen your bond with your dog year-round. Take a moment whenever you can to notice the things that make you smile and the small victories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
And above all, I want you to know that I’m grateful for you—for your time, your attention, and for interacting with The Distracted Dog Lover throughout the year. Your support and love for your dogs make this community so special.
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and dog-filled Thanksgiving!
If you enjoyed the Dog Lover’s Gratitude Scavenger Hunt, you may like some of the other printables found on The Distracted Dog Lover Etsy shop.