Dog Halloween Costumes Ideas – Dress Alike!

bumble bee

Dog Halloween costumes come in so many cute styles. Your first job is to find a canine costume that really reflects your attitude and style. It may be sophisticated, or it may be completely comical.

You know you’re fabulous. And you know your dog is adorable. Now is the time to combine all that star power into a super star combination – something I like to call “doggie & me” dress alike!

There are several ways you can think about this.

1) Adult, plus your dog in costume  

dog costume 2) Your Kids, plus matching or coordinating costume for dog (what a cute group photo that will make)

Be Inspired

Then think about how you can coordinate and compliment your dog’s costume – in style, color, and theme. Also consider you and your dog’s gender – or you may even want to “bend” it a little!

dogasaurusIf you’re into going to costume contests, think about what you want the announcer to say about your outfits/theme when you go on stage. This is the best time to write that down, when you’re thinking about it and all inspired.

Also consider some of the usual costume contest categories: cutest, scariest, most original, most creative, etc. See which category your costumes will fit into, and then go full blast in that direction.

Watch Dog

Watch Dog

During this initial stage of ideation (when you‘re all inspired), think about some of the fun coordinating props you can carry or wear. Just remember safety, and that you need to have one hand free to hold the leash, and to keep focus on where your dog is at all times.

As an aside – something to keep in mind is the public’s (and hopefully, yours) sensitivity to the ethical treatment of animals. Stay away from the “horror & gore” stuff for your dog. Even though it’s only “pretend”, it would be extremely upsetting and disturbing for many people and children to see a dog in a “gory” prosthetic or costume. Keep it fun. Thanks, ‘nuff said!

Here are some fun ideas. You can probably come up with some great ones of your own too.  Even the Haunted House is going to the dogs!

You can have matching costumes:

You can be a pair (or a group) with coordinating costumes:

  • Bride & Groom (& bridesmaids)
  • Prisoner & Guard(s)
  • Cops & Robbers (several robbers or cops)
  • Cats & Dogs (you’re the cat & your dog’s a dog! Wear signs)
  • Angel & Devil
  • King & Queen
  • Queen & Princess
  • King & Prince
  • Frog & Prince
  • Princess & frog
  • Rock Stars
  • Bo Peep & Sheep
  • Peter Pan & Tinkerbell (& a bunch of Lost Boys)
  • Movie themes groups: Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, etc
  • Wizard of Oz – You’re Dorothy, w/your tiny dog in a basket!
  • ….now you think of some! Have fun with it!

Or Just Have Minimal Matching Costume Pieces:

  • Flowers – just wear flower petal neckpieces,
  • or matching flowers in your hair
  • Hats – top hats, clown hats, hair bows, etc
  • Glasses – good luck getting your dog to wear glasses!
  • Dresses – matching colors
  • Jewelry – diamond studded choker & collar

Be sure your Dog Baby is comfortable.

arrr, ahoy mateys!Comfort – check to see if there are any tags or rough seams that might be poking your little friend. Tags can be trimmed off, and seams can be covered with a little iron-on seam tape (available at fabric stores). Or maybe you just need to trim the threads that are poking out.

Be sure that costumes aren’t too tight and constrictive. Also if they’re too loose, they’ll keep falling off and your dog will be constantly tripping over it.

Santa PawsLeash - you’ll want to think about the costume and a coordinating color leash. Sometimes a simple black leash is best and least noticeable. Other times a snazzy leash in a matching color just makes the whole outfit shine! Stay away from printed leashes, as it will detract from the costume (unless it really is matching). Also consider if either a collar or a harness will work better with the outfit.

Once again, remember safety, and keep one hand free to hold the leash and be aware of where your dog is at all times.

fire dogHeadgear – One of the primary considerations for a dog costume is: are your dog’s ears floppy or do they stand up? This will guide you as to what kind of a hat or headpiece to choose, and ultimately what kind of costume you will choose. How will the hat stay on? Will it work with the ear style your dog has? Don’t fight it! Go with what will be comfortable and will actually stay on! Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

The headpiece is the crowning glory for any costume. It simply makes it look complete. If the headpiece style you chose doesn’t work, it will mess up your whole look. So get this part right, and you will both look stunning.

Also, make sure your dog can safely see when the headpiece is on.

Weather - if you’re going to be outside in the cold, be sure your dog has a warm sweater under that cute costume. On the other hand if you’re going to be indoors, be sure your dog won’t overheat in a hot costume (order something more lightweight).

A good rule of thumb is to first consider your event location, and then build your costumes around the practicalities of the weather & location. You don’t want to come up with a great idea, buy all the outfits, only to realize later that it’s totally inappropriate for the location. “Gee, I wish I’d thought about that before!”

Now’s your chance to get it right, starting at the planning stage. Although you can’t always predict all circumstances, you can at least have a general idea. You can even have a back up plan – and add or subtract costume pieces when necessary for yourself and your dog. You just want to remember to be flexible, and to especially have fun!

Safety Tips – Foremost important however, is the safety and comfort of your dog. You might be having a great time at a party, but there might be too much chaos, and the music’s too loud, and your dog is starting to freak out. It’s time to go! Remember that this is supposed to be a fun time for both of you!

Be sure your dog can see easily with the hat on.

Make sure you and your dog are visible at night. Use reflective tape and/or flashing lights on collar and/or leash. Glow stick necklaces work well too.

Always have one hand free to hold the leash. Know where your dog is at all times, and what is happening around you. Are there other dogs approaching? How is your dog reacting?

Is there too much of a crowd? You might need to pick your dog up to avoid being trampled by a large crowd. Or use a dog stroller. You can carry all your gear, snacks, water, extra costume pieces, etc with a dog stroller, or even a regular baby stroller.

I use an open baby stroller with a seat that lays down flat. My dog rides happily in it, and I can easily carry whatever I need with me.

I look forward to sharing more Dog Halloween Costume tips with you as this most favorite of seasons approaches. Feel free to share your own ideas, pictures, and videos with all of us! We’d love to hear from you.

Happy Howl-O-ween!

p.s. I found some really cute pictures and ideas to further inspire you.  How cute would your dog look as batman?  How about an Astronaut and Space Dog costume?  And you won’t believe these ideas and pictures of dogs in crazy costumes!  I love it!

Ready for more?  More adorable photos of really creative costumes for dogs.  My favorite is ‘wolfgang pup’!  Too funny!  And for those of you who know their way around a sewing machine (or even a glue gun), here’s some ideas for doggie costumes that you can make yourself.

Now get inspired, get busy, and have a blast!

 

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