10/27/2026
5 EASY STEPS TO A SAFE HALLOWEEN WITH YOUR DOG!
If your dog generally is not bothered by visitors, here are a few easy steps to take this Halloween:
Step 1: secure your dog behind a gate so they cannot reach the door
Step 2: keep the candy out of reach on the other side of the gate
Step 3: have extra high value treats ready by the door
Step 4: every time the doorbell rings, give your dog a treat. Even if they start barking. This will teach your dog that the doorbell predicts good things happening and the barking will decrease. You can prepare even better by training this step BEFORE Halloween. Do a few repetitions a day until the main event!
Step 5: once your dog is secured behind the gate, open the door for the trick or treaters!
*you may want to treat your dog while they see the kids if they are a bit weirded out by the costumes!*
Monitor your dog and if they are becoming stressed, secure them in a quiet room with calming music and a long lasting treat for the rest of trick or treating time!