Dog not eating their food? A guide to fussy eaters

Trick & Treat This Halloween

To welcome the start of spooky season, this guide will help you teach your dog an impressive new trick just in time for Halloween.

10 October 2025·Dog Advice

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Congratulations! You've been selected for our special Halloween ‘Trick and Treat’ surprise.

This spooky season, we're helping you and your furry friend bond through fun training whilst keeping those tails wagging with our irresistible treats. Whether your pup is a training superstar or just starting their trick journey, our expert canine behaviourist Diane has made this as simple and enjoyable as possible.

Watch and learn: Master the "Hold the Cauldron" trick

Quick trick instructions: "Hold the Cauldron"

Ready to impress your Halloween visitors? Follow along with Diane's step-by-step video guide above, then use the instructions below for quick reference during your training sessions.

What you'll need:

Your free Different Dog treats (perfect training rewards!)

A safe, lightweight object like a toy cauldron or small container

A quiet space for training

Plenty of patience and praise

Step-by-step guide:

1. Start with a basic hold

Choose your safe, lightweight object and encourage your dog to hold it with their mouth using the cue "hold." Keep it fun with plenty of praise and reward immediately when their mouth touches the object.

2. Reward mouth contact

The moment their mouth touches the object, mark with a "yes" and give them a treat. Encourage them to hold still and build their confidence with each small success.

3. Grow the hold

After each successful hold, wait a moment longer before rewarding. This teaches them to hold still and stay calm, building trust as you let go of the object.

4. Swap in the cauldron

Once your dog reliably responds to the "hold" cue with the first object, introduce your Halloween cauldron. Reward in the same way and celebrate their success! This skill transfers beautifully - your clever dog can learn to hold other fun, safe objects too.

Top training tip from Diane: "Keep sessions short and sweet - 5 to 10 minutes is perfect. Always end on a positive note when your dog succeeds, and remember that every dog learns at their own pace."

Don't forget to tag us @differentdog on social media - we'd love to see your pup showing off their new Halloween trick!

Why are dog tricks brilliant for bonding?

Halloween is the great time to have some spooky fun with your four-legged friend! Whether you're teaching them a new trick to impress the trick-or-treaters or just want to create some special bonding moments with your dog, this guide will help you and your dog make the most of the season.

Teaching your dog tricks isn't just entertaining – it's a really effective way to strengthen your relationship and boost their wellbeing. Trick training releases endorphins in both dogs and humans, creating positive associations and deeper connections.

"Training sessions, especially fun trick work, are like conversations between you and your dog," explains Diane, our certified canine behaviourist. "They build trust, improve communication, and give your dog mental stimulation."

The science behind trick training benefits

Confidence building: Successfully mastering tricks boosts your dog's self-assurance, particularly beneficial for anxious or shy dogs. Each small victory builds their belief in their own abilities.

Enhanced communication: Trick training improves your dog's ability to understand and respond to your cues, making everyday interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

Stress relief: The focused attention required during training helps both you and your dog unwind, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

Positive reinforcement: Using healthy treats during sessions creates positive associations with learning and strengthens your bond through shared success.

How can I teach my dog Halloween tricks safely?

The key to successful trick training lies in patience, consistency, and using tasty rewards that your dog absolutely loves. The free treats in your delivery are perfect for training sessions – they're small, nutritious, and irresistible to most dogs.

Essential training tips from our behaviourist

"Start with short, positive sessions of just 5-10 minutes," advises Diane. "Dogs learn best when they're engaged but not overwhelmed. Always end on a successful note to keep them eager for the next session."

Create the right environment:

Choose a quiet space free from distractions

Have your rewards ready – your free treats work wonderfully

Ensure your dog isn't overly tired or hungry

Keep sessions fun and pressure-free

Use positive reinforcement:

Reward immediately when your dog performs correctly

Use a cheerful, encouraging voice

Never punish mistakes – simply redirect and try again

Celebrate small progress along the way

What Halloween safety measures should I consider?

Whilst Halloween brings excitement and fun, it also presents unique challenges for our canine companions. From potentially harmful treats to overwhelming sensory experiences, preparation is key to keeping your dog safe and comfortable. Check out our Seasonal Support Guide for expert tips for helping your dog stay happy and safe this autumn - from spooky season safety to maintaining routines during the colder months.

Keeping the magic alive beyond Halloween

The bond you build through trick training and the calm confidence you help develop during challenging times like Halloween will benefit your relationship year-round. These positive experiences create lasting memories and strengthen the trust between you and your dog.

"The most rewarding part of working with dogs is seeing how much joy they get from learning and pleasing their humans," reflects Diane. "Every trick mastered and every challenge overcome together makes your partnership stronger."

Remember, the key to success lies in patience, consistency, and using rewards your dog truly values. Our premium treats are crafted with the finest ingredients to ensure every training session is both effective and enjoyable.

Keeping the magic alive beyond Halloween

If your pup's already asking for more treats (and let's be honest, they probably are), it's nice and easy to add a full-sized bag to your next delivery.

Simply log into your account, scroll down to view your plan, and click 'Edit treats' to keep the spooky season tail wags going for longer! With 30% off treats, there's never been a better time to stock up on your dog's new favourites.

Terms & Conditions: Offer valid until 30th November 2025. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Discount valid for next purchase only.

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