Creativity is key if you want to win a prize in a dog costume contest. To stand out, create your own costume.
Here are a few dog costume ideas to get you started —
- Look to the news, sports and recent celebrity stories to come up with a costume idea. The more topical the story and the funnier the costume, the better.
- Recognizable costumes from recent music videos, movies, award shows and celebrity galas are typically big hits in dog costume contests.
- Comic book and action hero costumes are contenders in a year when a big blockbuster action movie has come out.
- Odd costumes that turn your dog into inanimate objects like a vehicle, phone, season, food, storm, Christmas tree, Chia Pet, etc., have a good shot at taking a prize — especially if the reference is topical and the costume is elaborate.
- Classic costumes like Elvis, Audrey Hepburn, fairy tales, Star Wars or caveman can win but only if they are extremely elaborate. You’ll likely have some competition in these areas.
- Mommy-and-me or Daddy-and-me costumes tend to do pretty well. Dress yourself up as part of your dog’s costume.
- If you have more than one dog, find a topical theme that includes all of your dogs, rather than dressing them up individually.
- Not good at DIY? There’s no shame in seeking costume help!
Thumbnail: Photography ©Zinchik | Getty Images.
About the author: Nikki Moustaki is a dog trainer, dog rescuer, and pet expert. She splits her time between New York City and Miami Beach, Florida, and is the author of the memoir The Bird Market of Paris. Visit Nikki on Facebook, on Twitter, and at nikkimoustaki.com.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!
3 thoughts on “8 Tips on How to Win a Dog Costume Contest This Halloween”
Yeah, I’m the right place, actually I’m looking for this information. I have some dogs and I want to join the dog costume contests. Here I found much more information and great tips. Thank you Nikki Moustak.
I have won several Halloween dog costume contests.
My advice is to forget store bought costumes. Be original and make yours.
And don’t throw something together the night before!
Once it is made, give your dog/s time to adjust making sure they are comfortable.
Stretch fabrics are best!
Teach your dog to sit up , dance in their costume, or hold something in their mouth like an artificial flower or a desktop flag.. That scores big with the judge!
Thanks for sharing. Great tips for all doglovers. Happy Haloween!