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29/10/2021 13:13
Halloween (or All Hallows Eve) is approaching and it definitely involves our dogs!
One thing we see more of every year is dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes.
Sometimes, this can be sweet and silly - but ONLY when the dog is happy to wear something.
So, here are my 4 tips for a HAPPY Halloween picture:
#1 What will suit your dog best? 👻
…And I don’t mean what colour do they look best in (although Alto definitely suits a spooky green).
Does your dog often wear ‘clothes’? This would apply for dogs who are cold puppies - like whippets and viszlas - who like to wear some pyjamas on a cold day.
If you normally dress your dog up in coats, harnesses and bandanas, then they are much more likely to accept costumes
If your dog is a hot dog, or doesn’t normally wear clothes, then you will have to choose a little more carefully what to use.
If your dog is actively scared of handling - they won’t let you groom them easily, or are scared when you need to give them different treatments - then avoid dressing up and look at different options.
#2 Make it GREAT 👻
When you have something new to put on them, make sure you pair with LOTS of treats and yummy tasty things.
Let your dog say “no” too - if they are freaked by whatever you are putting on them, it will make for a miserable picture!
#3 Smiles! 👻
Dogs who like their clothes will act normally. They can move around, play, take treats, and basically interact like they always would.
Dogs who do not like their clothes might stand still - or go really ‘good’ (ie feel too uncomfortable to move) They might try and bite at what you have put on them or scratch lots.
They also might show signs of stress like whites of the eyes, ears pinned back, yawning. (Want more science on this? See the Ladder of Aggression for info if you want to know more!)
#4 My dog hates clothes! 👻
You might already be thinking - nope, my dog will hate this! (Alto isn't hugely keen because he gets so hot).
How about a cute Halloween bandana? These are better as they go on the dog’s collar.
Or, something to attach to the harness (that isn’t heavy or floppy!) if they like a harness.
Or, someone to attach to the back of the collar, like devil horns.
(Of course, taking all the body language from above into account…)
If you dog HATES being handled and is super sensitive to things touching them, then how about a pose with a pumpkin?
Ask your dog to sit, ask for a paw with your hand on the pumpkin and reward. Then, gradually move your hand away each time so that they are putting their paw on the pumpkin and reward each time they do that.
Over to you...
Comment with your IG below if you are dressing your dog following these tips & I’ll be sure to like!