Alright doggo friends… I need to see your dogs living their BEST goofy, off-duty (aka “free dog”) life. Post a pic of your service dog (or pet) being a total happy potato! 😂🐶

Goal: Make Halloween a positive, confidence-building experience! A social, confident dog can be taught to ignore — rebuilding a scared dog is much harder. 🐾 Big Ideas: ✨ Desensitization > Discipline. This is not an obedience exam — it’s a confidence field trip! 🎯 Positive Association. Costumes, masks, noises = treats, praise, fun! 💡 Avoid Fear Rehearsal. If your dog looks worried, increase distance and make it easier. We do not want “Halloween = scary.” 🧡 Before Halloween: 🐶 See the spooky stuff early: Visit a dog-friendly store like Lowe’s. Don’t activate everything — start far away, let your dog look, mark confidence (curious look, step forward, sniff) and treat! 🎭 Costumes at home: Have familiar people wear hats or simple props first, then masks later. Pair each new look with treats and praise. 🔔 Doorbell warm-up: Play a soft doorbell sound on your phone; treat for calm. Gradually increase volume. If not ready, silence the real bell for Halloween night. Have a Halloween Night Game Plan: 🏡 Set the scene for success: - For green dogs/puppies, hang out outside (driveway/yard). Fewer doorbell surprises and more space! - Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes), then take breaks. 🍬 Treat partners: Give trusted, costumed friends a few treats. Ask them to crouch sideways and let your dog choose to approach. Approaches/sniffs = mark & reward! ➡️ If unsure → more space: See hesitation? Quietly step back a few feet, reset, and try an easier rep. No forcing greetings. 🐾 What to Reward vs. What to Redirect: ✅ Reward: soft eyes, tail neutral/loose, steps toward, sniffing, taking food, curiosity. 🚫 Redirect: freeze, lean away, tucked tail, scanning, refusing food. Add distance, breathe, make it easier, then reward the next bit of confidence. 💬 Simple Handler Scripts: 🗣 To a friendly neighbor in costume: “She’s in training—could you crouch and offer her this treat? Let her come to you.” 🧍‍♀️ If you need space: “We’re giving her a little distance while she learns—thanks!”

I'm __________ and my dog's name is____________ their breed is _________ and a little bit about them/you! Then post a pic!! 📸 I'll go first...