Trick or treating time is quickly approaching! It's time to make sure that our dogs are ready for the trick or treating season. So let's go through some tips to keep our dogs safe!
If you're dog is joining you for trick or treating...
The first thing to make sure of when you are getting ready to head out with your pup, is if they will actually enjoy going trick or treating with you. There will be a lot of crowds, screaming children running around, flashing lights, scary lunging decorations, and lots and lots of strange noises. Most of the time your dog will be much happier staying home with a yummy chew and some music playing. If your dog is one of the few who actually enjoy
crazy human events like trick or treating, we definitely want to make sure they stay safe.
Make sure they can be seen! A light up dog collar is a great way to make sure that everyone will be able to see your pup in the dark. (They also make harnesses if you're looking for something higher impact!)
Make sure your gear fits! Double check their collar or harness to make sure it is snug fitting and they will not be able to back out of it if startled (and again, if there is a real chance of them being startled, leave them at home), and make sure your leash clip is in good condition.
Keep back a bit. As you go house to house, stick to the sidewalk and send your kiddo ahead. This will keep your dog away from the scariest of decorations, and keep them safe from the risk of your well meaning neighbors who might enjoy a jump scare for the kiddos. Generally speaking our dogs wont react well to someone jumping out of the bushes at them.
Bring some treats! Everyone else will be getting yummy treats, it's only fair that your pup does too. Bring along some treats to reward them for all the good behavior they will be displaying in the stressful situation.
Pay attention! Always keep on eye on your dog and be evaluating their behavior, and be prepared to take them home if they start to get uncomfortable.
Again, typically the best and easiest option is not to bring your dog along, but as someone who has taken their chaos loving dog along trick or treating, these are the things we did to make sure she stayed safe.
If your dog is staying home...
If you dog will be staying home alone, crating them or putting them in a nice quiet room where they cannot see out the front door or windows is the ideal option. Set them up with something yummy to chew on (a pumpkin frozen kong is a great on-theme option!), play some classical music so they can't hear the kids knocking and screaming, and let them enjoy a quiet evening.
If you will be handing out candy with your dog at home, here are some tips to keep everyone safe.
Keep your pup on leash! Even if you are inside, opening the door to hand out candy, it can be helpful to have a leash on your dog. If your dog tries to exit the house to say hello to the trick or treaters, you can quickly stand on or grab the leash.
Practice waiting at the door! To avoid having to use your back up leash spend some time practicing waiting at the door with your dog so they know not to go through the door just because it opens.
Have treats on hand! As always. Have some treats for your pup next to your bowl of goodies for trick or treaters and be sure to reward your pup for being polite and staying back while you hand out candy.
Have a back up plan. Keep an eye on your pup. If they start to get uncomfortable, or you start finding it difficult to manage them and the trick or treaters, have a back up space, like their crate or a quiet room, where you can set them up with a yummy chew to relax.
The most important thing to keep in mind, no matter which option you choose, is to make sure that your dog is comfortable and having a good time. This is one of those nights of the year that you really can't go wrong letting your dog sit it out and relax in a quiet spot with a yummy chew. They won't know what they are missing out on, and odds are they will have a more enjoyable evening that way, and odds are you will too since you wont have to worry about them.
No matter what you do, stay safe and have fun!
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