Soon there will be some strange-looking little characters knocking on the door again, hollering, "Trick or Treat!" just as you open the door a crack. If you own a dog, Halloween can either be a fun time or a terrifying one for your dog.

Well, of course, it can be a terrifying moment for the trick or treaters too, if your dog starts barking and growling at them. All these strange sights and sounds may be too much for some dogs!

Dogs will be sure to tell you the only way they know how, which is by acting out with bad behaviors like barking or growling. Hopefully not biting. How do you keep your dog from scaring the warts right off the little witches knocking on your door this Halloween? What can you do to keep both your dog and the neighborhood monsters safe?

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe

• Do not leave your dog outside unsupervised. Some people seem to think it is okay to pull pranks such as leaving someone's gate open, throwing candy, eggs, or even worse things than those into your yard.
• People may even do cruel things to any pets that aren't being watched while outside. It seems black cats are especially at risk during this time of year. You never know, so keep your pet safe indoors if you aren't watching them outside.
• Do not let your dog eat candy, especially chocolate! It can cause your dog to become very sick at the least, or at worst, may even be fatal to your dog if too much is ingested.
• Keep your dog away from the door. You don't want it to sneak through the door while you're opening it up to greet the trick-or-treaters.
• Keep your dog away from all the fuss and commotion. Dogs that are uncomfortable with all the different things going on during Halloween may be better off in another room away from the noise and sights of any visitors.
• Keeping your dog in a crate may also be an option for you, especially if you're not too sure what your dog might do while alone in the other room.
• Give your dog a chew toy to keep it happy and also to keep it from chewing something else up instead!

Just Have to Bring Your Dog Along, Do You?

Well, if you really think you must, then keep a reflective or light-up collar on your dog on Halloween night. This way if you insist on bringing it with you and the kids trick-or-treating, your dog can be more easily spotted as it gets darker out. Plus, if it should happen to get away from you, you'll be able to see it much better as it's cavorting around you in its new found freedom.

I would not recommend bringing your dog along, by the way. You can always dress it up at home and if it is a well-behaved, socialized dog that loves everyone, sure, give it a try at greeting the goblins at the door.

The safest thing to do whether taking your dog with you or not, would be to keep it on a leash at all times. This way it can't slip out the door as it is opening.

Should Dogs Wear Halloween Costumes or Not?

Some dogs absolutely hate getting dressed up in any kind of dog clothing, costume or not. Sure, most dogs don't appear very overjoyed about getting clothes put on them for the first time. It probably feels strange to them since it is something new and they're not sure what you're doing. They don't know what is going on, if it is a good thing or bad.

Your dog could be thinking, "I think she's gone mad! She thinks I'm the furless kid and she's putting clothes on me! This can't be good. Can it?" as it's giving you that worried, "Uhhh, what do you think you're doing?" look. Once your dog gets used to this procedure, it won't mind it at all. Or, at least, it shouldn't. Some may even appear to enjoy the attention.

You have to teach your dog getting dressed up is a good thing! Give it rewards while it is gdressed up. But, if your dog just gets upset and terrified of the whole ordeal still, then forget it! It's not worth causing your dog and yourself all this stress.

If you really want to dress your dog up in a Halloween costume make sure you start getting your dog used to this idea way ahead of time. Don't wait until the day of Halloween and think everything is going to go just fine with your dog wearing a costume. It might have different ideas!