So the summer has officially finished, the kids are back at school, the traffic is going to be rubbish and the nights are getting darker and colder. But never mind — Halloween is just around the corner, and the majority of people love this time of year.

Halloween is great fun — as long as your dog is enjoying it too.

However, for a lot of people who live alone, or who have a dog that is reactive or nervous of strangers, it can be a real pain — and genuinely traumatising for the dog.

If Your Dog Is Nervous or Reactive

If your dog is shy of strangers, or turns into a guard dog once the dark nights arrive, a few small changes make a big difference:

• Walk earlier in the evening, before trick-or-treaters are out. People in unusual outfits can genuinely upset a dog
• Keep them somewhere quiet at the back of the house, away from the front door
• If you really don't want people knocking, put a simple note on your door asking them not to knock

Costumes and Doggy Parties

For those of you with a confident dog who are heading to a doggy party, enjoy it. But if you intend on dressing your dog up, give them time to get used to the costume first and please don't force the issue.

Let them wear it for short spells at home in the days beforehand, and take it off the moment they seem uncomfortable. A costume should never restrict movement, hearing, breathing or vision.

Watch the Sweets

Remember that there are a lot of extra sweets and treats around the house at this time of year. And if you are opening your door to trick-or-treaters, be careful that nobody gives your pooch something they shouldn't have.

Enjoy Halloween

A little preparation goes a long way. Plan your walk times, keep the treats somewhere safe, and let your dog opt out of the fancy dress if that's what they'd prefer. Have a great one!