Last week I wrote about including the family dog in Halloween festivities by dressing him or her in a costume.

I even suggested that Fido come along for trick-or-treating and that families have cookies or other dog treats for the four-legged visitor, especially if they are able to do a trick!

But what do you do if you have a dog that wants no part of Halloween? For those with reluctant canine trick-or-treaters, Halloween can still offer a good training opportunity.

If your dog shows aggression towards people at the door, it isn't wise to use the visiting children as a way to help your dog get over this issue. That requires some one-on-one time with a professional trainer. These training tips would be more for those dogs who get excited at the doorbell ringing, people entering the home or if they are slightly fearful of unusual looking people.

It is best that a training partner be available to help, as assisting the children at your front door and teaching Fido how to be calm and relaxed at the same time may be a bit much to handle on your own.

If yours is a dog that barks incessantly at the sound of the doorbell, don't get bent out of shape about it. Instead, when the doorbell rings calmly walk to the door, step between the door and Fido (so your back is to the door and you are facing your dog) and assertively put spatial pressure on your dog by walking towards them and expecting them to back away from you. Your helper can greet the trick-or-treating children. Once your dog stops barking and takes a few steps backwards away from the door, gently guide him by the collar to his bed with the command, "Go to your bed." He can then be lured into a down with a treat.

Do this every time someone comes to the door. Eventually your dog can be expected to bark a few times, then back away from the door on his own, allowing you to open it. If you are really lucky he will place himself on his bed as he awaits his treat . . . for his trick.

For dogs that are uncertain of strangers at the door, have Fido on-leash. Again, if Fido shows aggression in any way, do not attempt this. Get a professional in to help. When the door bell rings lure Fido to the door with the leash and have a bag of dog treats at the front door. As the door is opening begin giving Fido a treat for remaining in a calm sit at your side.

As the children make an appearance ask them to give Fido a treat by placing the treat into the children's hands and allowing them to give it to your dog. All the while Fido should remain in a sit. If she backs away out of insecurity about the situation, let her. Don't let go of the leash though, she is only allowed to back away to the end of the leash. Your job at that point is to ignore her completely.

If she makes an attempt to come close to the children you can reward her with a treat, but don't let the child give the treat at this point as she is still unsure of children or the strange costumes. It is only when she calmly approaches with a low wagging tail and will take direction such as being told to sit and responds respectfully, that the child can give a treat.

Finally, teach your dog a trick of his own such as shake a paw, high-five or take a bow. That way he can entertain the children who come for treats.