10 Easy Ways To Include Dogs Who Hate Costumes in the Halloween Fun
For an eerie-sistible dressed-up pup, try these minimalist bits of flair. 
Tracey L. Kelley headshot By Tracey L. Kelley October 07, 2022 Advertisement Pin FB More Tweet Email Send Text Message Print 
dog with beanie baby tag as a costume Credit: Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
It's hard to resist the utter cuteness of dogs in costumes when sharing the spooktacular Halloween fun! But some pooches are uncomfortable wearing a mask, anything around their ears, or an outfit that restricts their movement. To keep your pet safe, it's also best to avoid costumes with loose strings and metal pieces, such as zippers or buttons.
Never fear! You can still make happy seasonal memories with your lil' punkin' if you keep the festive adornment minimal. For dogs who hate costumes, here are 10 Halloween ideas that give them full access to their senses and movements—and still allow you to take plenty of photos, as long as you reward the ample patience with special dog treats.
RELATED: Quiz: What's the Best Pet-Owner Halloween Costume for You and Your BFF?
halloween bandana dog costume Credit: Courtesy of Mark & Graham
1. Themed Bandana
Any day is a great day for your pup strut her stuff in a snazzy bandana, but a holiday kerchief is particularly pleasing. Whether it features a smattering of pumpkins, a favorite superhero (yours, naturally), or cobwebs, there's no denying your pet is ready for a fa-boo-lous time!
harness halloween dog costume Credit: Courtesy of Chewy
2. Halloween-themed Collar, Harness, and Leash
Spread the spookiness every time you take your dog for a walk with a Halloween-printed collar, this slick dino harness, or a bright orange LED leash perfect for those fall evening walks. Who knows? Maybe dogs who hate costumes won't even realize how completely festive they look while trotting around! Shhh … we'll never tell.
RELATED: 12 Gorgeous Fall Collars to Add to Your Cart Right Now
halloween sweater dog costume Credit: Courtesy of Target
3. Halloween Sweater and Coat
Pups who feel a chill won't care about outerwear's pattern as long as they stay toasty. While your pet should never eat candy corn, that doesn't mean he can't look totally scrumptious in this white, orange, and yellow striped sweater or make a fashionable holiday statement. (Keep in mind, though: If your dog doesn't like costumes, they might not tolerate a sweater or coat, either.)
dog with beanie baby tag as a costume Credit: Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
4. Beanie Baby Collar Tag
Highlight your best DIY skills by creating all types of noninvasive dog costumes, including a personalized TY Beanie Baby tag! Social media influencer Rebecca Nobrega teaches you step-by-step in this YouTube video.
RELATED: 16 Easy DIY Dog Costume Ideas to Try This Halloween
bib halloween dog costume Credit: Courtesy of You Customize It
5. Baby Bib and Stroller
If you have a small dog who might get frightened in the Halloween shuffle, make trick-or-treating safer by placing her in a stroller with an adorable bib around her neck. Sure, this hipster dog bib might be for itty bitty humans, but we suspect it will look just as cool on your pup.
dog wearing tutu for a Halloween costume Credit: Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
6. Tutu
Have you taught your dog to spin? Just imagine how much she'll be the hit of the Halloween pawty while performing in a tutu! If you're wondering how to get your dog to keep a costume on, this one might do the trick. Just make sure she's not stressed wearing it.
shirt and tie dog costume Credit: Daily Paws / Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
7. Bow Tie or Shirt and Tie
Here's an easy costume solution for dogs who hate costumes: Dress up your pup for any ghoulish gathering with a swanky bow tie or a slim shirt and tie ensemble. One look at himself in the mirror and he'll likely never want to go casual again.
best of show dog costume Credit: Daily Paws / Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
8. Best in Show Ribbon
Fans of the Westminster Dog Show, the National Dog Show, or the Crufts International Dog Show have imagined that winning circle glory. Well, Halloween is a time to live out those fantasies, so create a Best in Show moment with these ribbons.
RELATED: 16 Funny Dog Costumes That Will Be the Highlight of Halloween
dog in waist halloween costume, a sushi roll Credit: Daily Paws / Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong
9. Waist Costumes
As long as your pup doesn't mind wearing something around her waist and can still move freely, she may consent to a funny costume, like this piece of sushi or this hilarious cowboy.
boots for dog halloween costume Credit: Courtesy of Etsy
10. Leggings or Boots
Whether your pup prances, trots, or ambles, there will certainly be many screams of delight when they make an appearance in sassy leggings or rad shoes like these tennies.
