How to Costume First Timers and Skittish Dressers

by Patti Hasner and Holly Genser

Dogs vary in their comfort with dressing up. Some are ready to show off anytime, while others need coaxing. Your young or skittish dog can happily participate in your Halloween celebration with a little planning and preparation.

Here are suggestions for how to costume first timers and skittish dressers.

How to prepare your dog for costume wear

1. If possible, start your puppy dressing early. Like any other socialization, if you help your puppy get used to dressing up while he's young, both of you will enjoy it more later.

2. Let her get used to the costume a little at a time. Whether your dog is unused to costumes or to a particular new costume, help her get comfortable. Starting at least a week before Halloween, put a piece of the costume on your dog for a few seconds. Give her a treat and plenty of praise. Then take the costume off.

Then, build up the time and pieces as the days pass, treating and praising him each time. Soon your pooch will wear her costume proudly!

Costume choices for new or fussy dressers

You may love that full-suited pirate, witch, fairy, or turtle look, but if your dog rejects hats or ruffles, you still have options.

1. Cover the body and skip the hat. The Bumble Bee and Prince Charming are examples from our collection that retain the flavor of the costume without the hat.

2.Use a lightweight, sweatshirt costume. An example is our Owl Dog Sweatshirt.

3. Stay simple and with a special collar, like a flower collar, bow tie, or shirt collar and tie. Examples are our Mariah Dog Collar Flower, Red Checker Dog Bow Tie, and Mason Dog Shirt Collar.

Get professional fit and features

Buy or sew your costume with professional features. A costume that fits correctly ensures your dog can move about happily. It also has an opening for your pup's potty breaks.

Three reasons to shop now

1. You'll have time to make an exchange should your pooch need a different size or style.

2. You'll also make sure that you have the largest selection, before styles sell out.

3. Your doggie will have time to get accustomed to his new costume.

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Patti Hasner is the owner of www.BowWowsBest.com. For seven years, she's offered quality service and dog attire to lavish your dog with love. Her miniature white poodle, Samantha, is the store's proud product tester.

Holly Genser writes articles of interest to BowWowsBest's 8,800 loyal customers.