Halloween is just around the corner and now is prime time to start planning for this year’s festivities! This holiday can be a fun time not only for you, but for your pet as well. A dog costume can be a great way to get your pup in the Halloween spirit but if your canine companion is a puppy or is new to the concept of wearing clothing, a costume could be overwhelming and stressful if not properly introduced. One of the most important things to remember when picking out a costume for your pooch is to make sure that it will fit properly. Ill fitting costumes aren’t only uncomfortable; they’re also a safety hazard! A costume that is too tight will cause discomfort and could cut off circulation; a costume that is too loose could get stuck on objects or cause your dog to trip while walking. The best way to ensure your dog will fit into the costume you pick out is to take your dog’s measurements and then compare them to the sizing chart for the costume.
Once you’ve picked out a costume, you can start getting your dog used it. The amount of time this takes depends on the dog, so it’s best to start a few weeks before hand. Start by placing the costume on the floor where your dog can see and sniff it. When you see your dog sniffing it, praise him and give him dog treats. Do this off and on for a day. Once he’s begun to associate the costume with getting food, bring it up a notch by draping part of the costume over his back for 10 seconds at a time and give him a treat and praise each time. Do this many times over the course of a couple of days, slowly increasing the amount of time it’s left on his back. Once your furry friend is accustomed to the idea of the costume touching him with no fuss, go ahead and put it on him for a short time, encouraging him with treats and praise. Only leave it on for a minute and then take it off. Do this half a dozen times a day, leaving it on for a little longer each time. Encourage your pup to walk on a leash with the costume on if you plan to take him trick or treating. This will assure him that the costume doesn’t restrict his movement. Enlisting a friend to help is also a great idea. Have your friend give your dog treats when he’s wearing his costume, so that he’ll associate strangers with food and praise. If you’re planning on wearing a costume as well, you’ll need to introduce it to your dog too, with a similar approach. Dogs not only identify friendly people by scent and their voice, but also by appearance and the way they walk. Your pup might not recognize you in your costume at first. Let your dog sniff your costume and get used to it before you put it on. Try it on a few different times and talk to your furry friend and give him treats so that he also associates your costume with good things.
Some dogs, no matter how patient you are and how slowly you take things, just simply will not accept a costume. If your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort, please do not force them to wear a costume anyway. This would be very stressful for your pup. There are other ways to get your dog into the Halloween spirit besides costumes alone. A Halloween dog bandana or matching collar, leash and harness are great stress free options. If your pooch is fine with tees and tanks but hates a more cumbersome costume, a Halloween themed dog tee is a good choice as well. No matter what Halloween finery your pup sports, stay safe and have a spooktacular Halloween!