Kids, Dogs, and Holiday Celebrations (Part 2)
by Andy Sands, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Hello Suncoast, and welcome back to Training Tuesday! Last week we began discussing silhouettes and the concept of removable parts, such as hats and sunglasses. Our dogs do not understand removable parts or ever-changing silhouettes the same way that we do. This can cause fear, agitation, and anxiety in our furry friends. With Halloween fast approaching, there will be lots of removable parts and changes in silhouettes around the neighborhood. Let’s discuss some steps that we can take to help our dogs be more comfortable with these scary and not-so-scary costumes.

Dogs and Generalization
It’s critical to understand that dogs are not capable of generalized learning. Each new person, dog, object, or costume that they encounter will be a completely unique experience. Each change in silhouette may bring a very different reaction from your dog. So, if you are working on desensitizing your fur baby to costumes, it will require a broad range of experiences. This can also mean that your dog may eventually be comfortable with the costumes that the family is wearing, but still may be frightened by, or anxious around, costumes worn by others outside of the home, or by people that come to visit. Even with a dog who has had a wide variety of exposure, there is still the possibility that he or she will react on occasion to certain types of costumes. It is always wise to be aware of your dog’s body language when encountering a new person in costume.
Family First
Let’s first discuss introducing your dog to family members in costume. It is vitally important to take the proper steps, to show your dog that you respect his boundaries, and to keep everyone safe. The best way to begin helping your dog with ever-changing silhouettes, is with basic desensitizing. Always have with you some high value treats. By “high value,” I mean treats that your dog would walk over hot coals for. Then, gradually expose the dog to the different costumes (or hats or sunglasses, etc.) that the family members may be wearing. It is also best to practice this exercise on leash in the beginning, so that you have better control of the situation.
Begin at a proximity far enough away that you know your dog will not react; so that you are setting your dog up for success. As soon as your dog observes the new costume, and does not react, pop a high value treat in his mouth. This is showing the dog, that this strange new alien, is a predictor of good things. In other words, you want this strange creature around, because when it shows up, you get something good. In addition, you are rewarding a behavior that you want to see repeated – ignoring the alien. Begin to slowly get closer and closer. Repeat the process every single time the dog looks at the person in “costume.” If you get a negative reaction from your dog, you will need to back it up a few steps and begin again. Repeat this process with each new costume, mask, etc. that will be worn by the family.

Remember, this is just the beginning. We have yet to address desensitization to all those ghouls and goblins that may visit your home on the haunted evening, or the sprites and spirits you may see if you are planning on bringing your dog out into the celebration with you. Join me next Training Tuesday as we dive further into the preparation for All Hallows Eve.