I see lots of dogs at Halloween dressed up in funny (and cute) costumes.
Costumes can be fun if you spend some time before Halloween to get your dog used to wearing the costume. If you want to dress your dog for Halloween, here are some ideas on how to do it so your dog doesn’t hate it.
Step 1: Get the costume early (like: today!).
The earlier you get the costume, the faster you can start acclimating your dog to wearing it.
Step 2: Have some really delicious food treats before you start dressing your dog.
When I say delicious, I mean delicious! Human-food delicious: pea-sized pieces of salmon, chicken, beef, etc. Really good stuff.
Step 3: Show the costume to your dog and let him smell it.
It’s going to be difficult to put the costume on your dog if he’s curious or afraid of it, so give him some “get acquainted time” with the costume. If he tries to nibble the costume, simply feed him a few treats to redirect his nibbling to the food instead.
Step 4: If you have to put the costume over your dog’s head, hold the treat in the middle of the “head hole” and let your pup reach through the opening to eat the treat.
Don’t shove the costume over his head at this point, just let him get comfortable with putting his head through the opening. Let him put his head through at least 5 times to eat the treat. Once he’s comfortably putting his head through the hole, you can then put the costume all the way on him.
Step 5: Let your dog get used to the feel of the costume on his body.
Feed him treats to keep him occupied and to prevent him from biting or chewing the costume.
Step 6: Take frequent breaks.
Set a timer and work with your dog and his costume for 10 minutes each day. That’s it — just 10 minutes. Stop earlier, of course, if your dog is hating (read: resisting) the process.
Step 7: Close all the snaps or buttons and add the leash.
Walk your dog around a few steps to let him get used to the noise, the feel, and the motion of the costume.
Step 8: Grab a camera and send us a picture of your dog in costume!
Add your dog’s picture to Smart Dog University’s Facebook Page.
Here are some really cute costume ideas (including the costumes pictured in this post) for you and your dog!
This post is sponsored by Pet360. I am being compensated for spreading the word about Pet360.com, but The Smart Dog U Blog only shares information we feel is relevant to you.