Halloween Hazards: Keep Your Pup Safe and Calm with Dog Training in Surrey

Halloween might be fun for the kids, but for your dog, it can be confusing, or even frightening. 

 

Strange costumes, loud noises, your doorbell constantly ringing, and unfamiliar people at the door can be extremely stressful. Often it means their behaviour becomes worse. The good news? With the right approach, and expert dog training in Surrey, your pup can handle Halloween in a much calmer way.

 

Spooky Chaos and Canines Don’t Mix

 

To a dog, someone wearing a witch hat or a mask doesn’t scream ‘fun’: it screams ‘threat’. Dogs rely on body language and familiar scents to feel secure; unfortunately, Halloween costumes disrupt both!

 

Flashing props and large groups of children can easily overwhelm a dog, especially a young puppy or an adolescent still learning impulse control.

 

That’s why early socialisation, especially in our Pup1 classes, is so vital. At Canine Kids, we help your puppy develop resilience in the face of new experiences. Dogs that attend our dog training classes in Surrey learn how to build positive associations with novelty: a skill that pays off when life throws them something unexpected (like a vampire at the door!).

 

The Doorbell Dilemma

 

One of the biggest pains on Halloween night is the constant ringing of the doorbell. Each ring can trigger barking, jumping, or even lunging. It’s exhausting for you and overwhelming for your dog.

 

Our dog training in Surrey includes teaching them to remain calm around the front door, so your dog learns to settle instead of reacting. A ‘go to mat’ cue can make all the difference here. It teaches your dog to retreat to a designated spot when the doorbell rings, reducing chaos and keeping everyone safe.

 

If your dog is already showing anxiety around visitors or loud noises, our one-to-one sessions can target these specific issues in the comfort of your home. You’ll get a tailored plan to help your dog stay calm, focused, and under control.

 

Tricks, Not Treats (for Dogs)

 

Many popular Halloween treats, like chocolate and sweets containing xylitol, are extremely toxic to dogs. Along with discarded sweet wrappers, it’s a recipe for a late-night visit to the vet. 

 

Teaching a solid ‘leave it’ and ‘drop’ command through our dog training in Surrey helps prevent scavenging accidents before they happen.

 

Keep it Positive

 

Halloween is one of the most fun events in the calendar, but not necessarily for our pets. The more your dog learns to look to you for guidance, the more confident and settled they’ll be, not just during spooky season, but all year round.

 

Want to make sure your dog is ready for anything? Join our expert-led dog training in Surrey at Canine Kids and give your dog the tools to thrive, no matter what’s behind the next knock at the door.

For more information on our puppy training in Surrey, simply get in touch today.