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To begin training start with a VERY over-sized t-shirt, it doesn’t have to be a dog shirt. An over-sized men’s t-shirt is your best bet.

Hold the t-shirt wide open and encourage your dog to put his head through. Don’t force the issue. Encourage him or her by using food as a reward. For Guinness, it was cheese. I swear that dog will do anything for a piece of cheese! With puppies, Ms. Santos has even used jars baby food.

Once your dog is comfortable with putting his head through on his own, you can begin putting his front paws through the shirt sleeve. If you make it a game with treats, praise and cuddling your dog may begin to enjoy dressing up.

Just be sure to keep your dog’s comfort in mind. Make sure the clothing fits well. Remember your dog is already covered with fur and can overheat easily. Use caution and common sense when you are in a warm climate. Don’t leave your dog dressed in a coat or sweater once you have returned indoors. Be especially careful with costumes and novelty items, these should only be worn when you are supervising your dog.

Guinness went from hating dress-up to bringing me things to wear so he can get a piece of cheese! He has come to enjoy the positive attention he gets when he is dressed. I hope these simple tips will help you enjoy the Holiday with your dog!

Kath Santo has been training dogs for over 20 years now. You may have seen one of her many appearances on the Martha Stewart Show. According to Santo, dog that learn to accept being dressed are also learning valuable handling skills.

Many of us have experienced difficulty giving our dogs a pill, clipping or grooming our dogs, brushing our dog’s teeth, etc. It seems that dogs that are used to being handled and dressed are more easily able to accept grooming and medical attention without becoming fearful or aggressive to their owners or other care givers.

Many dogs also enjoy the positive attention they receive from thier owners and others when they are dressed up. Our dog Guinness does not particularly like dressing up, but give him a new collar and he prances down the street that day holding his head extra high and his chest out! Dogs understand when they are receiving special attention.

Tomorrow I will post some tips on how to train your dog or puppy to dress up. I have tried this method and it has worked wonders, This year Guinness will be dressing up in his 1950’s retro leather jacket.

Not all dogs enjoy the excitement that comes along with the holiday. Many dogs are frightened at the sight of human in costume.

1.  Keep a firm grip on your dog with a well constructed leash. Check your dog’s leash for signs of wear and tear that may have occurred over the summer months.

2.  Make sure your dog’s ID tags are current. Some dogs tend to bolt and run when the front door is opened for Trick or Treaters.

3.  If you are not Trick or Treating with your dog, keep him indoors during the hours when Trick or Treaters are parading the streets. There have been reports of taunting and theft of pets during this time of year. Keep your pet safe and out of harm’s way.

4.  Keep your dog out of the candy bowl! Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is — and the smaller the lethal dose.

5.  Explain to everyone in the house, especially children, the dangers of sharing their candy with the dog.

6.  Supervise your pet at all times when wearing Halloween costumes. These costumes are cute and meant to be fun, but they are not dog toys. Parts of a costume can be chewed off by your dog and cause choking hazards.

7.  Keep candles, jack ‘o lanterns and other Halloween decoration out of reach of your dog.

8.  Symptoms of chocolate poisoning: excessive drooling, excessive urination, pupil dilation, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors or seizures. Get emergency medical help immediately.

9.  Keep a First Aid Kit available at all times. Print out this Animal CPR Brochure and keep on hand with your first aid kit.

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