HOW TO GET YOUR DOG TO WEAR A HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Do you ever go to the store and see all of the ADORABLE doggy Halloween costumes and think to yourself, if only fluffy would wear something like that? Well, I am here to help! In this post, I will teach you how to train your dog to wear a costume. Please note that some dogs are just not comfortable wearing human-esque things and should just be given a festive bandana. If you are thinking crap, that’s my dog, don’t worry, you would be surprised what your dog might be comfortable with . . .

STEP 1: Grab your dog’s favorite treat!

I like to use training treats because it allows me to give Clara a ton of them without it being bad for her or making her full too quickly. I will link our favorites at the end of the post.

STEP 2: Introduce the dog to the costume

Remember, to your dog, this is a foreign object with no foreseeable purpose. So, set it down or hold it in your hand and let him/her sniff it and become acquainted with it.

STEP 3: Start putting the costume on them in small and relaxed steps

Depending on how okay with the costume your dog seems to be, you can move as quickly or as slowly as your dog wants. If you dog is more hesitant, then start by just touching the costume to them. They may need time to adjust. If you dog is being pretty chill, then just keep putting a new part on them. Every time you introduce a new part, treat them and tell them how good they are. Ex. Put their head through the head whole, give them a treat, let it sit there for a few seconds, if they don’t try to shimmy out, give them a treat.

STEP 4: Let them wear it around

Once you have the whole thing on them, let them wear it a bit. Keep their attention on your by giving them regular treats as a reward for not taking it off. Each time you treat them, add more time in between treats. Eventually they will just adjust and shouldn’t need the rewards anymore.