Halloween costume ideas for my dog

[corey0212]

As much as I'm generally opposed to dressing my dog up in funny outfits, our favorite dog store is having a Halloween parade (or rather, the Howl'oween Pawrade), and we need costume ideas for Champ. Any suggestions? We'd like come up with something that we could make ourselves, rather than just go with something out of a package, and risk having Champ in the same costume as some other dog (the horror!!)

[shortspark]

Although I don't have a dog anymore, I saw a picture of one that looked like Rudolph. He had horns on him made of tree limbs and a big red nose. There was other Christmas decorations of various kinds on him as well. Looked sort of cute in a way.

[SAR Guy]

How about Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh.........................As soon as I figure out how to post a picture I will show you what a black lab looks like dressed up as Eeyore.

[Dragonslayer]

How about making Champ a super hero dog with a cape. Use old wire clothes hangers straightened out to make the cape edges look like he is flying. Get creative with a suit too.

[corey0212]

A cape was my first thought, mostly just in terms of keeping a costume off of his head, which he wouldn't like. That's a good idea, with the coat hangers! Thanks, Dragonslayer!

[JCKridgeline]

I saw a dog dressed up as a donkey once. The costume included a pole attached to the dogs back with a carrot hanging from a string in front of the dog. Wish I had a photo, it was funny.

[wrenrj1]

Not to rain on your parade, but putting stuff on dogs ain't right. It's uncomfortable for the dogs, and puts them in an atmosphere they're not used to and may cause them to act out. If anything, take your dog to the parade and watch.

Go with your initial instincts and bypass the costume. Just my .02.

[Truckin']

It all depends on the temperament of the dog. I had a female Dane who got very used to wearing a pair of shorts backwards when she was in heat. We had a party for a few 4th of July holidays where we called one game meat dressing. We all had to take our dog and get four socks on them a shirt and a pair of shorts in a race to see who could do it first. I always won!

Some dogs are fearful of costumes. Some take it all in stride. Our old German Wirehair loved to greet all the ghoulish kids at the door as we handed out candy. He wasn't phased a bit.

Many dogs have such short hair that in cold climates they need a sweater or jacket. Our girls wear those without a problem.

I think it's possible to have fun with this and that your dog to have fun with it too if they are goofy. Most goldens are pretty goofy. I mean that as the highest kind of compliment.

[corey0212]

If he's not digging the costume, we'll take it off. The idea with the cape is great, because if it goes as planned, it shouldn't be any more of a distraction than his collar. That being said, they had over 100 dogs turn out last year, and a good time was had by all.

[corey0212]

Originally Posted by Truckin'

Many dogs have such short hair that in cold climates they need a sweater or jacket.

This is exactly what I was thinking, but I was trying no to get too defensive. Same would go for a life-vest....if Champ was going out in a boat, he'd be wearing one. He might not love it, but it's for the best. I can already hear the argument that a Halloween costume is not the same as something for his protection, but it's just a short parade, and it should be really fun. The store (Hot Diggity in the Mashpee Commons) puts on all kinds of great events for dogs, and Champ is somewhat of a cult hero in the store. He wouldn't miss it for the world.

We're definitely leaning towards SuperChamp!!