Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I'm not sure about that chicken broth...I think it has to do with fat content or something like that?  I've given her gluten-free, organic chicken broth from Trader Joes in the past, but I don't know if that made it worse or not.

Bo doens't have problems with fence jumping/burrowing.  She's easily stopped by a visual barrier like a baby gate, but if she thinks there's an opportunity to take off, she most definitely will.  I can't tell you HOW many times we've chased her through creekbeds, the neighbors yards, the park, etc.  She get what we refer to as "the trots" where she trots just faster than we're running after her...then she takes off like a bolt of lightening chasing god knows what until she feels like stopping.  No amount of shouting commands, threats, etc. will change her mind.  I have learned (the hard way) that even though she has good obedience skills and knows EXACTLY what I'm asking her to do, her urge to roam is far more powerful than anything I can dream up. 

I've started making "gruel" for the dogs to supplement their kibble, since they are both so spoiled that they will no longer eat "just dry" food!!  I boil skinless, boneless chicken breasts in a mixture of organic (gluten free from Trader Joes) chicken broth and water.  I include unpeeled sweet potatoes with it to give it some body.  Then I put the whole mess (minus the broth) into the Cuisinart and blend it until it's gooey. I then add the broth to it and it becomes "gruel" consistency.  The dogs love it and it's easy & cheap to make.  Three small chicken breasts and one potato will make enough for three days worth of meals!  I'd love to hear other people's recipes, though, so if anyone has another good (grain-free) wet food recipe, pass it along!! 

A long walk is on the agenda for that day-but since my husband is a chef, I'll be the one walking!!! =)  Bo has always been sensitive to crowds and tends to look for an exit, but when it's in our house, I think she is compelled to know/assess where everyone is.  It's possible that I'm more anxious than she is, so I'm working on keeping myself in check so that I don't affect her state of mind.  She's pretty intuitive to what's going on with me and I'm sure that the impending arrival of my snarky in-laws isn't helping me either!! =)

So I'm curious as to how peopele get their dogs ready for the chaos of the holidays?  This is the first year we're hosting Thanksgiving Dinner and we're expecting 20 people!!  My concern is that all the activity (and kids) might be overwhelming for Bo, who wants to keep tabs on everyone in the house and has a history of getting overwhelmed in crowds.  How do you keep a guardian dog from getting overstimulated by the comings and goings of everyone?  She's not crate trained, so I can't use that as a means of helping her cope.  I've got a Xanax on hand just in case she has a meltdown, but I'm hoping that doesn't happen becuase I don't want to drug her!!  I know that this is a strange question, but since this is my first time hosing the whole family, I thought someone out there might have had a similar experience and could offer some tips! 
Thanks
Jenn, Bo & Floyd in CA

Unfortunately there aren't many supplies for big dogs...the largest I can find is size Large, which fits Floyd (70lbs) but not Bo.  Oh well...
I'll attach some photos of the kids so you can see!

I'm excited to read all that great material-thanks for positing it!  Bo has not had any trouble with harnesses thus far and she certainly can pull me!!  I know what you mean about starting slow, but fortunately she doesn't spook easily with gear.  I used to put a backpack on her until she outgrew it!  I swear they don't make enough big-dog accessories! 

Wow-I thought Bo was big at 130lbs!!  I can't imagine 200 pounds of dog at the end of the leash!  Bo often refuses to load up, mostly becuase she's a stubborn Pyr!  I usually coax her in with a cookie, but if she still won't go, I put her front paws up in the car first, then hoist her back end in.  It's a funny sight, with Bo doing her best Ghandi-esque passive resistance move and me struggling to push her big butt into the back of the car!  I agree with the other posters to get the knees/hips checked and then just keep practicing positive motivation.  Good luck!!