Did I scare you?

Probably not... if I did, you're really going to need to brace yourself for the thrills yet to come this evening when strange ghostly creatures start appearing on your doorstep! Even though it's a school night, I'm expecting lots of trick-or-treaters to be coming around in search of Candy! If they eat enough sugar, the 8-year-olds won't be too tired for school the next day, anyway!

Halloween is a great, fun day, but it can be a little unsettling for dogs.

First, dogs naturally have a protective instinct, and it can be a lot of work for them to feel like they have to guard your house from the constant stream of marauders.

Second, when your guests do show up, the ones decked out to the nines could really throw your dog for a loop.

Third, there's lots of candy around that your dog isn't allowed to eat and

Fourth, you may have to do plenty of collar grabbing to keep your friendly dog from bowling over the tottering treat seekers who may be too scared of him to know how to respond to his eager nuzzles and licks.

If you have been practicing your obedience training, Halloween is a great time to reinforce your dog's skills and "proof" him in the face of some unusual circumstances.

"Proofing" your dog's skills means, testing them in a challenging environment, so that he knows that he has to obey no matter what else is going on.

When you hear the doorbell ring, put your dog in a down-stay or sit-stay and enforce the command when the trick or treaters are there and wait until after they leave to release your dog, and praise him.

If the kids like dogs and want to pet him (which they undoubtedly will if he's wearing his costume!) then go ahead and have him sit-stay while the kids pet his shoulder and back. Teach the kids not to pet his face, which can be overwhelming for the dog in the case of a lot of new hands groping him.

If your dog can not be stopped from barking and jumping on guests, keep him kenneled or in a different room. No use in giving your visitors an all-to-real scare which could lead to a fear of dogs in the case of very young children.

Help make Halloween a Safe and Happy event for all: You, your dog, and the little trick or treaters.

All my best!

Emily Cressey

P.S. If your dog has not mastered the simple "down," "sit," and "stay" commands, he may be due for a bit of refresher training. Check out this very complete and well-explained dog training manual.

Copyright 2005, Emily Cressey.

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