My golden retriever went from terrified to total ham in a year of Halloween costumes

Last October I dressed my dog Max as a hot dog for the first time and he literally froze and wouldn't move for 20 minutes. Just stood there looking betrayed. I felt so bad I almost gave up on pet costumes entirely. But this year I tried again with a simple lion mane that just velcros around his neck. He pranced around the living room like he owned the place and even posed for photos. I think the difference was starting with something less restrictive and giving him treats every time I put it on for a week beforehand. Has anyone else had a shy pet that eventually loved dress up? How long did it take for yours to stop acting like you were punishing them?

2 comments

2 Comments

jason_stone121mo ago

Had a buddy whose pug took three Halloweens before he'd wear a hat without sulking.

gibson.oliver1mo ago

Pugs are notorious for holding grudges over stuff like that. My neighbor's pug spent two Halloweens refusing to even look at a pumpkin, let alone wear a bandana. It took a lot of patience and some really good treats to get him to finally cooperate without the side-eye.

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