10/22/2026
Halloween is almost here, and we’re here to help you and your pup have a safe and successful holiday!
With trick-or-treaters, busy sidewalks, costumes, and plenty of tempting candy around, Halloween can be a lot for our dogs. Here are a few tips to help your pup navigate the festivities:
🐾 1. Use your Place command.
As trick-or-treaters come to the door, have your dog go to their place and enforce it. This helps keep your dog safely away from the door and prevents them from rushing out or getting overwhelmed by visitors.
🐾 2. Practice that tight heel.
If you’re walking during trick-or-treating, be sure to enforce the side you prefer your dog to walk on and keep them in a controlled, tight heel. Busy sidewalks and unpredictable costumes can be a lot for your pup!
🐾 3. Advocate for your dog.
If someone asks to say hi to your dog, remember that you don’t have to say yes! Not every dog is comfortable with strangers approaching them—especially when those strangers are dressed in spooky costumes. Know your dog and advocate for what they need.
🐾 4. Keep the candy out of reach.
Most Halloween candy is unsafe for dogs, so keep it somewhere your pup can’t get to it. If you want to give your dog a special Halloween treat, choose a dog-safe option instead!
🐾 5. Tire them out before the festivities!
A tired dog is often a better-behaved dog! Give your pup plenty of appropriate exercise and mental stimulation before the Halloween festivities begin, especially if they’ll be home alone or around lots of activity.
A little preparation and training can go a long way toward making Halloween a fun and safe night for everyone! Need help with your dog’s training? Give us a call or fill out a submission form at https://thatsmydog.com/dog-training-submission-form/
