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Dog-o-ween is the best holiday! I started dressing our terrier mix "Petey" for Halloween because I was looking for a Halloween project for my school-aged children that wasn't scary and wasn't focused on sugar. Years later, we are still dressing Petey-in fact, it is now a Halloween addiction for our family that's stronger than sugar. We plan our event all year long.

Our town has a Dog-o-ween Parade, and we have also attended Dog-o-ween parties and contests. I've observed some great ideas throughout the years:

1. The most important thing is to avoid shelling out big bucks for a complicated store-bought outfit. They just aren't necessary.

2. It's a family affair. You'll have more fun if you and your family also dress up to complement your dog's costume. For example, our first year Petey dressed as Santa and my children wore elf hats and striped shirts.

3. Be careful. Make absolutely sure your dog's neck and face are clear and that nothing is hanging where it could get stepped on. Keep your dog leashed near you while in costume.

4. Terrific costumes can be made simply by decorating an existing dog sweater or dog cape that your dog is already comfortable wearing. By using felt, cardboard cutouts or other additions, you can easily create fun costumes such as a hot dog in a bun, a superhero, a bride or a monster. Our favorite costume for Petey was when we added strips of Astroturf (using Velcro) to his sweater to make him a Chia Pet!

5. Dressing dogs as other animals is very fun. Try giraffe spots, heifer spots or tiger stripes on your sweet little pooch. One contest winner last year in our town was dressed as a lion-with his owner as a circus lion tamer and the owner's child dressed like a clown.

Halloween isn't fun for every dog. Make sure you factor your dog's personality into your decisions. If your pet isn't going to feel comfortable, either in the costume, with the attention, or with the other costumed dogs and people, then don't force the experience.

Many dogs and their families do love Halloween, though, as a chance to parade and play. If you do participate with your puppy, don't forget your camera. You will want to remember every bit of the day!

Learn more about this author, Eva Smart.
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