10/29/2025
can be full of fun, costumes, and treats — but for our dogs, it can also bring a lot of new and sometimes spooky experiences! Here are a few ways to help your dog stay comfortable and confident during all the festivities:
🎃 Practice with Costumes Early
If your dog will wear a costume, introduce it gradually! Let them sniff it, reward them for calm curiosity, and try it on in short, positive sessions. For dogs with big feelings about touch or new things, you can simply celebrate them being near the costume - no rush!
👻 Desensitize to Door Activity
If you’ll have trick-or-treaters, practice calm door greetings beforehand. Use treats or enrichment toys to keep your dog relaxed in another room when the doorbell rings. If your dog finds visitors overwhelming, create distance - keeping them calmly occupied in Another room can make the night more peaceful for everyone.
🍬 Keep Candy Out of Reach
Chocolate, xylitol, and many Halloween treats are toxic to dogs. Make sure candy bowls and wrappers are safely stored away! - and keep a few if your dog's favourite safe treats on hand instead.
🕯️ Create a Quiet Space
If your dog is nervous about costumes or loud noises, set up a cozy retreat with familiar blankets, calming music, and a favorite chew or lucky mat. This gives your pup a sense of control and comfort when the world outside feels a bit too spooky.
✨ Keep Walks Calm & Positive
If you head out for a Halloween stroll, bring treats and practice focus and engagement games to keep your dog’s attention on you — not the spooky decorations! For dogs who find the sights and sounds of Halloween overwhelming, it's perfectly okay to skip the festivities and enjoy a calm evening at home instead with enrichment.
With a little planning, you can make Halloween a positive experience for your dog — full of learning, calm confidence, and maybe a few (safe!) treats of their own.
🐾 Need help building your dog’s confidence around new sights and sounds?
Our certified trainers can help!
👉 Schedule a consultation today
