As the spooky season approaches and neighborhoods immerse themselves in all things eerie and fun, both humans and pets prepare for Halloween. However, for our four-legged friends, it might also mean a period of heightened stress and anxiety.Â
The strange sights of ghouls, witches, and monsters, coupled with unusual sounds and bustling activities, could perplex and unsettle even the most easy-going pooch. This article looks into the important strategies you can implement to prepare your dog (be they pet or service) for Halloween, focusing on recognizing stress signals, selecting appropriate costumes, and navigating through a sea of disguised humans.
Recognizing and Responding to Stress Signals
A big part of caring for your dog’s well-being is the ability to identify and appropriately respond to their stress signals. Dogs communicate discomfort in different ways, including pacing, panting, drooling, hiding, and showing the whites of their eyes (also known as whale eyes). Changes in body language, such as lowered ears, tucked tails, or raised hackles, are crucial indicators of anxiety.
To make sure they have the proper space to calm down, you should create a safe space designated to them that is quiet and distraction-free. It could be a designated room in your apartment, or a crate adorned with their favorite toys and bed. This is where they will retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
If you want to decorate for Halloween, gradually expose your dog to the creepy décor and spooky elements such as costumes or odd sounds. Make sure you reinforce positive these interactions with treats and praise and show them there is nothing to be scared of. Allow your dog to interact with decorations and costumes on their terms. If they do not want to approach, do not force them.
In the middle of the agitation, stick to your dog’s regular feeding, walking, and sleep schedules to provide a sense of normalcy amidst the festive chaos. This will help show them that it’s just another evening, but with more friends and snacks than usual.
Dressing Up Your Pup: A Guide to Appropriate Costumes
Dressing up our dogs can be an adorable and joyous activity, but it’s important to pick costumes that are comfortable and safe. Choose costumes that don’t restrict movement, vision, or the ability to breathe, bark, and drink. Also, make sure there are no small, easily ingestible parts, or easily breakable parts that your dog could nibble at and eat.
While preparing for Halloween, allow your dog to wear the costume several times before the event, rewarding them as you introduce the costume and while they wear it. This will help them get accustomed to their spooky or cute outfit.
Remember though that not all dogs appreciate costumes. If they show reluctance or they fight a costume, put their comfort and safety first. Remember those stress signs and watch their body language. Respect their preferences and opt for a festive bandana or collar instead.
Navigating the Many Guests
A swarm of people, particularly those obscured by costumes, may prove frightening or perplexing for dogs. That’s why it’s important to get them accustomed to more people gradually and have them understand they should not be scared by the occasion.Â
Prioritize socializing your dog with various people and situations, gradually introducing them to peculiar sights and sounds while ensuring positive experiences. Ask trusted friends over before Halloween to get your dog used to people in the house and not have the party be a first-time experience. Keep in mind that you may have a dog that will never be fully comfortable with strangers in their space, or at least not in time for the Halloween party you were hoping to host. Consider working with a professional dog trainer who can help your dog feel safer with new people.
If you are out visiting or trick or treating for Halloween, keep your dog on a leash and ensure they’re under control and not easily spooked by noises and costumes. This is not a punishment, as it is important for their own safety, as well as for others. As with all of the above, take your dog’s well-being into consideration first. It may be best for them to stay at home while you are out trick or treating and not have to be overwhelmed by the many oddly dressed people, sights, and sounds, and many children running around they would encounter.
Preparing Guests and Trick or Treaters
Make sure your guests also know that your dog will be present at your gathering. Talk to them and tell them what to expect, what you expect of them, and how to best prepare for the interaction with your furry friend. If you know the people in the neighborhood, talk to young trick-or-treaters and their parents on approaching your dog gently and calmly to prevent over-excitement or aggressive responses.
If your dog gets triggered by your doorbell or knocking at the door, consider leaving a bowl of candy out on the door step with a note for your trick-or treaters.
Being Mindful of Halloween Hazards
Make sure your dog doesn’t access harmful substances or objects commonly found during Halloween. Store treats away from your pet’s reach, as chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free candies) are toxic to dogs. Be mindful of which decorations you choose. Things such as electric lights or synthetic spider webs can be dangerous, so make sure they are placed where dogs cannot chew on them or entangle themselves. Finally, keep your dog secure and monitor exit points, as the frequent opening of doors for trick-or-treaters could present escape opportunities.
Service Dogs: Should They Join the Halloween Festivities?
While service dogs have been exposed and socialized to many different sounds, people, and environments, this does not mean they cannot get spooked too. Service dogs can navigate many stressful environments but before taking your service dog trick or treating, or to a halloween event, consider their mental and physical well-being.Â
Also consider the fact that as a handler, you will not have the ability to advocate for your dog or yourself in the same way that you are used to. People’s energy will be heightened, kids will be running, adults may be drinking, and the likelihood of your dog getting approached and pet will be higher than usual. Trying to educate in these moments, and letting people know that your dog is working will likely be much harder than typical.
While service dogs can legally go almost anywhere with their handler, and while they may be able to tolerate the situation, it is sometimes best to let them rest safely and comfortably at home. After-all, their well-being is YOUR well-being.Â
In Conclusion
Be they pet of service dog, our furry companions can definitely be part of our Halloween festivities, provided we acknowledge and prioritize their comfort and safety. By understanding their stress signals and preparing yourself, your guests, and the pet, you ensure that the festivities remain a treat for all members of the family, bipedal and quadruped alike.
About Atlas Assistance Dogs
Atlas Assistance Dogs is a non-profit organization that fundamentally expands access to assistance dogs. We support people with disabilities to train and certify their own service dog using positive, ethical training methods. At Atlas, we believe anyone who would benefit from a qualified assistance dog should be able to have one.Â
We work with people with a wide range of disabilities who wish to train their own service dog as well as offer a comprehensive Academy for professional trainers wanting to become service dog trainers. For more information about Atlas’ Client Certification program or other training services, please visit www.atlasdog.org or contact info@atlasdog.org
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