Halloween is just around the corner. If you don’t have any plans yet, check out some of these fun Halloween activities to do with your dog.

1. Scavenger Hunt

Put your dog in a different room while you hide treats or toys around the house, then let him explore and sniff around to find them. If you organize them in a more linear route throughout the house, you could add a high-value treat or toy at the end. A good example would be a Kong stuffed with peanut butter (watch the ingredients, NO xylitol!) and freeze-dried meat treats. 

2. Costumes 

If your dog is comfortable wearing clothes or dressing up, get him a costume. There are plenty you can even make yourself. Pinterest has lots of clever costumes for your four-legged friends, or you can check out pet stores for something quick and easy. 

3. Trick-or-Treating

If you have kids that still go trick-or-treating, it can be a fun idea to bring your dog along. But just to be safe, make sure he’s on a leash held by an adult, and keep his ID tag on his collar just in case. If he’s comfortable, put him in his costume too. 

4. New Toys

Lots of pet stores have spooky-themed toys this time of year. Whether it’s squeaky toys, tugs, tennis balls, or chews, there’s bound to be something there for your pup. Check out local pet businesses and support them if you can. Just make sure the toys are safe before you buy them. Small parts, loose squeakers, and some stuffing can be choking hazards. 

5. Spooky Photos

Does your dog have a social media account? Many people like to take themed photos of their pets to post on Facebook or Instagram. One way to get festive pictures of your pup is by setting up a photo booth. Find a fun background, acquire a few props or costumes, and try your hand at a little photography. Here are a few tips to get better photos of your dog.

6. Dog Party

Another fun way to celebrate Halloween with your pup is by throwing a dog party. If you’re friends with other people who have dogs, invite them to a dog-friendly park or your backyard for some festivities. You could even have a costume competition for the dogs (and the people too!). Just be sure that the dogs get along, and always supervise them if they’re playing together.

7. Spooky Treats

There are all sorts of recipes for Halloween dog treats online. One of the easiest recipes is a mixture of canned pumpkin and peanut butter frozen in silicone molds. There are countless others that require minimal time and effort. Or, if you’re looking for something more elaborate, those are out there too! Pinterest is a good place to start. 

8. Go for a Hike

If you’re one for fall colors, go for a hike with your dog. There are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails in Wisconsin. If you want something a little more low key, go for a walk downtown (you can admire any Halloween decorations) or through a park.

The trees are beautiful in the fall, so be sure to enjoy the gorgeous colors! 

Click here to learn more about our monthly dog-friendly group hikes, free to anyone who’s dog-crazy and enjoys the outdoors.

9. Pumpkin Picking

If you know of a local pumpkin patch, call ahead or visit their website to see if they allow dogs. It can be lots of fun to go pumpkin-picking with your four-legged buddy. Just be sure to pick up after him and keep him on a leash at all times. 

10. Movie Night

A great option for introverts (human and canine) is a movie night. If you’re not so much a party person, start a movie marathon. After a long day, many dogs are content to just lay on the couch with you. They make the perfect companions to watch spooky movies with!

Halloween is such a fun time of year. Get your dog involved, and it can be a good time for the whole family.

So tell me, which of these fun Halloween activities will you do with your dog?