Halloween is such a fun time of year — costumes, treats, laughter, and community events fill the season with excitement. But for many dogs, the sights and sounds of Halloween can be confusing, overwhelming, and even dangerous.
As much as we want our dogs to join in the fun, it’s our job to make sure the festivities are a positive experience for them — not a stressful one. It’s not to late to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration. Here are the behaviors I teach to help dog’s with impulse Control. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGiv70ejXQ/8OOH54qCdLnjkY3BA4O-iw/edit
My Halloween Parade Memories with Paisley
Back when I owned Canine Valley Training Facility in the Reading, Pennsylvania area, October was one of my favorite times of year. Every fall, our team participated in local Halloween parades, and my chocolate English Labrador, Paisley, was my parade partner.
Paisley loved it all — the attention, the cheers from the crowd. The best part was the down time before the parade. The dog’s would get to play together, people would give them so much love and attention. Sometimes it would be hours until the parade would start which gave us time to sit around and spend time with our dogs. It was a great time to socialize for both 2 and 4 legged participants. Here is a short video of two puppies enjoying some wrestling time supervised closely so to make sure inappropriate play was stopped. https://youtube.com/shorts/RbkuX2U50KM?si=ANG0al3dR9cE4in- Some years the night air was crisp and cool; other years, it was unseasonably warm. Regardless of the weather, we always made sure our dogs were comfortable and cared for.
We had a support vehicle following behind our section, stocked with water, a first-aid kit, extra supplies, and a safe space for dogs and their humans. If any dog needed a break or a drink, we were ready. It was all about making the experience fun and safe for everyone.
We even had volunteers who walked with us to help care for the dogs during the parade. They ran back and forth to the support vehicle when needed, walked the sidelines to alert us if there were dogs in the crowd, and helped move our parade dogs to the center to keep everyone safe. It truly was a team effort to make sure both people and pups had a good experience.
There was one dog named Scout, a Treeing Walker Coonhound, who tried her best to enjoy the parades. But the excitement was just too much for her. From the moment the parade started until the very end, she barked non-stop — and while it certainly got us plenty of attention and laughs, it wasn’t fair to Scout. After a few parades, her mom and I made the collective decision that she’d be much happier staying home in a quiet, comfortable space during parade nights. We missed having her with us, but it was the right choice. It just wasn’t fun anymore for her — or for her mom — and what mattered most was making sure Scout felt safe and content.
But one of the most important lessons I learned from those events was this: if it’s in a dog’s best interest not to celebrate with us, that’s okay too. Not every dog enjoys the excitement, noise, or costumes that come with holidays. When that’s the case, it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re well cared for and comfortable at home — given a calm, cozy space to relax while we celebrate.
Holidays are extra special for us humans, and they should be special for our dogs as well — whether they’re by our side enjoying the festivities or peacefully resting at home waiting for us to return.
Halloween Hazards to Watch For
Chocolate and Candy
Chocolate and many sugar-free candies (especially those containing xylitol) are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or worse. Here is a great article written by Dr. Kathryn Allen in The Whole Dog Journal https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-chocolate/
If your dog manages to sneak some chocolate:
- Stay calm, but act quickly.
- Check the type and amount of chocolate. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
- Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for guidance.
- If possible, bring the candy wrapper to help the vet estimate how much your dog may have eaten.
Prevention tip: Keep all candy out of reach and remind guests and kids not to share their treats.
Costumes and Decorations
- Make sure your dog’s costume fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict movement, hearing, or vision.
- Avoid dangling pieces or small decorations that can be chewed off.
- Watch for signs of stress: lip-licking, yawning, pinned ears, or trying to bite or shake off the costume.
If your dog doesn’t love dressing up, a festive bandana or collar can be just as cute!
Trick-or-Treat Chaos
Constant doorbell rings, excited children, and spooky costumes can be overwhelming for dogs.
Set up a safe space away from the front door — complete with treats, toys, calming music, and a comfy bed. You can even use white noise to muffle sounds from outside. Make sure your dog gets a good aerobic exercise session before the celebration begins to help them calm naturally. Consider practicing a few calm behaviors ahead of time — like a mat “stay” or quiet settling cue — to help your dog relax during the big night.
Outdoor Events and Parades
If your dog joins you for a community event:
- Keep them on a short leash for safety and control.
- Bring fresh water, a collapsible bowl, poop bags, and a first aid kit.
- Watch for signs of stress or fatigue — panting, turning away, slowing down or trying to escape.
- Always have an exit plan, like we did at Canine Valley with our support vehicle, in case your dog needs a break.
Celebrate, But Make It Safe
Halloween can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your dog and show off their personality. Just remember — not every dog loves costumes or crowds, and that’s okay. The best way to include them is by making sure they feel secure, comfortable, and calm.
With a little preparation and understanding, you can ensure your dog enjoys the spooky season in the way that’s best for them — whether that means trotting proudly in costume or curling up at home in their favorite cozy spot.
If you need my help and support I offer Private Sessions, Online Mini Course https://www.canva.com/design/DAGttLao2rk/DmcgjgvuAGtXjWNy8W4rPQ/edit and Full Transformation courses https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqC8QtXOs/1n4PArFx1ZmP9mqbB7VsfA/edit?utm_content=DAGqC8QtXOs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Stay safe and have a tail-wagging Halloween!
— Sharon Mathers, Behavior Consultant
Bark Side Manners Dog Training
@barksidemanners
