DEAR TABBY | Trick-or-Treat Terror: When Halloween Visitors Spook Your Pets

Dear Tabby,

Every Halloween, my normally brave German Shepherd Duke turns into a scaredy-cat! The constant doorbell ringing from trick-or-treaters sends him into a frenzy of barking and hiding. Last year, he even knocked over our candy bowl trying to escape from a tiny tot dressed as Spiderman!

I want Duke to enjoy the holiday spirit as much as we do, but instead, he spends the evening trembling under my bed. I’ve tried keeping him in the back room, but he still gets anxious hearing all the commotion. Even the decorations we put up seem to make him nervous weeks before the big night.

How can I help my typically courageous canine cope with the constant parade of costumed kiddos? I’d love for him to see

Halloween as a fun celebration rather than a night of terror!

Signed,

Haunted Hound Handler in Houston

Dear Haunted Hound Handler,

Ah, the Halloween hullabaloo! When tiny ghosts and goblins transform our brave guardians into quivering balls of fur. Fear not – we can help Duke face his fright night fears with some strategic planning.

Your pup’s reaction is perfectly natural – dogs are creatures of habit who find comfort in familiar surroundings and predictable routines. Halloween throws their carefully ordered world into chaos! Suddenly, their environment is filled with spooky decorations, their trusted humans look and smell different in costumes, and strangers keep appearing at the door making unusual sounds. For a dog, it’s a trick, not a treat, when their whole universe goes topsy-turvy!

First, let’s create a calm carnival for your canine companion. Consider setting up a “spook-free” sanctuary in a quiet room far from the front door. Add his favorite bed, some soothing music to mask the doorbell, and perhaps a frozen Kong toy filled with peanut butter to keep him pleasantly distracted.

For the weeks leading up to Halloween, try desensitization training. Have friends or family come by in costumes, starting with simple masks and gradually working up to full outfits. Reward Duke with high-value treats when he remains calm. This helps him associate those strange-looking humans with positive experiences.

As for Halloween night itself, consider taking Duke for an extra-long walk earlier in the day to tire him out. You might also want to skip the doorbell entirely – try sitting outside with your candy bowl during designated trick-or-treat hours. This eliminates the anxiety-inducing “ding-dong” while still letting you participate in the festivities.

Some pet parents have found success with calming aids like ThunderShirts or natural supplements (consult your vet first, of course). And remember – there’s no shame in keeping Duke completely away from the action if that’s what makes him most comfortable. Perhaps a trusted friend or family member could host him for the evening?

The goal isn’t to force Duke to love Halloween, but rather to help him feel secure during this spooky season. With patience and preparation, you can turn this haunted holiday from frightful to delightful for your furry friend.

Treats and tranquility,

Tabby