Tips for your dog on Halloween
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Happy Halloween!
Here are some important tips from Mallery Bosworth,
(Dog Trainer/Owner of Happy Paws) to keep in mind for this spooky holiday!
Many people think it's a fun idea to take their dog along with them on their trick or treating route, be it in the car or on the side walk. To your dog however this can be EXTREMELY stressful. Seeing such strangely dressed people and/or "monsters" may cause an otherwise calm relaxed dog to become anxious or even aggressive.
So what should you do with Fido on Halloween?
It is best to keep your dog in a private area of your home, perhaps in his crate if he has one. Give him a bone to chew on or a KONG filled with peanut butter to keep him occupied while you answer the door for the kids!
If weather permits you might consider sitting in your driveway, front yard, etc. So that the trick-or-treaters don't have to ring your doorbell. This can reduce stress immensely on your dog as he will not be bothered by constant ringing and/or scary things awaiting him at the front door.
Do not feed candy of any kind to your dog. Candy can be toxic or even fatal to your dog even if he or she "has a strong stomach". There are chemicals and additives in many different types of candy that a canine's metabolism cannot break down... which means more for you!
Do not leave your dog in the yard while you are home or gone on Halloween. They will be safest in your home. This will prevent anyone from harming or taunting your dog while you're home or away as well as stop your dog from feeling the need to escape out of the yard.
Be sure all candy wrappers/small toys/ miscelaneous items are disposed of properly so your dog cannot injest them and become sick or cause intestinal issues.
Be sure that all masks, large hats, wings, and/or props are removed before playing with Fido, as he may treat you as he would a big toy or he may bark, growl, and show other signs of discomfort. Remember, this is all foreign to him, he doesn't understand we humans are underneath all these nifty get-ups.
Now go out and have some family fun
Here are some important tips from Mallery Bosworth,
(Dog Trainer/Owner of Happy Paws) to keep in mind for this spooky holiday!
Many people think it's a fun idea to take their dog along with them on their trick or treating route, be it in the car or on the side walk. To your dog however this can be EXTREMELY stressful. Seeing such strangely dressed people and/or "monsters" may cause an otherwise calm relaxed dog to become anxious or even aggressive.
So what should you do with Fido on Halloween?
It is best to keep your dog in a private area of your home, perhaps in his crate if he has one. Give him a bone to chew on or a KONG filled with peanut butter to keep him occupied while you answer the door for the kids!
If weather permits you might consider sitting in your driveway, front yard, etc. So that the trick-or-treaters don't have to ring your doorbell. This can reduce stress immensely on your dog as he will not be bothered by constant ringing and/or scary things awaiting him at the front door.
Do not feed candy of any kind to your dog. Candy can be toxic or even fatal to your dog even if he or she "has a strong stomach". There are chemicals and additives in many different types of candy that a canine's metabolism cannot break down... which means more for you!
Do not leave your dog in the yard while you are home or gone on Halloween. They will be safest in your home. This will prevent anyone from harming or taunting your dog while you're home or away as well as stop your dog from feeling the need to escape out of the yard.
Be sure all candy wrappers/small toys/ miscelaneous items are disposed of properly so your dog cannot injest them and become sick or cause intestinal issues.
Be sure that all masks, large hats, wings, and/or props are removed before playing with Fido, as he may treat you as he would a big toy or he may bark, growl, and show other signs of discomfort. Remember, this is all foreign to him, he doesn't understand we humans are underneath all these nifty get-ups.
Now go out and have some family fun
Happy Halloween Everyone!
-Mallery Bosworth, ABCDT. Master Trainer/Owner of Happy Paws Dog Training Services
