Witches, goblins, ghosts oh my!!

[Laurel & Sophie]

We have trick or treating tomorrow and I'm looking for some tips to help Sophie with the goblins. Our other dog doesn't handle this day very well and will be kept in a safe spot. Sophie is not an open door runner so I'd like her to get exposure to the visitors. Thanks in advance. =)

[Adina P]

What we did last year was put our expen in a "C" around the front door so I could open the door and KNOW that the dogs wouldn't maul the kids with kisses, etc. But nobody came to our house so I never got to test it!

[Laurel & Sophie]

The pen is a good idea-that way she would be secure and I wouldn't have to worry if she did get the notion to go with someone. What a 'treat' they would get!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If the weather permits, I think sitting outside and greeting the trick-or-treaters BEFORE they get to the front door is your best bet. I have a front porch, so that's where I try to stay during the peak activity time; if you can have the dog(s) out there with you, it's a great socialization opportunity as well. It's surprising how much difference there is in a dog's reaction to people when they are actually coming up to the door vs greeting them a few feet further away! Hope you can enjoy the trick-or-treaters!

[Laurel & Sophie]

Okay, the goblins finished about an hour ago and I must report how well it went!! After setting up the goodie table I realized a leash might be a good idea fastened to the front stairs in the foyer. I let enough slack for her to get to the front door but not out. The first group caused her to bark a few times but it only lasted until I opened the door and the kids got to pet her. Sophie then sat in front of the door and greeted all with a thumping of the tail and lots of affectionate pats came her way. She was soo good!! Our other girl even came out of hiding to see what all the door bell ringing was about. I guess seeing how calm Sophie was with everything, Ruby got a sense of a safe situation and even participated in the greeting of the goblins. Both girls had LOTS of positive exposure today and they behaved beautifully. Good luck to all with your tick-or-treaters. ;)

[20xlhzzaoccks]

We have a pretty small neighborhood but we had over 200 trick-or-treaters last year. My friend and I sat outside in the driveway in lawn chairs with the two dogs. It worked out great and the dogs got a great chance to socialize with all the kids. I will have to say that we took them in when it started getting dark because they started growling at the kids that had masks on because they were really confused by it when it was dark outside. Good luck!

[sbis0oszc95r]

This will be Barney's first Halloween also. He's 8 months old. We have a front porch and I plan to put up a baby gate at the front door so he can at least see the trick or treaters and they can come pet him if they want. Plus, he'll be AWAY from all the chocolate! I'm looking forward to the good socialization opportunity.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I let my dogs bark the first 10 times the door bell rings; after that they give up and stay quiet. They are used to kids dressing up and don't react to the costumes. I've tried dressing them up too, but they hate their costumes, so given up on that cute idea.

Do keep all the candy away from your dog; it can make her really sick.

Happy Halloween !!!!

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I plan to take mine WITH me this year....that should be exciting!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And what will their costumes be?

[Marci Southard]

Why not have a little dish of small pieces of dog treats in a bowl near the door, with the xpen idea which is a great idea., have one child in each group of children tell your dog to sit and then have the child say "good dog" and hand the dog the treat (only if dog stays in a sit!).....great training in distraction opportunity!!! No treat if we do not obey!....have fun!!! Let us know how it goes..........where i live noone comes around!

[Laurel & Sophie]

That's a great idea! Wish i would have known that for Sunday as it would have been a terrific training oppurtunity.