Halloween Can Be Spooky for Dogs Too: How to Keep It Low-Stress and Safe

Halloween is fun for humans—but for many dogs it’s a perfect storm of triggers: strange costumes, masks that hide faces, unpredictable movement and noise, and a doorbell that never stops. If your dog already struggles with reactivity, stranger danger, or sound sensitivity, the night can quickly tip from exciting to overwhelming.

Let’s think about it from the dogs perspective. For our dogs Halloween involves

• Novel & uncanny sights: masks, capes, bulky silhouettes, wheels (wagons, strollers), glowing props.

• Unpredictability: fast approaches, groups clustering at the doorway, sudden squeals.

• Territory invasion: repeated doorbell knocks at the same spot your dog protects daily.

• Reduced scent & facial cues: masks and makeup block the “normal” info dogs use to identify people.

In our opinion there are two ways you can handle Halloween night with your dog.

Option A Management— “Quiet Night In” (Best for puppies, fearful, or reactive dogs)

• Create a safe room away from the front door: covered crate or gated room, white noise or fan, calming music.

• Prep long-lasting chews/lick mats and a stuffed Kong or Toppl.

• Put a “Please don’t knock—nervous dog resting” sign outside and leave candy on the porch. Or turn off all fort lights to let trick or treaters know you will not be passing out candy this year.

• Leash for potty breaks and use reflective gear—costumes can spook even calm dogs outside.

Option B — “Easy Training- at the Door” (For social, resilient dogs)

• Use two barriers: a closed door + baby gate/ex-pen line behind you. This creates what we call an air lock. That way your dog never has direct access to the outside.

• Keep dog on a harness + leash with a mat several feet back from the threshold.

• Keep jackpot treats and a treat jar on the porch so kids can toss a treat toward your dog from afar (if dog is comfortable). Never force greetings.

• Reward your dog when they hear the doorbell, when people approach, and when they are watching all the strange costumes.

Start Preparing Now!

Don’t wait until the day of Halloween to start getting your dog prepared for all the triggers they will experience. The sooner you start preparing the better we set our dogs up for success! Here are some training ideas to work on with your dog.

1) Doorbell = Treat Party

• Record your doorbell/knock on your phone.

• Play at low volume, mark/click/say “Yes!” and scatter treats each time your dog hears the sound.

• Gradually increase the volume and vary the timing.

• Goal: Bell rings → your dog orients to you expecting snacks on their mat.

2) Pattern Games (predictable = safe)

• Look At That (LAT): A family member wears a hat/mask outside the front door. Start at a distance the dog notices but is not reacting or showing signs of stress. Dog glances → Mark/click/“Yes!” → treat; increase difficulty slowly.

• Treat & Retreat: Visitor toss treats to or behind the dog while they are behind the gate at the front door. This lets your dog interact at easy levels and teaches your dog visitors are good.

• Costume Dress Rehearsal: Wear a costume around the house to desensitize your dog to the sight and movement.

With these training tips hope fully Halloween will be less spooky/scary and more relaxing/enjoyable for furry friends.