Halloween – it’s spooky, it’s scary, it’s a sugary rush of fun, and let’s face it. You either love it, or you don’t.
Personally, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing the kids in costumes, I love taking my own kids out to experience the night, and I love dressing my dogs up. Yep, I said it, I love dressing my dogs in Halloween costumes. Today, I want to share 8 ways to comfortably dress your dog for Halloween.
Not all dogs like to be dressed up in a costume, and while I would not recommend taking your dog trick or treating, there are ways to help your dog feel more comfortable in a costume, at least long enough to snap that super cute holiday photo.
8 Ways to Comfortably Dress Your Dog Up for Halloween
1. Choose the Right Costume
But what does that even mean? If your dog is not a fan of costumes, you will want something minimal. Maybe a vest of some sort which would typically feel like the dog is only wearing a harness. Maybe even something as simple as a cute Halloween themed bow tie or bandanna.
2. Let Your Dog Sniff His Costume
Leave it out for a couple days, so he sees it, smells it, basically gets used to it being around.
3. Do Not Wait Until Halloween to Try the Costume On
In order to get that picture perfect photo, you will want your dog to feel happy and comfortable in his costume. Try the costume on your dog once a day, for a very short period of time.
4. Treats!
I cannot express just how much a good high value treat stash will help you while trying to get your dog used to a costume. Each time you try the costume on your pup, feed him treats at the same time. This will help him associate the costume with something positive.
5. Make Sure the Costume You Choose Is Not So Loose Fitting, That Your Dog Is Tripping Over It
6. Once You Have Tried the Costume on Your Dog a Few Times Using Treats, Try Leaving It on Him for a Few Minutes This Time
Same thing as above, have some high value treats on hand, use lots of praise, and try to keep your dog focused on anything but the costume. Maybe even grab a toy to play with him while he’s wearing the costume.
7. If You Choose to Use Some Sort of Makeup for Your Dogs Halloween Costume, Please Make Sure It Is an All Natural, Fully Washable, Dog Safe Makeup.
8. Finally, Do Not Force Your Dog
If you chose a costume, and your dog is just not having it, or seems overly stressed when he is wearing it, don’t force him. In a case like this, a simple bandanna or collar accessory might be your only option.
Have fun this Halloween season, and make sure your dog does too! You can totally achieve an adorable holiday photo with your dog in costume if you follow the tips listed above. So, put that leash on, head to the pet store with your dog, and pick out the paw-fect costume.
Do you dress your dog up for Halloween?
Share any tips you have with us in the comment section!
Jenna Drady
Jenna Drady is the author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. She is a mother of two beautiful daughters and 3 Siberian Huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of her life, Jenna was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, she began doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. Jenna is inspired every day by her family, and loves to bring her readers valuable information as well as a little humor too! Jenna has created her own business partnered with her lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things. They currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, they donate a portion of their sales to local shelters throughout Canada.
The post 8 Ways to Comfortably Dress Your Dog For Halloween appeared first on 4Knines Dog Blog.
