Preparing Your Dog for Halloween

In a press release this date....

Halloween, with candy, costumes and kids, can be a scary and even dangerous time for dogs across the country. By following a few simple guidelines, dog owners can enjoy the festivities, knowing that their dog is safe and comfortable.

"Halloween can be extremely stressful for dogs,” said Guy Kantak, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and owner of The K9 Guy LLC in Worthington, Ohio. “Every November first, hundreds of dog owners have heartbreaking stories to share about their dogs – stories that could be prevented with a little planning and awareness.”

Mr. Kantak recommends these 10 survival strategies to Central Ohio dog owners, to help them have a safe and comfortable Halloween:

Top Three Obedience Commands

1.Practice your “stay” command with your dog in the days and weeks leading up to Halloween. With ghouls and goblins coming to the door, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your obedience training. Remember to use a leash or a baby gate while practicing your “stay” command if your dog has not had enough practice.

2.Teach your dog how to relax on command, with a word like “easy,” “calm” or “chill.” Use it to keep excitement levels down when trick-or-treaters come knocking.

3.Make sure your dog has a solid “Leave It” command in place for the days that follow Halloween, when the ground is covered in candy, wrappers, and other goodies.

Six Safety Strategies

1.Expose your dog to costumes, masks, and people doing funny or lurching walks before Halloween. Watch your dog’s reaction carefully to decide if he is ready to face Halloween revelers.

2.If your dog is frightened or distressed, do not force it to participate with Halloween activities. Provide a safe, comfortable place that will help provide some security amid the scary sights and sounds.

3.Consider giving your dog a highly valued chew toy at least 30 minutes before trick-or-treating begins, which may help to keep its mind off the disturbance.

4.Keep your dog inside, and attach a “house leash” to your dog, to act as an extra long handle, should your dog try to escape or run away. Make sure your dog is wearing proper identification in case she gets out the door.

5.If your dog is frightened, do not comfort or “baby” your dog if it is afraid. Dogs take their cue of how to behave from their owners; if you are acting “strange” by offering soothing words and gestures, your dog may interpret it as praise for being frightened, or a confirmation that the costumes are truly scary. Instead, act normal and as “matter of fact” as possible, to help your dog understand that there is nothing to worry about.

6.Make sure your family knows that chocolate is toxic for dogs. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but all chocolate has the potential to cause nerve damage or even death. Learn the symptoms of chocolate poisoning: Excessive drooling, excessive urination, pupil dilation (look at your dog’s pupil’s now, to learn what “normal” looks like), rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, muscle tremors and seizures, and coma.

Every year, dogs die of chocolate poisoning. If you notice these signs, take your dog immediately to your vet or emergency vet – record their contact information now, and place it on your fridge.

“Halloween is a tremendous opportunity to help your dog learn how to be calm and obedient with high levels of distraction,” said Kantak. “With a little preparation to keep dogs safe, and an understanding of how to help pets through their fears, dog owners can have a safe – not scary – Halloween celebration.”

“The K9 Guy” provides training, behavior modification, and other dog related services throughout Central Ohio. You can contact him at 614-987-7495 or visit www.theK9guy.com for more information.

Guy Kantak is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, a group of trainers, veterinarians, kennel operators, dog walkers, retailers, and other professionals dedicated to the well being of dogs. With an IACP member, you know you’re in Safe Hands. Visit the IACP website at www.dogpro.org.