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Some people say their dogs wouldn’t be caught dead in a Halloween costume. Others just strap their pups into that NASCAR driver outfit and send them off to answer the door. How do dogs feel about costumes?
I have it on the best authority that, as long as the costume is comfortable and safe, almost all dogs really don’t mind what they wear. Did you know that dogs, who are capable of so many wonderful emotions like love and loyalty, are incapable of feeling embarrassment? You might blanch at that jumpsuit on Marlon Brando, your Rottie mix, but Marlon probably doesn’t care either way. So it’s up to you. His ego can take it, and his natural sociability might be enhanced by being part of the act.
Helen Fazio and her dog, Raja, are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.
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Stupid “tip”. Dogs may not care which costume they wear, but most certainly have to get used to wearing them, which suggests quite strongly that they don’t like it.
I have to admit that I do put a costume on my therapy dog at Halowe’en, not because he enjoys it (he barely tolerates it), but because it brings so much joy to the nursing home residents and school children we visit.
But I’m under no illusion that he *enjoys* it in any way.
I beg to differ. My dog does give you this look when you put anything on her. Don’t let her see you with it in your hands either. She runs around the house to get away. Once you dress her she hangs her head down as if embarrassed.
well when my great pyrenees had her chest shaved she dropped to the ground whenever anyone came around. so i am certain she was embarressed.
but if you do put your pet in a costume, take a photo and go to pet-a-greeting.com to send a talking photo of your pet.
I never dress my dogs up because I don’t think most costumes are comfortable for dogs. Although I do have to confess that a bulldog in a bee costume does make me go “awww” in spite of myself! This year I found the perfect solution: I’m letting my dogs in on the Howloween fun with a lighted skull collar and leash — safe, cute and comfy
http://www.dogeglow.com/skull-crossbones/
Dogs are different. My Boxer Ruckus likes to wear t shirts and his coat (he gets cold) but he wouldn’t wear a hat. I say try it and they will let you know how they feel about it.
I don’t necessarily agree that they aren’t embarrassed having witnessed the look on our pet’s face when she was snarling at the door and then my husband walked in. It was far beyond shame – she was mortified!
I enjoy most of your tips. This one could be improved. I hope you’ll consider a follow-up.
As others have noted, most dogs require acclimation to any gear, whether it’s a collar, a safety orange vest, a working harness or pack, or a costume or coat. Some dogs never really enjoy gear, and a lot of counter-conditioning and desensitization has to go into getting them comfy with it. Other dogs are less bothered and take to it easily.
However, I’m curious to know your source for the contention that dogs don’t feel embarrassment. That struck a wrong note with me.
My anecdotal experience, along with what I read in applied animal behaviorist and zoologist’s book, For the Love of a Dog (about emotions in dogs), would suggest quite the opposite — that dogs do experience embarrassment. Since it’s harder to prove the lack of existence of something than its existence, I’d love to know where you read or heard evidence that dogs don’t experience embarrassment, as I find the study of dogs’ emotions fascinating.
My two could care less as long as part of the costume is not around their face. They know when the thing comes off they are going to get a yummy treat so bring on the costume.
My dog actually enjoys dressing up. It surprises me as much as anyone. When he sees anything, from a simple kerchief to a full-blown costume (hat included!), he runs over and gets all excited. He’ll even hold his head to make it easier for me to put it on him. He loves to go to Halloween parades dressed up, too. I know he loves the attention he gets, but he actually looks proud of himself. Weird, I know.
I have to disagree about the dogs not feeling embarrassment part. Whenever one of my pitties misses the couch or tumbles down the stairs- they look clearly embarrassed!
Cats are definitely embarrassed & will decide it’s YOUR fault & get you back later- at least the 3 that rule the pits in this house!
My dogs would be MORTIFIED to be dressed up like a clown- my male wouldn’t even walk w/ his life jacket on. He just hung his head in shame. I say give your dog a break & spare it the humilation. Tutus are for ballerinas.
My dogs absolutely LOVE their costumes! They prance around like they are Miss America contestants. I actually have a hard time getting them off of them. When they know I am trying to take them off, they try to get away.
My dog wears a rain coat when I wear a raincoat, a costume when I wear a costume, and a sweater when I wear a sweater. She hates them all, but if she doesn’t wear them she shivers just like I do. At home I can wrap her up in a blanket which she loves just like I do, but as soon as she is out from under she is cold again. So it is sweaters, like it or not. I hate to see her shiver. She’s a desert dog with very short hair and no hair in some spots.
Dogs are animals, just like we are and of course they have feelings! Just like our kids and there are somethings that they have little or no choice in. What clothes they wear and what’s for dinner.
Depending on the individual, I agree completely with the author. My dog “Bob”,(at age 16, sadly died Dec.26), always absolutely loved dressing up. He went out of his way to show off new outfits & costumes, smiling & strutting his stuff for all to see, including his family, friends & neighbors. His enthusiastic delight was a joy to behold. Our other 2 dogs, “Fritz” and “Wolfie” also enjoy dress-up, insist on wearing their yellow rain slickers for inclimate weather,& Fritz has a favorite sweater for the cold.