Dogs at Halloween
“Tips to keep your Dog comfortable and safe at Halloween .” - Kirsty Everard
Introduction:
Halloween can be great fun for us, but for our Dogs it can bring lots of unusual sights, sounds and changes to their normal routine. Costumes, decorations, excited children, repeated knocks at the door and more people out and about can all be a little overwhelming, particularly for Dogs who are nervous or sensitive to noise.
A little preparation can make a big difference. Whether your Dog loves greeting visitors or would much rather curl up somewhere quiet, these simple tips can help you keep them safe, comfortable and happy this Halloween.
Halloween can be great fun for us, but for our Dogs it can bring lots of unusual sights, sounds and changes to their normal routine. Costumes, decorations, excited children, repeated knocks at the door and more people out and about can all be a little overwhelming, particularly for Dogs who are nervous or sensitive to noise.
A little preparation can make a big difference. Whether your Dog loves greeting visitors or would much rather curl up somewhere quiet, these simple tips can help you keep them safe, comfortable and happy this Halloween.
Every Dog is different, so think about what your Dog is likely to find difficult and make a plan that works for them. Giving them choice, space and support can help make Halloween a much more comfortable experience.
1. Make sure your Dog is comfortable
If your Dog is likely to be worried by people in costumes, excited groups of children or the increased activity outside, try to take them for their main walk before it gets dark and Halloween gets into full swing.
You may want to feed them slightly earlier too, then take them out for their final toilet break later when things have become a little quieter.
Keep your Dog on their lead if there is a risk they could be startled, and make sure their ID tag and microchip details are up to date. Check that your garden is secure too, just in case something unexpected frightens them.
There is no need to deliberately expose your Dog to costumes, trick-or-treaters or unusual noises to try to get them used to Halloween. If they would prefer to avoid it altogether, that's absolutely fine.
2. Create a safe Doggy den
Make sure your Dog has somewhere comfortable and quiet that they can choose to retreat to.
If your Dog has a crate, you could cover part of it with blankets, or you could create a cosy space using their bed and blankets. Your Dog may already have a favourite place they choose when they want some peace and quiet.
Ideally, choose somewhere away from windows and the front door where outside activity is less noticeable.
Make the area comfortable with blankets and provide access to water, chews or favourite toys. Most importantly, allow your Dog to come and go as they please. Your Dog may prefer their usual bed, want to stay close to you or choose to hide away somewhere quiet.
Giving your Dog choice and access to a safe, comfortable space means they have somewhere they can retreat to if Halloween becomes a little too much.
3. Manage the front door
Repeated knocking, the doorbell ringing and people appearing at the door in unusual costumes can be very exciting or worrying for some Dogs.
If you're expecting trick-or-treaters, use a stairgate, closed internal door or lead to keep your Dog safely away from the front door when you answer it.
You could also put a polite sign on the door asking people not to knock or ring the bell. Some people choose to leave Halloween treats outside for trick-or-treaters instead, which can help reduce repeated interruptions.
Your Dog doesn't need to greet visitors or trick-or-treaters. It's perfectly okay for them to spend the evening somewhere they feel safe and comfortable.
4. Turn on the TV or radio
Having the TV or radio on can help mask some of the unusual noises outside.
Keep it at a comfortable, familiar volume rather than turning it up very loudly. Closing the curtains or blinds can also help if your Dog is likely to react to people or decorations passing the window.
5. Be available to reassure your Dog
If your Dog is worried and comes to you for reassurance, it's absolutely fine to comfort them.
Stay calm, sit with them, gently stroke them if they enjoy that or simply let them stay close to you. You won't reinforce or make their fear worse by calmly supporting them when they're worried.
If your Dog would rather have some space, respect that too. Follow their lead and give them the support they need.
6. Give your Dog something to do
A stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, puzzle toy or long-lasting chew can give your Dog something enjoyable to focus on and may help them settle.
You could prepare something in advance so it's ready before trick-or-treaters start arriving rather than waiting until your Dog is already excited or worried.
Always choose something suitable for your individual Dog and supervise where necessary.
7. Keep Halloween treats safely out of reach
Halloween usually means lots of Human treats around the house, so make sure they're kept somewhere your Dog can't reach them.
Chocolate can be toxic to Dogs and some sweets and other products may contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous to Dogs.
Don't forget about wrappers and packaging either. Sweet wrappers, foil and other packaging can also cause problems if swallowed, so keep treat bowls and discarded wrappers safely out of reach.
8. Be careful with Halloween decorations
Pumpkins, candles, lights and decorations can all be tempting to investigate.
Keep candles and lit pumpkins safely away from your Dog and make sure electrical wires, batteries and decorations that could be chewed or swallowed are out of reach.
Think about where you put decorations too. Something that suddenly moves, flashes or makes a noise could be worrying for your Dog, particularly if it's placed somewhere they normally feel comfortable.
9. Make sure fresh water is available
Make sure your Dog always has easy access to fresh water.
Dogs may pant more when they're worried or excited, and eating chews or stuffed toys can make them thirsty too. If your Dog chooses to settle in a different part of the house for the evening, make sure there's water available nearby.
10. Dressing up
If you're dressing up yourself, it can be helpful to let your Dog see parts of your costume before you suddenly appear wearing the whole thing, particularly if it significantly changes your appearance.
Masks, hats, large costumes and unusual movements can make familiar people look very different to our Dogs.
If you're thinking about dressing your Dog up, make sure they are genuinely comfortable with it. They should be happy having the item put on, wearing it and moving around normally.
If your Dog shows signs that they're uncomfortable or would rather not wear it, skip the costume. They certainly don't need to dress up to enjoy Halloween!
A little preparation goes a long way
Halloween doesn't have to be stressful for our Dogs. Planning ahead, managing the environment and giving your Dog choices can make a huge difference.
Your Dog doesn't need to join in with everything that's happening. If their perfect Halloween involves a favourite chew, a comfy bed and an evening away from the front door, that's absolutely fine.
Need a little more help with your Dog?
If your Dog finds visitors, noises or changes at home difficult, you don't have to wait until things become a bigger problem. I offer kind, reward-based training and behaviour support for Puppies and Dogs across Bournemouth, Ferndown and Wimborne.
You can also find lots of free, practical advice in my online guides:
🐾 Puppy Help – free advice covering common Puppy questions including biting, sleep, socialisation, barking, home alone training and more.
🐾 Teenage Dog Help – practical support for adolescence, including barking, reactivity, fear and confidence, settling, recall and more.
🐾 One-to-One Training – for individual support tailored to you and your Dog.
Kirsty Everard
Award-Winning Dog Trainer
Kirsty's Paws
