Halloween
Helping our dogs, and ourselves, navigate this spooky season so everyone can remain safe and happy!
DOGS MAY ENCOUNTER:
~knocks/doorbell/voices
~door opening/closing many times
~decorations (inside and outside)
~candy sitting out or dropping
~costumes on people
~costumes on dogs
There are many things that could spook a dog during our Halloween season or lead to safety issues. Be proactive and well prepared, as this can really help make this Halloween, and any future ones, a better experience for all. Make sure to take the appropriate steps to either manage our dogs, and also to potentially appropriately help them to learn to better handle whatever the holiday may throw at them in the future.
If we do not have the time to work on training and socializing our dogs before the holiday, then management is the best option. No training is ever 100% fool-proof. We are dealing with animals after all and they, just like us, are capable of being distracted and having fear and stress override their senses and affect their actions. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially in abnormal situations such as these.
MANAGEMENT TIPS
*The safest way to manage the day is to have your dog secured in a different room (far away from the door) ahead of time in the afternoon the trick-or-treating will start. Not all kids or people like dogs (some are even afraid of them or allergic) and you can’t guarantee that a dog will not be scared of a costume or nervous or stressed around kids or even decide to go for their candy, etc.
*Always have a double door system, so if one is open there is still another barrier before the dog could get to the outside world. This can include a gate or an Xpen.
*Put on calming music in the room they are in, loud enough to drown out noises outside of the room such as door knocks, doorbells, and voices (or screams). It will also naturally help the dog to calm down, as it works on their heart rate the same way music does for us. The opposite is also true- if there is high-energy uptempo music on it can increase the heart rate and therefore stress levels. There are YouTube channels with calm music on a long loop as well as stations on streaming services such as Spotify. (hint: think spa music)
*Licking is a soothing act for our dogs, so we can set them up with something to let them do so, such as Kongs or marrow bones that can be stuffed with something liquid-like and then frozen so they are able to lick it for a while. Examples are regular applesauce, baby food, pureed pumpkin or canned dog food. Have a few ready in the freezer for when you’ll need them so they are easily accessible.
*Make sure to have any candy in dog-proof containers or in places out of their reach.
*Have any household decorations up off the ground out of your dog’s reach, especially if they are unsupervised or you have not had time to make sure they will not destroy, ingest, or have a negative reaction to them.
*Stress: stacking stressors - keep life calmer the days leading up and the day of the holiday- no hiking (or even walking as there may already be people out and about and decorations), vet or grooming appointments, or dog park visits.
SETTING THEM UP TO SUCCEED
*Socialization: when introducing anything new you want to 1) take it slow and go at the dog’s pace, 2) learn about and watch their body language & 3) pair it with something positive (like food)
Get them used to sights of the season: decorations, people in costumes, flashing or bright lights, etc.
Get them used to sounds of the season: knocking/doorbell, scary music or noises from objects, voices/screams, etc.
~If you want to help your dog learn to handle these concerns that the season may cause for them, then the best way is to contact a professional trainer to work with, as dealing with our dog’s fears is a very nuanced topic that can have repercussions
*Handling & Consent - Cooperative Care: if you are attempting to put costumes or other items on your dog—> follow the socialization rules outlined above—> if your dog refuses then please listen to and respect their choice to opt-out with their unspoken “no”
*Recalls: things could easily get unsafe if they get out of the door either chasing after something or running away from something, so always prioritize this skill (coming when called) as extremely important
*”Leave it” & “Drop”: for any candy or decorations our dogs may get their mouths on let’s make sure they have learned the cues “leave it” and “drop“
~with recalls, “leave it” and “drop” please remember that training is never full-proof so be prepared—> have a plan B!
Let’s keep our furry friends SAFE & HAPPY this HALLOWEEN season!!
~To work with Kera to learn how to teach your dogs these extremely valuable skills, or manage their behavior, email her here: ccps.semn@gmail.com
