Keeping Your Dog Calm During Trick-or-Treaters: Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween

Halloween can be an exciting time for families, but the frequent knocks at the door and strange costumes can be stressful for our furry friends. If you have a dog who finds the constant buzz of trick-or-treaters overwhelming, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep them calm and comfortable during the festivities. Here’s a guide to help your dog stay relaxed this Halloween.

1. Create a Safe Space

Many dogs feel more secure when they have a quiet place to retreat to when things get noisy. Setting up a safe space can make a world of difference:

• Set Up a Cosy Den: Find a quiet room away from the front door where your dog can feel safe. Add their bed, blankets, and some of their favourite toys. This den can act as a buffer from the noise and commotion outside.
• Use Calming Aids: Calming sprays or diffusers, recommended by The Kennel Club, can release soothing pheromones that help to reduce anxiety. Place one in your dog’s safe space to create a calm environment.

2. Tire Them Out Before the Trick-or-Treaters Arrive

A tired dog is often a calmer dog, so plan some exercise earlier in the day:

• Take a Long Walk: A long walk or a play session in the garden before the evening’s activities can help burn off excess energy. A tired dog is more likely to settle down and rest as the evening progresses.
• Mental Enrichment Games: Activities like puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or scent games can keep your dog mentally stimulated and help them feel more relaxed. Dogs Trust suggests that mental enrichment can be just as effective as physical exercise in reducing anxiety.

3. Manage the Doorbell Situation

The sound of the doorbell or knocking can be a major trigger for dogs, causing barking and excitement. Here’s how to handle it:

• Train with a ‘Quiet’ Command: Start working on a ‘quiet’ command before Halloween night. Practice this when someone rings the doorbell and reward your dog for staying calm. This can take time, but it’s worth it for future events too!
• Use a Sign: If your dog is especially anxious, you could put a sign on your door asking trick-or-treaters not to knock or ring the bell. Instead, leave a bowl of treats outside with a friendly note. This minimises disturbances while still participating in the fun.
• Play Background Noise: Play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sound of the doorbell. This can help mask the unfamiliar noises of trick-or-treaters and reduce your dog’s anxiety.

4. Distract with Treats and Toys

Keeping your dog occupied with something engaging can help take their focus off the door:

• Long-Lasting Snacks: Licki mats or bully sticks can keep your dog occupied for a while. These treats give them something positive to focus on, diverting their attention from the excitement at the door.
• Frozen Treats: Prepare a frozen treat like a Kong filled with peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free) or pureed pumpkin. PDSA recommends frozen treats as a way to keep dogs occupied, as they work for a while to get every last bit.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

It’s important to reward your dog for calm behaviour. This helps them associate positive feelings with the situation:

• Treat Calm Behaviour: If your dog remains quiet and relaxed while trick-or-treaters are around, reward them with treats or praise. This reinforces the idea that calm behaviour is rewarding.
• Avoid Punishment: Scolding or punishing your dog for barking can actually increase their anxiety according to PDSA. Instead, redirect their attention to something positive or use a gentle command to encourage quiet behaviour.

6. Dress Rehearsals for Halloween

If your dog is particularly sensitive to costumes, it might help to do a little desensitization training in the days leading up to Halloween:

• Introduce Costumes Gradually: Let your dog see family members in costumes before the big night. Reward them with treats for remaining calm as they see people dressed up. This can help make the experience less startling when trick-or-treaters arrive.
• Practice with the Doorbell: Get friends or neighbours to ring the doorbell during the day and practice rewarding your dog for staying calm. The Kennel Club says this helps them become accustomed to the sound and the idea that it doesn’t always mean something alarming is happening.

7. Consider a Quiet Night In

For some dogs, the best solution is simply avoiding the excitement altogether:

• Take a Halloween Break: If your dog really struggles with the sounds and activities of Halloween night, consider skipping the trick-or-treating festivities altogether. You could spend the evening in a back room with your dog, watching a movie or reading while they enjoy their favourite treat.
• Make a spa at home: Consider giving your dog a bath utilising a calming shampoo and give them a nice massage to help keep your pup calm. Afterwards, help them feel secure by wrapping them up in their favourite drying robe or blanket. 
• Make a Fun Indoor Environment: Create a distraction-free zone and spend time playing with your dog indoors. This can be a great bonding time and allows you to avoid the stress triggers entirely.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun and stress-free time for your entire household—including your dog. By creating a safe space, managing the doorbell situation, and using positive reinforcement, you can help your furry friend remain calm during the excitement of trick-or-treaters. Remember, every dog is different, so tailor these strategies to what works best for your pup.

For more information on managing anxiety in dogs, check out resources from The Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, and PDSA. Happy Halloween, and may your night be filled with treats rather than tricks!