I talk a lot about minimizing stress on dogs at Halloween. It is an important topic as Halloween can be cause your dog to be fearful or over stimulated. However, it is also important to talk about dog bite prevention tips parents on keeping kids safe around dogs during Halloween Trick-or-Treating.
PRACTICE IN ADVANCE
understanding how a dog communicates stress and wanting space.
Please click here to see my post that explains what to look for in dog stress signals and dog body language, with videos.
AVOID
barking dogs, either tied up, behind a fence, or pulling at the end of a leash.
IF YOU HEAR A DOG BARKING INSIDE A FRONT DOOR OR WINDOW
the safest choice is to move on to the next home.
BEST TO AVOID APPROACHING LEASHED DOGS.
Costumes, candy buckets, and unfamiliar sounds can cause even known dogs to react in unsafe ways.
BEST TO ALSO AVOID OFF LEASH DOGS.
Be vigilant about your surroundings. An off-leash dog can be attracted to your child’s movements, costume, and candy. If a dog is at a distance, calm move away. If needed, seek shelter from a homeowner or a driver on the street.
NO CANDY FOR DOGS.
It is toxic to dogs.
And, VERY IMPORTANT – HAVE FUN!!!
