Max, The Karate Dog: Howl-I-Ween Costume

This year, I decided I would roll up my sleeves and make a cute little Howl-I-Ween costume for Max. I had no idea what Max would be, so I went to the local thrift shop to browse for ideas. I came across a white pair of scrubs and a black fabric belt. Three dollars later, I was on my way home to start my craft project.

Karate Dog!

I measured down Max's back, then I cut the bottom of the pants. Then I cut the pant leg open, along the seam. I measured from arm to arm, over Max's back. I then measured the cloth and make little slits for Max's arms.


Now I have a little white jacket for Max, which is fully customizable. I decided to make him into a little Karate Dog. So I printed a Chinese War sign (which is used on many Karate gees) from the web. I traced the sign on the back center of the coat with a black fine point sharpie and filled it in with a thick sharpie.


Then I measured around Max's belly and cut the black belt. I tied the black belt around his belly and slid the knot to the front.

Wah-La... Karate Dog!

Max says, "Hiiii-ya!"

Halloween Tips & Ideas for your Pup

Costumes:

Be sure to only dress your pup in a costume that he is comfortable wearing. Don't force him to wear that hat he keeps taking off; it is more of a strangling hazard than a fashion statement.

If you want to cut costs this Halloween, try making a costume out of a shirt he already has.

• Sew black felt circles on a red shirt to make a lady bug, or
  
• Sew or draw black stripes on a yellow shirt to make a bumble bee... and don't forget the stinger ;)
• Draw black rings around a white shirt to make your guy a jail bird
  
• Try making a cape or bandanna from a yard of fabric from your local fabric store. It can easily be tied around the neck or sewn on his collar. Then try penciling on your own logo on the cape... Superdog!

Last year I bought a pair of kids jeans at Goodwill, then cut a 8" portion of the calf area and took out the seam. Then I make holes for the arms and wrote on the denim vest. Add a spike collar that we already owned, and Max was a punk rocker!


Safety:

Be extra careful when answering your door for trick-or-treaters. Don't let your little guy get scared by the ghosts and goblins and run out the door. Always use a leash on Halloween, even if your pup is fully trained. All the spooks may spook him.

Keep all decorations that could of danger to your pet out of his reach. Display lit Jack-o-Lanterns on a table or ledge, and keep all candy out of reach... especially chocolate.

If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact a veterinarian immediately. Or call the toll-free Animal Poison Control Center hot-line at (888) 426-4435. It's available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.