Are you thinking about dressing up your pet dog or cat for Halloween? Keep in mind, it can be a difficult task or an easy one if done correctly. Most pet owners dress up their pet for Halloween because it is a fun way to show off their dog or cat in a cute or funny way. Some pets like dressing up and others seem to protest it. Believe it or not, but you can get your pet to wear a Halloween costume. If your pet hesitates in wearing a costume this guide may help you. Here's a simple how-to-guide to get your dog to wear a costume:
Step #1
Don't wait until the last minute to put on his Halloween costume. Start by training him to like his costume a few weeks before Halloween. Make sure to repeat these steps by extending each trial period longer by few more seconds. If you have not bought a pet costume then now is the time. You need to shop now.
Step #2
Make him as comfortable as possible before bringing out the costume. Reward him with some delicious tasty treats along the way as you are training him to like his costume. Here are some Halloween treats for dogs and cats that we recommend.
Step #3
Bring out the costume and lay it down next to your pet. This will allow your pet to connect with the costume. If your pet stands near, on it or even sniffs the costume, it means he has some interest in what it is. However, this does not necessarily mean that he will wear it. It may take some time for him to approach the costume. Also, the key task is to reward him with treats with every step you take. This is very important.
Step #4
Once your dog seems to connect with the costume, drape the costume over him for a few seconds while rewarding him with some treats. DO NOT strap anything on yet. Repeat this step several times by putting it on and off. This helps him get more comfortable with the costume before moving on. Be sure to praise him with some encouragement and treats after each step as you get closer and closer to putting the costume on your pet.
Step #5
This is the final step and you are almost there. Try draping the costume over your pet again, but now strap on the costume while distracting him with something entertaining. This brings his attention elsewhere and not on the costume. Keep praising your dog with confidence by telling him he is a good boy while giving him more treats. Congrats! You did it! Finally, make sure your pet's costume fits perfectly and comfortably. Make sure your pet can move around freely and safely.
Patience and try not to give up
Try not to rush putting a costume on your pet and expect him to like it. It may take some time for some pets to like their costume. Keep these training sessions short and simple. DO NOT try to fight your dog into wearing it because they will not wear it for very long. Having some patience is the key in getting your pet to wear their Halloween costume. Try not to give and make it a fun activity for you and your pet.
Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!
Otherwise, they may find other things they can do to punish you for that, something that may not be so pleasant and that may require money to replace, like when your college roommate's chocolate lab decides to chew up all the garden hoses in the back yard when they get bored or when your aunt's dachshund decides that your Carhartt work shoes are great as a chew toy when you leave the house for the afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving in Fort Collins.
Some people just shouldn't be Allowed to have Pets. Such a Travesty.
We did no have fancy costumes. Just old clothes and a cardboard falseface which disintegrated in rain. We did no take pets with us. I think that's animal cruelty an nae funny. My party piece was to recite "The Lay of the Last Minstrel" by Sir Walter Scott. I never got past the first verse and was happily ushered oot with a lot of money.