Building Trust and Resilience One Spooky Decoration at a Time

The yard ghosts are back, the blow-up skeletons are swaying, and the neighborhood has transformed overnight. For us, it’s just another fun season. For our dogs, though, it’s a whole new world of strange smells, shapes, and sounds — and a perfect opportunity to build trust.

I love this time of year because Halloween decorations give us real-life chances to practice building confidence, and learning to support a curious and resilient dog.

When the World Changes Overnight

Every fall, I start to notice dogs doing double-takes at the same front yards they trotted past yesterday. A plastic witch appears where there used to be nothing. An inflatable ghost suddenly moves in the wind. Even the most social, confident dogs sometimes pause, unsure what to make of it all.

That moment of hesitation is where our dogs say, “Something’s different — I need to check if it’s safe.” Our role isn’t to push them past it. It’s to say, “I see it too. Let’s go check it out.”

The “Go Check It Out” Cue

“Go check it out” is one of my favorite trust-building tools. It’s a simple phrase that invites your dog to explore something new at their own pace.

Here’s what it communicates to your dog:

• You’ve noticed the same thing they did (validation).

• You trust them to investigate safely (autonomy).

• You’re nearby if they need support (security).
  

What It Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s imagine you’re walking your dog and suddenly they freeze at a skeleton on your neighbor’s porch. You stop, too. Take a breath. Maybe crouch a little, soften your voice, and say, “ Do you want to go check it out?”

Remember, because this is a yes/no question, your dog has the opportunity to say "NOPE" and move away from it, which you can support by following them away from the thing. It is important to note that "no" doesn't necessarily mean no forever, but it does mean no for now.

Another option though is that your dog might move forward an inch, sniff the air, then look back at you. You can mark that moment or offer gentle praise. Maybe they approach a little closer, maybe they decide they’re done. Both choices are valid.

It is most important that the exploration is lead by your dog. If this is a new way of approaching the world for you and your dog, they may look to you for "what to do". If that is the case I like to think of my treats "asking a question". Notice the photo for an example

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Why This Matters Beyond Halloween

The decorations will come down, but your dog will keep facing “new things” — from wheelchairs and umbrellas to moving boxes and unfamiliar visitors. Every time they have the chance to explore something novel with your support, they strengthen their ability to recover, adapt, and communicate.

And when we consistently show up as safe, supportive teammates, we’re teaching our dogs the most important lesson of all:

You can trust me to listen to what you’re saying.

Want to Practice Together?

This month, I’m offering a 45-minute Training Walk focused entirely on practicing these real-life trust and resilience skills around Halloween decorations and other everyday novelties.

It’s a relaxed, supportive walk like having a trainer in your pocket designed to help you:

• Read your dog’s comfort cues in real time

• Use “Go Check It Out” effectively

• Learn when to pause, encourage, or move on

  
  

$50 if it’s just me and your dog

Book Walk Trainer + Dog Only

$60 if you’d like to join and learn alongside us

Book Learn-Along Walk

These walks are a great way to strengthen your communication and build confidence in both ends of the leash — while having some festive fun along the way.

The Takeaway

This season, when your dog pauses at something unexpected, take a breath and see it as an opportunity. You don’t have to convince them everything’s safe. You just have to show them they’re safe with you.

Sometimes resilience looks like curiosity. Sometimes it looks like turning away and trying again tomorrow. And sometimes, it sounds like a gentle, “Go check it out.”