For all you folks out there with young puppies, this is the perfect time for socializing your puppies with strangers, children, and to acclimate them to the sound of a doorbell. We've all had at least one dog that went ballistic at the sound of doorbells & know how obnoxious it is for all concerned. I have used Halloween to teach my last two dogs (mini rat terriers) to not bark at the doorbell, and IT WORKS! First I made a 2½' leash so I could always keep them close to me. I allowed Button, my first RT to go out the door and greet/lick all comers on the hand, adults and children alike. Ratties are the most incredible kissy lickers! 
I just announced to everyone "She's friendly" and they were all eager to meet & greet her. The children, even those 3-4 years of age, loved Button. One parent said their child was usually afraid of dogs, but she was clearly grinning and petting my little Button! They thanked me profusely for the positive dog experience for their little girl. Button even got to where she would wag her nubbie little tail, eagerly awaiting the next bunch of trick-or-treaters to make it up our long sidewalk to the front door. She has never barked at anybody ringing our doorbell or approaching our front door & is now nearly 4. Two years later, with the acquisition of Zipper, our little rescue RT, this technique once again proved to be beneficial. Neither barks at visitors or the doorbell, EVER. It's really cute, but since I can only handle one dog greeting trick-or-treaters at a time (candy bowl in my other hand), hubby holds one dog inside while the other gets their turn to do the greeting. They can hardly be contained until it's "their turn". 
So you folks with really young pups, rig up a short leash and try it this year! You'll be sooo glad you did. It provides two-way enjoyment for all. The kids love it; the dogs love it! If you put costumes on your dog, that's even better! Let it not be said you can't teach a dog at a very young age not to go ballistic every time the doorbell rings!
Three years later, I still keep that 2½' lead hanging by the front door and hook up Button so she can go out & lick the mailman's hand when he hand carries up packages to the door. She LOVES to greet people. Zipper, by nature is less exhuberant with greetings, but is eager to meet people and to be petted.
Peggy
Mom to Button & Zipper
Two sweet RatTexans (Rat Terriers)
