🎃 Trainer Tip Friday: Getting Your Dog Comfortable with Costumes

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Halloween can be a lot of fun—but for our dogs, it can also be confusing, overwhelming, or even a little scary. Costumes, in particular, can be a surprising experience for a pup who’s never worn one before. But with a little planning and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel safe, confident, and maybe even enjoy dressing up for the big night.

👗 Costume Confidence: Step-by-Step Desensitization Tips

Want your dog to enjoy the costume experience—or at least tolerate it calmly? Here’s how to break it down into simple, trust-building steps:

1. Start Early
   Buy or borrow the costume well in advance. Before putting it on your dog, just let them see and sniff it. Leave it in their environment like it’s no big deal.

2. Create Positive Associations
   Don’t rush it. Lay the costume on the floor and sprinkle high-value treats around it. Let your dog explore it at their own pace while associating it with rewards—not pressure.

3. Desensitize with Distance
   Once your dog is cool around the costume, drape part of it over your wrist or arm while offering a treat. See if they’ll take the treat comfortably. This step builds tolerance to the costume being close to their body without forcing it.

4. Reward Contact
   After a few successful sessions, try holding a small part of the costume near their shoulder or back while giving treats. If your dog stays relaxed, that’s a win! If they pull away, pause and go back a step.

5. Put It On—Piece by Piece
   Don’t put the full costume on all at once. Start with one simple piece (like a bandana or hat) for just a few seconds. Give lots of praise and treats. Gradually increase how much of the costume is worn and how long they wear it—as long as they stay relaxed.

6. Watch Body Language
   At every step, pay attention to how your dog feels. Loose body, waggy tail = keep going! Frozen posture, lip licking, or attempts to flee = take a break and go slower.

🐶 Why It Matters Beyond Halloween

Helping your dog feel okay with costumes is about more than just looking cute in photos. It’s a great way to practice desensitization and trust. The same principles apply when introducing things like harnesses, boots, muzzles, or medical gear. Positive experiences with new gear now = smoother real-life scenarios later.

🧠 Bonus Training Tip

Use cues your dog already knows like “sit,” “touch,” or “watch me” while they’re wearing the costume. It helps shift their focus away from the strange sensation and back onto you—building their confidence and engagement.

🕸️ Coming Up: Doom Room – Zoom Room’s Halloween Party!

Now that you’re getting your dog used to costumes, why not show off their spooky style?
Join us at Zoom Room Colorado Springs for our annual Halloween party, lovingly dubbed the Doom Room!

📅 Friday, October 25th
📍 Zoom Room Colorado Springs
🎭 Dog-Friendly Costume Contest
📸 Photo Booth
🦴 Trick-for-Treat Games
🐾 Dog + Human Social Time

It’s fun. It’s festive. It’s fantastic training in disguise.
Spots fill quickly—RSVP today!
👉 Click here to RSVP or learn more
📧 cos@zoomroom.com | ☎️ 719-301-9746