You can see it wherever you go: brilliant golden sunflowers, amber and rust colored chrysanthemums, Indian corn swaths and pumpkins of every variety are gracing stores, window displays and porches. Giant inflatable decorations of all kinds sway on lawns and in gardens. It’s Halloween time, and as much fun as it promises, let’s make sure that our little Habibi Bear puppies, the Original Teddy Bear dogs, are ready for treats and not-too-many-tricks this upcoming October. While this season brings a lot of joy for children of all ages, what about our puppies? Let’s make sure everyone in our family, dogs and humans alike, enjoy the festivities and decorations safely and with their dignity intact.
Know the Signs of Uneasiness
Of course, not all puppies are suspicious or threatened by novelty items or unfamiliar decorations. There are many of our Habibi Bear puppies who are natural social butterflies, flitting from person to person, toy to toy, without a care in the world, spreading their joy wherever they go. These cheerful chaps or cheeky little madams are prime candidates for easing into holiday bandanas or even full-on costumes.
Perhaps you may have already noticed that your Habibi Bear puppy likes being the center of attention or has extra sass to their step when they wear a new collar or harness vest. Even when wearing brand new things, your Habibi Bear puppy’s eyes are soft and happy, their mouth is open and relaxed, and their body is loose. These are all signs that your puppy is comfortable. Good job! What if you don’t see those signs?
Here are the signs of uneasiness in a puppy :
- Whale eyes, or more precisely Half-Moon eyes are displayed when dogs are nervous, scared and uncomfortable. A visible crescent shape of white, either on the side or underneath the pupil, will be visible.
- Closed or pursed mouths indicate uneasiness and worry.
- Paw lift - one front paw lifted, a stiff or tucked tail, and a creeping or hunched body show nervousness, unease and fear.
- Frantic barking, with charging, of the mysterious item in question, also shows fear. (Not aggression, folks; this is high-level fear.)
From their point of view…
If your Habibi Bear puppy is exhibiting any of these signs, pay attention to what they are looking at or what they see. Try to see the room or location from their point of view- what new addition has appeared? Has the furniture been moved? Is something towering over their head? Is anything new making odd movements or noises? We, of course, know the difference between an animated object and real danger, but to a young puppy who has never experienced such a thing, it could be difficult for them to tell whether the object in question is a threat to their safety or not.
Help your Habibi Bear puppy gain confidence .
The good news is that you are in the best position to show your Habibi Bear puppy that an unknown object bears no threat to them if they happen to be worried. You are the person they love most in the world! Help them by grabbing a handful of premium treats, and allow or encourage the exploration and examination of the new object in short incremental sessions. Whenever you notice a display of bravery, give them a big “yes” and give them a treat right away as a reward for their fearless valor. With you standing by their side, offering encouragement, yummy treats and moral support, your puppy will soon learn that there is no danger. If after examination your Habibi Bear puppy is still exhibiting frightened body language, perhaps move the item to an area of the home where your puppy doesn’t go to avoid any further stress. Although it might seem silly to us, an unknown Halloween decoration could be distressing to your puppy, therefore your puppy will need your understanding and patience. Accept your Habibi Bear puppy’s apprehension and hesitancy, knowing that it could be a temporary state and just another step in their development. Your acceptance of who they are will go a long way in the continued building of trust between the two of you.
Strangers and People - Advocating for your pup
Is your pup nervous about new people coming around, or someone in a costume? Advocate for your puppy by telling these folks to ignore your dog. Don't ever force them to say hi when their body language tells you they want to leave. Allow your dog the option to opt-out, and don't be embarrassed to tell someone NO; you can't touch my dog. All it takes is one bad interaction with a stranger for your puppy to lose trust in YOU. We want thm to know they can trust us to be the parent, or they will think they have to take care of the situation - thats when lunging, growling and even biting can happen. Avoid this.
To unlock the mysteries of what your dog is telling you- I've taken a deep dive into dog body langauge and am about to release a new masterclass course. Stay tuned for the launch!
How is your Habibi Bear puppy around new and novelty seasonal items? Do they like dressing up or are they more reserved? Send us your pictures of your precious Habibi Bear guy or gal and see if they make our Instagram or Facebook feed! We love sharing pictures of the most photogenic Original Teddy Bear puppies around with the rest of our Habibi Bear Tribe. If you have any further questions, reach out and ask. We are always here for you, cheering you on!