Get Your Dog to Love His Halloween Costume

The first step is to pick a costume that your dog will like. If your dog is finicky about costumes, then you probably want a simple costume that doesn't impede his movement or weigh him down. Something like a lion mane or jester collar. If your dog is more amenable to dressing up, you can spring for a more elaborate costume like this raptor costume or an octopus costume.

Additionally, don't wait until last minute to put on his costume. Start by training him to like his Halloween costume a few weeks before the Halloween, if possible. Make sure to repeat these steps and extend each trial period every time you expose your pet to the costume.

Make him as comfortable as possible before bringing out the costume. Reward him with some delicious tasty treats along the way as you're training him so that he will have a positive association with his costume.

Bring out the costume and lay it down next to him and let him connect with the costume. If your dog goes on the costume and stands on it or starts sniffing the costume, it generally means that he likes it. This doesn't mean that he'll wear it but it's a good first indicator that you stand a chance at getting him to enjoy wearing it. Don't worry if he doesn't approach the costume, as it may take some time. Remember to reward him with treats when he takes a positive action towards the costume.

Once your dog seems to connect with the costume, drape the costume over him for a few seconds while rewarding him with a treat. Don't strap anything on yet. Repeat this step several times, putting it on and off by helping him getting to like the costume before moving on. Each step you get closer and closer to putting on the costume. Be sure to praise him with some encouragement and treats intermittently through these trials.

This time when you strap on the costume, try to distract him with something entertaining by bringing his attention elsewhere. Praise your dog with confidence and more treats by telling him that he's a good boy. Make sure the costume fits your dog perfectly and comfortably for your dog to move around freely.

Don't just put on the costume on him and expect him to like it. It might take some time for some dogs to like their costume. Keep these training sessions short and simple. Don't try to fight your dog into wearing it, because you won't win. Patience is the key to get your dog to wear his Halloween costume since you want to make this as fun and entertaining for your dog as possible.