Halloween tips for you and your pup

🎃 Halloween Safety Tips from a Dog Trainer: Keeping Your Pup Calm, Safe, and Happy

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year — the costumes, decorations, and candy make it a night full of fun. But for our dogs, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and even scary. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen how quickly the sights and sounds of Halloween can cause stress or even dangerous situations for our pups.

Here are some key ways to keep your dog safe and comfortable this Halloween:

🦴 1. Keep Candy Out of Reach

Chocolate, sugar-free candies (especially those containing xylitol), and even candy wrappers can be toxic to dogs. Keep all treats high up and sealed, and make sure kids know not to share their candy with pets. If your dog does manage to sneak some, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.

👻 2. Watch Out for Decorations

Wires, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, and candles can all be dangerous temptations for curious dogs. Keep cords tucked away, use battery-operated candles instead of real ones, and avoid decorations that dangle or make sudden noises near your pet’s safe space.

🐾 3. Be Costume Conscious

Dressing your dog up can be adorable, but make sure it’s comfortable and safe. Avoid costumes that restrict movement, cover the eyes, or have small pieces that can be chewed off. If your dog shows signs of stress — pinned ears, panting, or trying to shake it off — it’s best to skip the costume or stick to a festive bandana instead.

🚪 4. Manage the Doorbell Drama

Trick-or-treaters coming and going can cause chaos for even the most social dog. The constant doorbell rings and excited voices may lead to barking, stress, or attempts to bolt out the door.👉 Try these tips:

• Keep your dog in a quiet room with white noise or calming music.

• Use a baby gate to prevent escapes.

• Give them a stuffed Kong or long-lasting chew to keep them busy.If your dog struggles with guests or door activity, this is a great time to practice “go to your mat” or settle cues using positive reinforcement.

🐶 5. Identification is a Must

Accidents happen. Doors get left open, and a scared dog might dart outside. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated ID tags and that their microchip information is current.

🌙 6. Keep Walks Calm and Early

Take your walk before dark — ideally before the trick-or-treaters are out. Masks, loud noises, and flashing lights can all trigger fear reactions or reactivity. If your dog is especially sensitive, skip the walk altogether and focus on enrichment games inside instead.

💛 A Trainer’s Final Thought

Halloween can be stressful, but with a bit of planning, it can be safe and fun for everyone. Remember: your dog doesn’t understand costumes or why strangers are coming to the door — they rely on you for safety and reassurance.

Create a calm environment, use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior, and focus on keeping their stress low. Your dog will thank you with a peaceful night (and maybe a few extra tail wags).

🎃 Stay safe and have a happy Howl-o-ween!— Frank Meneses, Certified Dog Trainer