It's that time of year again. I am lucky because we live on a busy road with few houses so we don't get many trick or treaters. Some years we don't get anyone at all. We always buy some candy just in case . It works out though because our kids have aged out of the trick or treating phase so we wouldn't have any candy to eat otherwise. Because let's face it, who doesn't love candy in the house at Halloween?
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Here are a few safety tips from Dr. Patty Khuly of Fully Vetted. As a dog trainer I will add a few of my own.
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1) Put the dog (or dogs) away. I don't care how friendly they are normally. Seeing people in costumes and masks can unsettle even the friendliest ones. Consider that some kids are also afraid of dogs. If your dog is allowed to go to the door they may run outside and get loose if they are startled by one of the trick or treaters. Then you have a loose dog at night with lots of scary looking people around. Not a good scenario. This would also be a good time to make sure your dog is wearing a collar with tags just in case.
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2) Give the dog something to do. If you put the dog away in a crate or other room give them a stuffed kong to work on or a favorite chew toy. Keeping them busy will free you up to concentrate on the trick or treaters. Don't have baby gates or a crate? Use a leash to tether them to something heavy to keep them contained while you are away at the door. Legs of a couch or a radiator can work well for this.
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3) Use it as a counter conditioning session. Got a dog that gets scared by visitors? Using the continually ringing bell or knocking as a cue to give the dog a yummy treat EVERY time it rings/knocks. Give the treat and then leave the dog to go open the door. Leave the dog tethered or contained so they can't reach the door and people. For dogs that are scared of visitors I'd probably NOT let them see the people since they will be in costumes and masks. The treat needs to be something HIGH value in the dogs opinion. A crunchy biscuit isn't going to cut it. Use something soft and smelly. If this won't work for you then just put the dog away.
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4) Use it as a training session. Got a dog that gets overexcited about visitors? Use each visit to practice a sit stay or down stay or go to your bed. Again the dog should be tethered so they can't come to the door with you or have a second person helping as the door person while you work with the dog. Use a leash to prevent bolting if needed. Due to the potential for many repetitions on a variable schedule this can end up being a mega training session. If your dog (or you!) gets tired you may need to go to plan B and put the dog away with a favorite chewy.
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I also want to reiterate the need for putting the candy out of the dogs reach. Seriously, even dogs who have NEVER stolen food sometimes find that the Halloween stash is just to interesting to pass up. Don't take the chance.
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Happy Howl-o-ween!!!!!
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