Keep your Dog Safe over 2 Big Days Coming Up in Clarkstown

A big event and a big transition are coming up—and both can be tough on your dog in different ways.

Here are some tips from dog trainer Steve Reid to help you weather Oct. 31 and Nov. 2:

• Do NOT leave your pet in the yard alone on Halloween. Dogs should be kept indoors on Halloween and only taken out on a leash to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately there are many horrible stories of animals being teased, injured and stolen on Halloween night.
• Dog costumes can be an unnecessary stressor and are NOT for every dog. Only dress your dog in an appropriately fitted costume if they are completely comfortable with it.
• A too restrictive costume that obstructs their view can cause even the nicest dog to snap, growl, or show aggression if they can’t clearly see what is going on.
• Most people open their door frequently on Halloween night to greet trick-or-treaters. Each time you open your door, it is one more chance for your dog to escape. Help prevent your dog from running away by placing them in another room that is safe to stay in for the evening.
• Daylight savings on November 2nd will not only be an adjustment for you, but it will affect your dog as well. Make this transition easier by gradually adjusting your dog’s schedule a week before the time change. Move these aspects of your dog’s routine back 10 minutes each day: feeding times, daily walks, play time, sleep schedule, and your arrival/departure times for work (if possible).

“Halloween is a fun and exciting evening for humans, but let’s make sure we keep our dogs happy and safe this October 31st,” Reid says. “Slow and gradual adjustments will make daylight savings easier and less stressful for you and your dog.”

For lots of information about living with and training dogs from S.R. Dog Training, LLC, keep up with Reid’s posts on Patch.

PHOTO: Patch file photo