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Try a test run before investing in a costume. ''Dogs are individuals, just like people," Polsky said. "Some dogs don't mind at all. Other dogs will resist." Beaver and Polsky suggested introducing the idea gradually by trying a hat or small T-shirt on the dog first. ''Put a hat on [your pet] and take it off again,'' Beaver suggested. "Give them a treat."
The younger you start, the better. Browning began to dress up her Lab Harley while he was a young puppy. ''If you dress your dog earlier in their life, they will become accustomed to it," she said.
Consider your dog's personality before you dress it up for Halloween. If you have a dog who doesn't particularly like people other days of the year, think twice about dressing the dog up in costume and letting the kids take him trick-or-treating, Beaver said. For more on aggressive dogs and children, click here.
Even if your dog is fairly social, consider the stress it may experience by seeing your kids or others in costumes. The family dog may not recognize your kids and may become fearful or aggressive, Beaver said. If the dog does go along trick-or-treating, double check that it has its ID attached in case it gets spooked and runs.
Don't force it. "There isn't anything inhumane or improper about putting a costume on your dog," Polsky said. ''But if a dog shows resistance, take the thing off."
If your dog likes the dress-up idea, and you want it to be in the ''in crowd,'' know the top Halloween costumes for dogs, Browning suggested. The top 10 list, she said, includes pumpkin, devil, bow ties and fancy collars, witch, super dog, princess, bat, dog of a different breed (than the one wearing the costume), angel and bumble bee.
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