Halloween & Hounds

Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running, spooky children in masks make many dogs uncomfortable, nervous and frightened.

Halloween costumes are fun and are meant to disguise our normal appearance. Dogs do not understand this change in appearance and may become frightened. Costumes that change the way a person walks, stands, or their general appearance may cause a dog to react different then usual even with those they know.

Keep in mind that children on Halloween night are excited and doing their best to be scary. This is not a fair or safe situation to put even the best of dogs in. Even the normally terrific tolerant family dog can find this night hard to handle.

Along with costumes being frightening to a dog there are some that may become interesting too. Swords, tails and dangling things may be fun for an excited dog to chase and toddlers certainly won't appreciate that.

Every child and every costume is a new opportunity for different reactions from the same dog.

I recommend setting up your dog with their own private Halloween bash in a safe quiet spot with a yummy treat of their own. Here are some tips to help make this safe haven most comfortable.

1. Stuff a food dispensing toy with yummy mush and freeze it until it is "Halloween" time.

2. Use a fan or radio for white noise. Something consistent is best.

3. Be sure the blinds are down or the dog is not watching kids coming and going by the window. This will only frustrate him and allow him to practice barking and carrying on at the window.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Put candy in a safe spot.

Many dogs are stolen, poisoned or injured by Halloween pranks. Keep your dog safe and sound inside your home.

Be safe and aware and have fun!

About The Author

Jennifer Shryock, Canine behavior consultant - Owner of Family Paws http://www.familypaws.com

U.S. Coordinator of Doggone Safe www.doggonesafe.com

jen@familypaws.com

In The News:


MO-Call Cuts the Cost of Mobile Roaming for the Summer Holidays ...
FOXBusiness - 14 hours ago
It's always a comfort to take your mobile phone with you travel overseas; MO-Call makes it an affordable convenience to keep in touch whilst you are holiday ...

etihad launches belarus holiday promotion
Al-Bawaba, Jordan - 19 minutes ago
Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, has unveiled a number of exciting packages to Minsk, as the Abu Dhabi-based airline gears-up for the launch ...

Eldridge responds, says sales tax holidays isn’t good fiscal policy
Politicker MA, MA - 12 hours ago
Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) defended his vote against the sales tax holiday on Wednesday, repeatedly calling the holiday an "ineffective gimmick. ...
In Middlesex-Worcester race, Levy raises Eldridge's sales tax ... Politicker MA
all 2 news articles

UK's Favourite Family Resort are Giving Away 2500 Free Holidays
PR Web (press release), WA - 2 hours ago
Pontin's, Britain's traditional, family, value for money, holiday resorts, are giving away 2500 free breaks to British Service personnel and their families ...

Canal holidays booming as more boats on waterways than Industrial ...
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 11 hours ago
Canal holidays are booming as Britain's waterways enjoy a renaissance and now carry more boats than at the height of the Industrial Revolution, ...

Canada.com

Wii shortage expected during holidays
ABC7Chicago.com,  USA - 11 hours ago
A popular video game machine may still be hard to come by this upcoming holiday season. The head of Nintendo tells Forbes magazine that he cannot guarantee ...
Want A Wii For Christmas? Buy It Now Escapist Magazine
Analysts Unsatisfied With Xbox 360 Price Cut Game Reviews
Wii takes pole position, PlayStation 3 gains momentum Los Angeles Times
all 302 news articles

Government starts summer holidays
The Press Association - 15 hours ago
The Government has officially began its summer holidays after holding its final Cabinet meeting until the end of August. Environmental protection and the ...

Holidays made simple with QVC
My Pressportal (press release), South Africa - 3 hours ago
[Pressportal.co.za] Whether you are searching for the perfect place to spend your holiday or the perfect means to rent your owned holiday accommodation, ...
Exciting holiday Adventures has never been so affordable then with ... My Pressportal (press release)
all 2 news articles

Mirror.co.uk

Parents face high bills to keep kids busy during summer holidays
Mirror.co.uk, UK - 17 minutes ago
But that does not even include the cost of a traditional holiday, which 73 per cent of families will take. And with petrol prices up 15 per cent, ...

Holidays…what holidays?
Teaching Expertise, UK - 47 minutes ago
Well then, technically the first week of the holidays; I say technically, as I’ve still been busy! As I was collecting my paper from the local shop this ...
holidays - Google News

Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments

Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More

Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More

Magical Holiday Emergency Kit

With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More

Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More

Christmas Lights Add Sparkle To The Holidays

Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880's. It... Read More

The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments

Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament... Read More

Lets NOT Talk Turkey

The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love... Read More

Unique Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season! Go Digital!

Instead of scouring the mall for gifts this holiday season... Read More

Holiday Tips & Treats That Wont Play Tricks On Your Waistline

Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American... Read More

Christmas Gifts For Bird Lovers

Choosing gifts for any animal lovers can be quite a... Read More

Birthday Gift Ideas

Birthday celebrations date back as far as biblical times, when... Read More

What Are You Doing This Halloween?

When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety... Read More

The Truth about Mistletoe

You can call it the emasculator of the old king,... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

10 Steps to a Relaxing Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food ?... Read More

How to Make a Gift Basket

Gift Baskets are an ideal gift for nearly any occasion.... Read More

The Gift My Brother Couldnt Give

From the book A Heartland Christmas CollectionIn the first years... Read More

10 Ways to Keep Your Expectations From Making You Crazy This Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time! Everyone is full of good... Read More

Throwing an Anniversary Party to be Remembered

Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people... Read More

Eggs-travagant Eggs

Wonderfully simple to do and oh so impressive!You don't need... Read More

Use H-O-L-L-Y to Beat Christmas Cooking Stress

What does holly, that untidy traditional greenery you just have... Read More

2 Inexpensive Halloween Costume Ideas

Did you know that you can make your own Halloween... Read More

Wake Up ? Its Almost Fathers Day

Father's Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls... Read More

EASTER: The Bunny and The Egg

Ever wonder why there's an "Easter Bunny"? Ever wonder why... Read More