How To Get Your Dog To Wear a Halloween Costume

Including Hats, Sunglasses, and Goggles

Halloween is a lot more “pawsome” when your dog is comfortable, safe, and happy to wear a Halloween dog costume. My pups—Seven and Paige Turner—weren’t born with an “I’ll wear a hat” gene; they learned it with reward-based dog training. Start now with short, positive sessions so your dog thinks of costumes, hats, and even sunglasses as good things. Bonus: this prep helps beyond spooky season—if your dog ever needs a cone, bandage, or other protective gear, they’ll already have the coping skills.

Safety First: Fit, Comfort, and Humane Standards

Choose lightweight, breathable pieces that are easy to remove. Costumes should never restrict movement or breathing, trap heat, block vision, or cause your dog to trip. Stick to non-toxic fabrics, dyes, and adhesives.

The Fast Food / Fine Dining Method (Your Training Foundation)

• Fast Food: quick reps with tiny, low-value treats to mark brave little wins like personal go to, Charlie Bear Dogs Training Treat, and Snack. These are low-calorie treats that don’t smell. I keep them in the front pocket of my purse and hand them out at every win.
• Fine Dining: quick reps with high-value treats when they’re keeping the gear on, like Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies. I only use the chicken, sweet potato, or pumpkin flavors because my Seven has a sensitive tummy (just like his Mommy) and these flavors don’t seem to bother him. The company also offers beef, salmon, and rabbit. If the hat/costume comes off, Fine Dining pauses.
• Move slowly, end on a win, and keep early sessions under two minutes.
• Set your dog up for success and always SMILE while training.

How to Get a Dog to Wear a Hat

People tell me, “My dog just won’t wear a hat.” Mine didn’t either—at first.

1. Pick the right hat. Light, stable, easy on/off.
2. One-second success. Place it on for one second, cheerful “Yes,” treat, remove.
3. Add seconds slowly. 3…5…10 seconds across multiple mini-sessions. Mix in easy sits/downs.
4. Fine Dining upgrade. Offer a high value treat while training. If your dog paws or shakes, pause and reset.

Trainer tip: Better to take it off too soon than too late—this prevents backsliding.

How to Get Your Dog To Wear a Halloween Costume

Make it Fun and Rewarding

My Australian Shepherd, Paige Turner, loves dressing up for therapy-dog visits—because we made training fun and rewarding.

1. Start simple. A soft Velcro vest or cape. Check fit at neck, shoulders, and armpits; your dog should walk, sit, and lie down easily.
2. Pair with easy wins. Put the vest on, cue a few favorite behaviors, treat generously, remove.
3. Short, happy reps. Add time and gentle movement only as comfort grows. Use reflective accents if you’ll be out after dark.

How to Get Your Dog to Wear Sunglasses or Goggles. Because Who doesn’t love a dog in sunglasses?

How to help yours keep them on.

1. Deconstruct the gear. Let your dog sniff the goggles. “Yes,” treat.
2. Strap practice. Bring straps near the head/ears; “Yes,” treat.
3. One-second on, reward, off. Repeat until neutral.
4. Build to 10–30 seconds while feeding, then add a few steps of walk–treat–walk.
5. Fit check. Snug but not tight; no pinching lashes or whiskers. Keep lenses clean.
   
   

Ready-to-Shop: Cute Halloween Costumes for Medium–Large Dogs

Choose breathable, adjustable pieces with minimal bulk.

• Kissing Booth Headpiece—Your dog will be the LOVE of the party!
• Onmygogo Funny Pet Reindeer Moose Costumes for Dog, Cute Furry Pet Wig for Halloween— an instant crowd pleaser and can be used again at Christmas!
• CPPSLEE Lion Mane for Dog Costumes, Realistic Wig for Medium to Large Sized Dogs— turn your sweet pooch into the ferocious king of the jungle.
• Dog King Costume—This pet king cloak and crown set will have you referring to your doggo as HRS. 
• Bat Wings — ultra-light and simple on/off.
• Vampire Cape — no leg holes, great for sensitive pups.
• Rex Specs — for “character with shades” looks. Plus, you can use them later to protect their eyes from debris- and impact-related injuries, as well as sun damage. These goggles are essential for active dogs in conditions like high-altitude areas, near water, in the desert, or during activities such as hunting or riding in vehicles. The protective lenses block harmful UVA and UVB rays and shield eyes from dust, sticks, and other hazards that can cause scratches or more severe injuries.  

Dress-Up Game Plan (Step-By-Step)

Use this sequence for hats, costumes, goggles—anything.

1. Fit and function. Your dog should move freely, breathe easily, and see clearly.
2. One-second rule. On → “Yes” → treat → off. Repeat.
3. Add seconds, not minutes. If you see pawing or head-shakes, you jumped too fast—go back one step.
4. Layer context. Wear the piece for a short, quiet stroll right before dinner so the costume predicts great things.
5. Photo-op plan. Exercise first, costume second, meal last. Keep the first real wear to 2–3 minutes, then jackpot and off.

Troubleshooting

• Pawing or head-shake: drop back to one-second reps with higher-value treats.
• “Statue dog” (won’t move): outfit is too heavy/restrictive—lighten it or switch to a cape or bandana.
• Overheating: even in cool climates, bulky costumes trap heat. Choose mesh liners, take breaks.
• Still struggling? Reserve gear for extra-special rewards so the outfit predicts awesome things.

Quick Packing List

• Low-value treats for Fast Food
• High-value for Fine Dining
• Lightweight costume pieces that pass the movement test
• Dog goggles for fun
• Reflective band or collar light for after-dark safety
• Water and a small towel

FAQs

How long does this take?

Many dogs tolerate simple hats or capes after a few 2–3 minute sessions spread over several days. Sensitive dogs may need a week or two—short, happy reps win.

What if my dog still hates it?

Choose the least intrusive option: a festive bandana or light cape. The goal is comfort, not perfection.

Can I train on Halloween day?

Don’t count on Halloween day to do the heavy lifting. Training strengthens your bond, so start now and keep sessions short and sweet. Save real practice for quiet days, and keep Halloween to “maintenance” that you already know your dog can handle.

When you’ve mastered the art of costumes, hats, or shades, I’d love to see a photo of your star! And if you enjoyed this post, want more dog-centric stories? Sign up for my Substack page, where I share heartfelt stories about life with my dogs and the healing power of the human–animal bond. It’s a space filled with paws, purpose, and plenty of love—I’d be thrilled to see you there.