Halloween for Pets: How to Get Your Cat or Dog to Put on a Costume

Sarah Ganly
Try to get your dog or cat to put on a costume for Halloween can be very tricky, but there are a few tips that will make this much easier for you. Dogs and cats look adorable in costumes for Halloween. Pets can participate in your Halloween festivities too by dressing up. This article will discuss how to get your cat or dog to put on a costume for Halloween.

Choose the Right Costume

It is very important to choose the right costume when trying to get your cat or dog to dress up for Halloween. Make sure the costume is the right size. This can be done by measuring your dog or cat as well as the costume. It is also important to make sure there isn't any part of the costume that hangs down in a bad spot. Uncomfortable straps, tight arm holes, and all other parts of the Halloween costume should fit your pet comfortably.

Go Slowly

Now for the part where patience will come into play; when trying to get your dog or cat to put on a costume for Halloween you must go slow and offer treats. Start by showing your pet the costume. You can place it on the floor and let your pet check it out. When your pet sniffs or gets very close to it give your cat or dog a treat.

Then place the costume on your pet's back. Again give your pet a treat. When your cat or dog is comfortable with this you can try to clasp the costume on the cat or dog. Whether they allow you or not give them a treat. Continue with this process until your pet will willingly let you put a costume on them. Remember to go very slowly; this process may take several days. The more you practice this with your pet, the more they will come to be excited about the costume.

Praise and Positive Reinforcement

Remember to praise your cat or dog throughout the entire process of putting on the Halloween costume. This may be scary for them at first, but your praise and positive reinforcement will prove to your pet that the costume is good. Instruct your friends and family to praise the pet when they have the costume on as well. Always reward your cat or dog with a treat and praise when they come in contact with the costume, and when they see it they will be come excited.

You can easily get your cat or dog to put on a costume for Halloween; this will let your pets get in on the fun of this awesome holiday. Putting a costume on your dog or cat may take a little time and patience, but it will be a lot of fun when your work pays off.

Published by Sarah Ganly

I am a student, lunch lady, daughter, girlfriend, and proud puppy owner. I love art, crafts, gardening, baking, and many other hand on activities. I am pursuing a degree in business management, and I am...  View profile

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  • Peggy Hazelwood9/27/2010

    I used to love to dress my cats (not just for Halloween) when I was little. So cute!

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