Helping Your Dog Stay Calm This Halloween and Fireworks Season
Halloween and Bonfire Night are full of fun and excitement for us humans — but for many of our dogs, they can be noisy, confusing, and a little bit scary.
Between the knocks at the door, excited trick-or-treaters, and fireworks going off in the distance, it's easy for dogs to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that with some preparation and positive-reinforcement dog training, we can help them feel calmer, safer, and even start to enjoy the spooky season.
Why This Time of Year Can Be Difficult
Dogs don't understand why the doorbell keeps ringing or why the sky suddenly lights up and bangs. For some, that can be a bit too much. When they become startled or anxious, they might bark, hide, shake, or pace. These are normal reactions — they just mean your dog is struggling to process what's happening.
The aim isn't to tell them off or force them to “get over it.” It's to build positive associations with those sounds and events so they learn that strange noises can actually predict good things.
Five Steps to Help Your Dog Feel Safe and Calm
1 Create a Safe Den
Choose a quiet area away from windows and the front door. Make it cosy with a bed, blanket, and some of your dog's favourite toys. Keep this area available all the time so your dog feels comfortable using it whenever they want to relax.
2 Pair Sounds with Rewards
You can find plenty of “dog training sounds” on YouTube, Spotify, or music apps — things like doorbells, knocks, or fireworks. Play these very quietly at first, and each time your dog hears a sound and stays calm, reward them with a treat or gentle praise. Gradually increase the volume over time to teach your dog that these sounds mean something nice is coming.
3 Provide Licking or Chewing Enrichment
Licking and chewing help dogs relax by releasing calming endorphins. Offer something safe to lick or chew, such as a stuffed toy, mat, or long-lasting chew, when noises start outside.
4 Plan Ahead for Trick-or-Treaters
If you're expecting visitors, set your dog up in their safe space with something to keep them occupied. Close curtains or pop on some calming music to muffle the noise.
5 Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs take cues from us. If you're relaxed, they'll pick up on that calm energy. Avoid scolding or over-comforting; just be steady and reassuring.
Bonus Tip: Practise Sounds All Year Round
You don't have to wait until Halloween. Gentle sound training can help dogs who are sensitive to fireworks, thunder, or knocks all year round.
Download Your Free Halloween & Fireworks Survival Infographic
I've created a colourful infographic showing all these steps in one place — perfect for saving or printing.
www.dogwigglestraining.co.uk/blog/helping-your-dog-stay-calm-this-halloween
Let's make this Halloween a calm, happy one for our dogs — because they deserve to feel safe too.
Dog Wiggles Training
Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer – Milton Keynes | Bletchley | Leighton Buzzard | Woburn | Bedford | Buckingham | Northampton
www.dogwigglestraining.co.uk 07444 549 081 @mrs_dog_wiggles www.facebook.com/dogwigglessitters/
