CLEVELAND, Ohio — Halloween might be full of fun for families, but for dogs, the spooky season can come with some real scares. From tempting candy to noisy crowds, the holiday can quickly turn into a stressful night for pets if owners aren’t prepared.
Josh Lopez, owner of Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland and a former U.S. Navy canine handler, shared tips on how to keep dogs calm and safe before the first trick-or-treater rings the doorbell.
“Some of the most common ‘indoor’ hazards that we’ve seen are chocolate, sugar-free candies with xylitol, raisins, candy wrappers, candles in pumpkins, and choking hazards from small costume parts,” Lopez said. “Some other hazards to be aware of are broken decorations, crowded sidewalks, strangers in costumes, and unpredictable noises (fireworks, loud groups).”
Lopez said commands like “Leave It” and “Drop It” are essential during Halloween to stop dogs from grabbing unsafe items off the ground.
“Dogs are curious and may lunge at candy or wrappers on the ground,” he said. “A reliable ‘Leave It’ prevents them from grabbing dangerous items, while ‘Drop It’ ensures they release anything they do pick up.”
To prevent accidental ingestion of candy, Lopez recommended keeping sweets in sealed containers and out of reach.
“Make sure kids know the importance of keeping their treats away from pets and keep an eye out for loose candies or wrappers on the floor,” he said. “Trash cans with lids are also a great way to make sure pets can’t get into any scraps.”
Decorations and costumes can also make dogs nervous. Lopez said it helps to introduce these new sights and sounds early.
“The key to safely introducing costumes and decorations is positive reinforcement and to do it in short sessions,” he said. “Setting up decorations early can let your dog investigate calmly, and praise your pet for this positive behavior.”
Frequent doorbell rings can overwhelm even well-trained dogs. Teaching a “Place” or “Go to Bed” command can help.
“One simple trick is to train your dog to go to a mat, bed, or crate when the doorbell rings,” Lopez said. “This gives your dog a safe retreat and keeps them out of the way of trick-or-treaters.”
For those planning to bring pets along for trick-or-treating, Lopez suggested keeping the walk calm and controlled.
“Make sure to only bring dogs that are social and are comfortable around crowds,” he said. “Even in groups, it is important to keep them on a short, sturdy leash. I would advise using a standard leash for this, not a retractable leash.”
Lopez recommended adding reflective or light-up gear to every dog’s Halloween outfit to make nighttime walks safer. Collars, harnesses, and leashes with reflective material, along with LED lights, glow collars, or bright bandanas, can help ensure drivers and trick-or-treaters see them clearly.
Pet owners should also watch for stress cues throughout the evening.
“You might notice excessive yawning, lip licking, panting, pacing, whining, tail tucked, or your dog trying to hide away,” Lopez said. “If you notice any of these warning signs, make sure to give your dog some space, remove them from the overstimulating environment, and redirect to a quiet, safe area inside.”
Lopez encouraged families to start refreshing basic obedience commands now to build confidence before Halloween.
“It’s important to make sure your pet solidly understands these commands,” he said. “Then, you can add distractions gradually – doorbell sounds, people in hats, moving objects. You can use positive reinforcement like praise or treats so your dog builds confidence in new situations.”
Beyond practicing commands, Lopez said consistency and patience are key in helping dogs feel confident and secure on Halloween night. By working with pets in the weeks leading up to the holiday, owners can reduce fear and stress and turn a potentially overwhelming evening into a positive experience for the whole family.
“Halloween is exciting but overwhelming for many dogs,” Lopez said. “Plan ahead: supervise closely, create a safe retreat, and put training into practice. A little preparation now makes the night smoother and keeps your furry family member safe, calm, and part of the fun.”