subject: Dressing Your Puppy For Halloween [print this page] If you've never owned a pet, then the idea of dressing up a dog in a costume for Halloween seems silly. After all the dog isn't going to go trick or treating, is he? It may seem like a ridiculous thing to some to dress the family dog up like you would your kids for Halloween and to some it feels like it is just another way for big Corporations to make a buck. However, to some dog owners it is harmless fun and in some cases it can be serious business, especially if they have their eye on the prize for best costume..
Here are some other reasons why some owners like to dress up their pets in costumes for Halloween.
Attention Getters and Icebreakers
As any dog owner can attest to a dog is a great way to get to know others, especially if the dog is dressed in a costume. Unless the person is afraid of dogs for some reason, most people will see a dog in a cute costume and come up and say hi and want to pet the dog. Every kid that goes trick-or-treating wants to get as many treats as possible and having a dog with a costume along with them will help them reach that goal. When the kids knock on the door and the person who opens it sees the cute dog in costume, they are almost sure to make a comment and engage in conversation. The friendlier you are the more goodies you are likely to get. Plus, if the kids and the dog have matching costumes it may earn even more brownie points.
Protection and Safety
The family dog is very devoted and will watch over the kids while they are out. Although it is a good idea to have mom and dad along when the kids are trick or treating, the dog provides an extra layer of protection if the child get lost or scared. Even little dogs will bark if they sense danger, and larger dogs have the intimidation factor going for them. Most kids will also be more careful when crossing the street if they have their pet with them, after all they don't want their companion getting run over by a car.
Getting a costume for the dog that coordinates with what the kids are wearing is a good idea. Your little girl could be the princess and the dog can be the frog, or how about the dog as the Sherif and the 1 child as the prisoner. There are so many options, let your imagination run wild. You should take as much consideration in selecting your dogs outfit as you do a costume for the kids. Make sure the costume fits correctly and doesn't have long hems that could cause the dog to trip. Make sure your pet is comfortable wearing it and that it doesn't interfere with attaching a leash. You should try a couple of dry runs walking the dog around the neighborhood with the costume to get them used to wearing it and to be sure you will be able to control the dog when he is wearing his costume.
Another factor you must consider is the temperament of your pet. A very aggressive or scared dog may not like all the excitement. Lastly of course, always be a good pet owner and clean up after your pet (just dont mix up the bags).
