{"id":976,"date":"2019-10-09T21:00:22","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T21:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/petdedicated.com\/?p=976"},"modified":"2019-10-09T21:00:22","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T21:00:22","slug":"9-things-to-keep-in-mind-for-dog-halloween-costumes-and-parades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petdedicated.com\/?p=976","title":{"rendered":"9 Things to Keep in Mind for Dog Halloween Costumes and Parades"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

The post 9 Things to Keep in Mind for Dog Halloween Costumes and Parades<\/a> by Nikki Moustaki<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n

Dog Halloween costumes, parades and parties are among the most fun social activities you can do with your dog. Everyone puts a lot of heart and creativity into the costumes, and there\u2019s a lot of laughter to go around. Here\u2019s how to prep both you and your dog for a safe and fabulous time.<\/p>\n

1. Remember safety first<\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/p>\n

Your dog’s safety is more important than winning the costume contest. Photography \u00a9WilleeCole | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Rule No. 1 for dog Halloween costumes: The costume must be safe and comfortable. Use only nontoxic materials, and choose or create a costume that won\u2019t restrict your dog\u2019s movements.<\/p>\n

2. Get dog Halloween costumes in advance<\/h3>\n

Get your dog used to the costume well before the big day. Offer treats when he\u2019s wearing it, and give him a lot of praise.<\/p>\n

3. Make sure your pup can see<\/h3>\n

If your costume requires a mask or something else that will cover your dog\u2019s face and obstruct his vision, only use it during the contest portion of the event, or choose a costume that allows for unobstructed vision.<\/p>\n

4. Shoes are made for walking<\/h3>\n
\"Make<\/p>\n

Make sure your dog is comfortable wearing shoes or booties. Photography \u00a9Donald Bowers\/Alamy Live News | Alamy Stock Photo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If your dog isn\u2019t used to shoes or booties on his feet, simulate them by covering your dog\u2019s leg with material that looks like footwear, while keeping the paw pads unrestricted.<\/p>\n

5. Consider a dog Halloween costume on wheels<\/h3>\n

If you have a small dog or multiple small dogs, think about creating a costume that incorporates a stroller or wagon. This prevents your dog from being stepped on and also allows you to create a more elaborate costume.<\/p>\n

6. Be aware of other dogs<\/h3>\n

Your dog is going to be around a lot of other dogs<\/a> in a Halloween parade or party. Before you decide to go, make sure your dog is comfortable around other dogs.<\/p>\n

7. Leash your dog<\/h3>\n
\"Don't<\/p>\n

Don’t give your dog the independence of letting him wander. Photography \u00a9BluIz60 | Getty Images.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dogs communicate primarily through body language<\/a>. When a group of dogs are in costume and unable to read each other\u2019s signals because their bodies are covered, tensions can run high, and there\u2019s a chance for a tussle or two. Keep your dog on a leash at all times.<\/p>\n

8. Train your dog<\/a> to know proper commands<\/h3>\n

When it\u2019s your turn to show off your dog\u2019s costume, make sure he knows the basic cues like Sit, Wait and Stay. A well-behaved dog will show better than one who is straining at the leash.<\/p>\n

9. Your dog has to like the costume too<\/h3>\n

If your dog panics at any time or seems uncomfortable in any way, remove the costume immediately. It\u2019s more important that your dog be safe than to win the contest.<\/p>\n

Thumbnail: Photography\u00a0\u00a9adogslifephoto | Getty Images.<\/em><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong>\u00a0Nikki Moustaki is a dog trainer, dog rescuer, and pet<\/em>\u00a0expert. She splits her time between New York City and Miami<\/em>\u00a0Beach, Florida, and is the author of the memoir\u00a0<\/em>The Bird Market of Paris<\/a>.\u00a0Visit Nikki on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>, on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and at\u00a0nikkimoustaki.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet\u2019s office?\u00a0Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Check out other articles\u00a0about dogs and Halloween on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n