'Happy Howl-o-ween': Why guide dog puppies are visiting spooky sites

Cleo is a Guide dog in training and has visited the London Dungeon

Guide dog puppies have been visiting famous haunted attractions across the UK to get ready for their first Howl-owe'en.

The spooky season's festivities can be overwhelming for young dogs who aren't used to it, so charity Guide Dogs is taking its puppies to Hallowe'en activities to build their confidence.

The London Dungeon, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Edinburgh Dungeon and Warwick Castle are opening their doors this month to the puppies for a special socialisation event.

The exhibitions have created a dog-friendly environment so it's a paw-sitive training experience for the next generation of guide dogs.

How does visiting spooky spots help guide dogs?

"Witch way to the treats?"

Volunteers were with the dogs as they met actors in costumes, experienced strange sounds and smells and spotted spooky decorations.

Hopefully it was all treats and no tricks!

The visits were designed to help the puppies get to know the sometimes unpredictable and strange environments that Hallowe'en brings.

Guide dog puppies are socialised before entering a six-month training programme and if successful, they go on to become assistance dogs.

Haley Andrews from Guide Dogs said: "Puppies are naturally curious but can become fearful when confronted with unfamiliar scenarios.

"Early socialisation is crucial to helping them handle situations calmly and build the confidence they need to guide their future visually impaired owner, no matter what surprises they encounter."

What are the top tips for celebrating Hallowe'en with your dog?

Cleo and Iris are ready for the spooky season, make no bones about it

The charity advises dog owners to slowly introduce things like wigs, masks, hats and new sounds.

Instead of decorating the house all at once, it's suggested owners could do it a little bit at a time.

To make sure your dog is comfortable, the charity also advises not to dress them up in a costume.

Cleo was brave meeting some actors in costumes

Although these dogs visited Hallowe'en events, this was done in a controlled environment and the charity advises against bringing your dog to scary parties, or attractions, as it could be unsettling for them.

Also any treats meant for humans should be kept out of reach as many things like chocolate, raisins, and the sweetener xylitol, are toxic to dogs.

That way they won't have a ruff day!