What Might Your Dog Think of Being Costumed and Festooned,or of Wearing a Hat and Fake Mustache?
Thinking about buying a custom dog sweater ?
Insofar as I can voice the experience of any animal (including members of my own species),my answer is “The dog,he does not like it “.
This is not to say that it is entirely agonizing for your pet. The dog is of the species Canis familiaris: the latter portion of that name indicates their familiarity with,well,their extended family,humans. Thoroughly domesticated,having put up with human behavior and its attendant silliness for something on the order of fourteen thousand years,the dog may suffer some costuming gladly. And this is why: by submitting to be a jack-o-lantern,hot dog (with bun),biker dude,or princess,the dog gains something valuable. He gets your attention,and probably an extra round of liver treats. Apart from the liver,there is little as nourishing to a dog as the attention of his owner. So we have bred dogs,hence they cooperatively are– sometimes to a fault.
Alternatively,to put raiments on a dog is to blithely ignore his essential dogness. Consider the Canis portion of his heritage. Both wolves and dogs are descended from some wolflike ancestor; thus,we might look at the behavior of the dog’s cousin,the present-day wolf (Canis lupus),just to provide one explanation for dog behavior. Among wolves,one animal may “stand over” another: literally placing his body on top of and touching the other,as a scolding or a mild putting-in-one’s- place. To a dog,a costume,fitting tight around the dog’s midriff and back,might well reproduce that ancestral feeling. So the principal experience of wearing a costume may not be the experience of festivity; rather,the costume produces the discomfiting feeling that someone higher ranking is nearby. This interpretation is borne out by many dogs’ behavior when getting dressed in a costume: they may freeze in place as though they are being “dominated”– and soon try to dislodge the garments by shaking,pawing,or rolling in something so foul that it necessitates immediate disrobing.
Another approach to answering the question of what Halloween could be like for the costumed dog is to engage in a little exercise of perspective-shifting. Imagine that you arrive at work one day and are told that today is the day you will be walking around in your skivvies (the human equivalent of putting a naked dog in clothing,perhaps). Socially,this is awkward; physically,it could be decidedly uncomfortable. But your colleagues grin at you,point and giggle happily,and ply you with extra liver treats– er,I mean,candy. Ultimately,you might tolerate it for the day,secure in the approval of those around you,and the happy circumstance that you can wear your full office regalia tomorrow. So might it feel like for your dog.
We are,ultimately,a culture of celebrants,and our dogs will be included in that celebration,regardless. But if you want to be that over-exposed owner aside your over-dressed and be-costumed dog for Halloween,I feel certain your dog would appreciate the gesture.
Consider Dog costumes carefully for safety reasons
Ensure your pet’s costume fits properly and is comfortable. Like us,dogs don’t enjoy wearing clothing that’s too tight or too loose. A costume should allow your pup to move naturally,breathe normally and open his or her mouth. Too-loose costumes may trip your dog,get caught on furniture or in closing doors,or allow them to get it off.Avoid loose fabric pieces and small dangling embellishments like bells as part of the costume. These can be annoying,and your dog may be tempted to chew off and possibly swallow such things,which may cause an upset stomach or an obstruction.Choose only those headpieces that allow unobstructed vision,hearing and breathing. A sudden loss of vision or an inability to breathe normally often causes distress in pets. There’s nothing safe or fun about an inability to see,hear or breathe,and masquerading in a Halloween costume is supposed to be fun,right?Have your dog try on and become familiar with his or her Halloween costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows any abnormal behaviors– for instance, the whites of the eyes showing more than usual,ears pinned low,tail tucked or cowering– remove the costume immediately and try a festive bandana or collar instead. In many cases,your dog may tolerate being dressed up long enough for you to take a quick photo,then remove the costume. Of course your dog is already adorable,so you can always let him celebrate Halloween in his or her “nakedness.”If your dog likes wearing a costume,make certain to supervise him or her while he’s in one. Supervision can avoid accidents,injuries and,potentially,overheating.Add reflective material or some other type of self-illuminating device to your pet’s costume. This is particularly important if your dog will join in the trick-or-treating jaunt around the neighborhood. You want your pet visible to passing cars to help reduce the risk of an accident.A costume is an important part of any Halloween plans. By using a little extra care when choosing one for your pet,you and your family– including your four-legged loved one– can enjoy the festivities. We have custom outfits for your puppy at The Doggie Market
