A Halloween Challenge for Reactive Dogs: Fun Activities for Your Dog

Halloween can be a lot for reactive dogs. Scary decorations appear on familiar walking routes, people wear unusual costumes, and the doorbell may ring more than usual.

Your dog doesn’t have to take part in every Halloween tradition to have a good October.

I love Halloween and - before Archie - only had reactive dogs. That’s why I created this free Creature Good Halloween Challenge specifically for reactive dogs. It's a game board full of activities you can choose from based on what your dog enjoys and can comfortably handle.

Some squares are simply for fun, like hiding treats for your dog to sniff out or playing hide and seek. Others help you prepare for Halloween moments, such as making a plan for the evening or practicing a cue to go to a safe spot. There are even chances to share a photo of your dog’s favorite treat or take a selfie together.

It's fun and Archie and I will be doing it right along with you.

Archie's Halloween PJs from last year. He liked them! He just had a very serious face when he was a youngster. These were a compromise because he didn't want to wear an actual costume.

How does the Halloween Challenge work?

Sign up and I’ll send you the game board and instructions.

Each Thursday in October - beginning on the 1st - I’ll share a video covering that week’s ideas and how you might try them with your dog. I’ll also send a short check-in about what Archie and I did another day of the week.

If you love social media, share your activities with your friends and followers and tag @CreatureGoodDogTraining on Instagram or Facebook.

Do just one activity each week or try several. You can also skip a week if your pup needs a break. You know your dog best. Skip any squares that don’t fit your dog. For example, if your dog finds costumes worrying, they don’t have to wear one to participate. A quiet game at home counts just as much as an outing. The goal is to notice what your dog enjoys, give them choices, and have a bit of Halloween fun together.

A Halloween bandana works just as well as a costume! This one says "I'll do tricks for treats"

Join the free Halloween Challenge

Want the game board and weekly videos? (Sign up for the free Halloween Challenge here). We start Thursday, October 1!

Whether your dog is ready to practice a Halloween skill or would rather search for treats in the living room, there’s a place for them in this challenge.