Halloween is almost here and this year, Halloween falls on a Saturday. Which means Central Oregon is about to get a little busier.
Visitors coming into town. Costumes. Kids running from house to house. Decorations appearing in yards. Doorbells ringing. Neighbors stopping by. And, of course, the occasional person walking around dressed like something your dog has definitely never seen before.
For some dogs, it's all part of the fun. For others? It's A LOT.
Before the Halloween craziness begins, let them run it out.
One of the easiest things you can do for your dog on a busy day is give them some structured exercise before the festivities get started.
A good walk, run, sniff session or playtime can help give your dog an outlet for some of that extra energy before the doorbell starts going off, and that's where a little planning can make Halloween easier for everyone.
At Bend Barks & Rec, a 30-minute slatmill session gives your dog a chance to get moving before the costumes come out and the neighborhood gets busy. Your dog stays right at home, steps into the mobile dog gym, and gets a trainer-guided walk/run at their own pace. Then they can head back inside and settle in for the evening.
Especially if your dog isn't a fan of Halloween
Not every dog thinks the parade of tiny witches, superheroes and dinosaurs coming to the front door is adorable. Some dogs become excited. Some become nervous. Some bark at every single person who approaches the house.
And some would prefer to pretend Halloween simply doesn't exist.
That's okay.
The American Veterinary Medical Association includes Halloween among its holiday pet-safety topics, and keeping your dog's individual comfort and behavior in mind is an important part of having a safe holiday.
Exercise isn't a magic solution for an anxious dog and it shouldn't be used to force a dog into situations that make them uncomfortable. But giving an energetic dog an appropriate outlet before a busy evening can be a helpful part of your Halloween plan.
A little preparation goes a long way
If you're expecting a house full of people, think about your dog's evening before the first doorbell rings.
Get some exercise in early.
Give your dog an opportunity to move and burn some energy before the festivities begin.
Create a comfortable escape.
If your dog isn't a fan of visitors, costumes or constant activity, give them a quiet space where they can take a break.
Keep the candy to yourself.
Halloween treats are for the humans. Keep candy and other potentially harmful foods safely away from curious noses.
Remember that costumes can be weird.
Your dog may not recognize the neighbor they've seen a hundred times once they're wearing a giant inflatable dinosaur costume. Give everyone a little space and let your dog decide if they want to say hello.
And most importantly...
Know your dog.
Halloween should be fun for everyone—including the dog.
So before you put on your costume...
Put your dog's needs on the calendar, too.
A morning walk.
A good game of fetch.
A sniff-filled adventure.
Or a 30-minute run in the Bend Barks & Rec mobile dog gym.
Get the movement in before the doorbell starts ringing.
Because a dog who's had a chance to stretch their legs and use some of that energy may be much happier settling in while you hand out candy.
And if your dog is Team "Please Turn Off the Porch Light and Pretend We're Not Home"?
We totally understand that, too. 😉
RUN READY.
Happy Halloween, Central Oregon! 🎃🐾
Bend Barks & Rec provides trainer-guided, one-on-one dog walks/runs in our mobile dog gym.