DogTrainster.Com

Article Source: examiner.com
By: Jeff Millman

Halloween is a great opportunity for dog training. The uniqueness of the holiday provides some dog training experiences that you can take advantage of to help your dog get to the next level in his socialization and guest manners skills.

Socialize Your Puppy
Halloween is a prime opportunity to expose your puppy to new and interesting sights and sounds. Bring treats with you on every walk and say, “Yes!” or ‘Click and Treat’ every time your puppy sees halloween decorations, hears ghoulish sounds or meets trick-or-treaters.

Remember, with socialization it is critical that your puppy is not showing signs of fear or you are going too quickly. When a puppy stops taking treats, that is a sure sign of fear. Move him or her farther away and give treats from this new distance.

Doorbell Desensitization
Trick or treaters provide a perfect opportunity to teach a dog to be calm when the doorbell rings.

Keep some treats in your pockets in anticipation of the little ghosts and goblins and practice this doorbell desensitization exercise:

* AS SOON as the doorbell rings, say, “Yes!” or ‘Click’ (if you are using a clicker) and drop treats on the ground
* As you notice that your dog’s reactivity lessens throughout the evening (he might even start sniffing the ground after the doorbell!!) start talking to him more before giving treats
* By the end of the evening, try and walk him calmly to the door and have him sit after each ring
* Practice walking him to the door and sitting periodically between visitors to give him more practice

Have a Safe Place for Candy
It is easy to lose track of your child’s bounty after a long night of trick or treating. Make sure to help your kids put the candy in safe place to avoid making your dog sick (or worse) after ingesting candy.

Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and grapes are really bad for dogs and could prove fatal.

Wrappings can also cause intestinal problems.

Article Source: azcentral.com
By: Rhonda S. Verona

Keep dogs safe during Halloween - the most dangerous holiday for dogs - with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters’ network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained more than 400,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

• Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

• Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

• Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

• Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

• Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar - just in case.

• Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies - especially chocolate - are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

• Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

• Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine - he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

• Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.