Teddys Friends prides itself on being ahead of the curve, and that holds true for doggy dress-up too. Here, we've compiled a list of the funniest, funkiest and most downright adorable costumes for your own bark-or-treaters.
Something Fishy
When does a puppy bite transform into a full-on shark attack? When you dress your dogs as denizens of the deep! From Killer Whales to Great White Sharks, these costumes can be, well, an ocean of fun.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a dachshund!
Underdog they ain't. While they may not be faster than a speeding bullet or stronger than a locomotive, you know your pup can easily leap the coffee table in a single bound when treats are at stake. Conventional character costumes, like Spiderman and Superman, are easy to find. And if your dog has a villainous streak, the Joker is available too.
On the Red Carpet
While Spot may claim that Homeward Bound is his all-time favorite movie, we caught him looking twice as Scarlett O'Hara fashioned that green velvet gown out of curtains. Throw Spot a bone and let him play Rhett Butler. Or, let FiFi play the iconic Marilyn Monroe in the 7-Year Itch. (All the glamour and none of the fleas).
Canine Cuisine
The "Hot Dog in a Bun" costume is so last year. Pet owners and their dogs alike are refining their palette one foodie-themed costume at a time. For the nigiri connoisseur, feast your eyes on a little sushi. Or maybe you've got a craving for mom's Sunday dinner: pot roast. And if all those savory snacks start weighing you down, have a little fruit instead.
DIY
No need to drain your bank account to ensure a happy holiday for you and your best friend. Just gather some household objects and let your creative juices flow. Here are the quick and easy, step-by-step directions for making a classic ghost costume for your pup.
1. You will need a white bed sheet, scissors, a black marker, an elasticized material band and a needle and white thread.
2. This costume covers the dog’s face. It has cut openings for the nose, mouth, eyes and ears. The white sheet lies freely on the dog’s back, hanging down to the ground. Elastic bands attach the sheet to the dog at the neck and chest.
3. Have your dog stand upright. Put the bed sheet over your dog, covering his head. Mark the spots for the nose, eyes and ears. ( Just mark the center of the spot and note how large each hole needs to be.)
4. Attach the sheet to your dog at his neck and chest. Mark the spots on opposite sides of your dog’s neck and chest and estimate the length of the elastic band pieces required. Allow the sheet to hang to the ground.
5. After measuring, take the sheet off your dog. From the inside, sew the elastic band to the relevant spots on the sheet. Cut openings for the nose, mouth, eyes and ears.
6. Put the costume on first through the front paws, then over the dog’s head.
Introducing a Costume
Introduce a costume slowly, especially if your dog has never worn one before. Use these tried-and-true training tips to get him to vamp it up on Halloween.
1. Put a small piece of the costume on him.
2. Praise him as soon as the material touches him.
3. Pop a treat in his mouth.
4. Immediately take the costume off and tell him what a good boy he is.
5. Repeat five times and take a break.
Safety First
1. The costume should be easy to put on your dog. You don't want to have to force him into contortions to get it on.
2. The costume should be even easier to take off. If he gets tangled or panics, it should come off quickly.
3. The costume should allow for free movement of his head, all four legs and tail.
4. The costume should not block his vision.
5. Your dog needs to be able to breathe easily through his mouth and nose.
Also factor in whether he can relieve himself while in costume. If not, you may need to make some adjustments. And don't forget to make room for a leash and collar!
Now go have yourself a doggone spooky Halloween!
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