Making Halloween Fun for Your Dog
For some people, Halloween is all about the thrill of being scared. However, this is not what you want for your dog. In order to increase your dog's socialization and build their confidence, Halloween should be a happy positive holiday. So, here are a few quick tips:
- If you want to work with your dog during this time, watch for signs of stress and give them plenty of breaks in a comfortable, low-key location (crate training anybody?).
- Treats, treats, and oh boy! more treats! Every time the doorbell rings, give them a treat-this way they learn to come to you instead of the door...just make sure you don't reward them for barking.
- Have them interact with friendly strangers who will give them a tummy rub.
- Teaching your dog to wear a costume? Have them play fetch in it several times or eat dinner while it's on. This way, they see the costume and think something exciting is going to happen.
- Introduce pieces of your own costume, or you child's costume, piece by piece over the weekend. If your dog is scared of masks (or some other similar costume component), let your dog get used to it in increments. Leave the mask out on the floor for a few hours and play with toys, do a short training session, give them dinner, all while ignoring the mask. Let them investigate it at their own discretion. Later, pick it up with one hand and give them treats from your other hand. Work on this process until you can put on the mask and have your dog react positively. For more about desensitization, view this post Cheri vs The Chair.
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