Dear Critter Corner: Our previous pups have struggled with Halloween and all that comes with it. This will be our new pup’s first Halloween with us, and we would like to ensure they have a good experience. What are some tips for introducing them to all things Halloween?
Holidays can be a fun time for all, but as you know, not all pups are as accepting of changes in their day-to-day routines. Here are a few tips to ensure your new pup is a fan of the fun holiday!
Some pups may be more cautious of their surroundings. This may mean new people or things can be scary for them. You will want to set their environment up so that they can experience everything from a distance they are comfortable with and make the choice to move forward on their own. This gives them the ability to decide whether something is safe or not. You, of course, will be a cheerleader, encouraging them to be brave, even if it is just while they continue walking past outdoor decorations.
If you are planning to have guests over who may be dressed for the occasion and feel this may be too much for your pup, you can place them in another room with something to occupy their time and have a TV or radio on to help buffer the noise. If your pup is a door-dasher, you could use baby gates to limit their access to the front door as a safety net.
Most importantly, if your pup likes to counter surf, be sure that any candy or other off-limits items are kept out of your pup’s reach. A small amount of chocolate can be deadly for your pup. You can use baby gates to limit access to certain rooms when you are not around to watch and ensure that your pup does not eat anything that is hazardous for them.
If you notice your pup struggling with a particular item, take your time and encourage them to be brave around the item, giving them the time to process the item.
Have a safe and fun holiday!
Tasha Suda is the Lead Dog Trainer for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department. For more information, please visit www.phs-spca.org, call 650-340-7022 x314 or email tsuda@phs-spca.org.