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DIY Halloween Costumes for Dogs: Lego Dogo

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
October 17th, 2016 12:00 AM
diy halloween costumes for dogs lego dogo
Excitement is building for this DIY dog Halloween Costume. Turn your pooch into a Lego brick – and it all starts with an empty shoebox.


Lego my Dogo! Lego was a favorite toy of mine back in the day. There was no limit as to what you could build. It kept me out of trouble for hours… but because I didn’t like to clean up after myself, they often got lodged in my mom’s foot!


There’s no chance that Oscar will get stepped on when he’s wearing his Lego Dogo costume. I didn’t even need to buy anything to make this DIY dog costume – I already had what I needed hanging around the house. And chances are, you do, too!

You’ll need:


  • Shoebox (or other appropriately sized box)
  • 6 Plastic cups (all the same size)
  • Spray paint (any color you’d like – I went with blue)
  • Hot glue gun
  • Elastic straps
  • Velco tape


Directions:


  1. Cut a large enough hole at one end of the box – it needs to be big enough for your dog’s head to fit through, as well as comfortably turn his head.
  2. Glue six plastic cups to the top. They should be spaced about 1 inch apart.
  3. Spray paint the cups and the box all the same color. Paint in an area that’s well ventilated.
  4. Secure costume with elastic straps. Velcro tape can be added to the straps for easy on and off.
WOW
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Low on cash, high on creativity? Save your money and make your dog’s Halloween costume for a couple of bucks. We’ll tell you what you’ll need and how to do it. I’m not the craftiest person on the planet, but I do dabble in the art. My sewing skills are basic – loose buttons and small rips are all I can handle. After seeing my latest credit card bill, I made the decision to cut back on spending… and that meant no new Halloween costumes for Oscar. The only way he could make a fashion statement on October 31 is if I got creative with my design skills. That’s the inspiration behind this DIY Halloween Costumes for Dogs series! First up is Oscar’s Chia Pet Costume. This famous “As Seen on TV” potted plant is adorable when a pet is parading in it. It’s easy to make and cost me $5. What you’ll need: Baby Onesie or t-shirt, Green, Orange, or Red (bigger dogs will need a t-shirt)Plastic Greenery, from the Dollar StoreHot glue gunNeedle and threadSafety Pin Directions:

Dalmatian

Dalmatian Basics Thanks to a large size, a bright white coat, black spots and a Disney movie or two, there are few breeds of dog more infamous in the world than a Dalmatian. Often associated as the kind of dogs who help firemen and police, Dalmatians are notoriously good workers and comprise an assertive, friendly breed. And as the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. But what is it about Dalmatians that seems to capture our imaginations? Was it the movie? Or is it simply the spirit of the breed? After all, if you’re considering buying a dog for you family, you may find that nothing can light up your children’s eyes quite like mentioning a Dalmatian. What are the right circumstances for a Dalmatian? As you’re about to find out, Dalmatians are an active breed that enjoy attention and love to get in a good workout – especially if there’s company involved. If you’re considering getting a Dalmatian yourself, here are some facts that can help you better understand this unique breed of dog. As the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. Origin Considering they’re called Dalmatians, one might think they’re from a made-up, far-away place like Dalmatia. Silly, right? Well, that’s the case – except Dalmatia is not made-up. It’s a region in the country of Croatia, and historians pinpoint the Dalmatians there back to the late 1700s. Although that is the official country of origin, the Dalmatian is actually quite an English dog, having been developed and bred primarily in England. The truth is that there’s not a lot know about the Dalmatian breed. Dalmatians were said to be from Croatia in the mid-1800s, as is officially known now, and were said to be used as guard dogs. Thanks to a sporty, active English breeding, Dalmatians are now known as dogs that get along with a variety of animals – especially the horse – and display strong hunting and sporting instincts. Pedigree

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise Basics Just when you think you’ve gotten all the dog breeds figured out, you take a look at a dog that looks like a Maltese and find out that it’s not a Maltese at all – it’s actually a Bichon Frise. Fantastic! More time studying dog breeds is clearly called for, which means you get to expand your knowledge of pets just a little more. Okay, so maybe not everyone likes homework. With that in mind, let’s get it all out of the way and focus on this curious dog known as the Bichon Frise, French for “curly white lap dog.” Hey, the French are nothing if not a little bit literal. This dog can be considered a large toy dog and, while it looks similar to the Maltese, does have some distinctions that make it a breed in and of itself. And although the fluffy white coat can intimidate potential dog owners who don’t like the idea of a lot of grooming, the Bichon Frise is surprisingly low-maintenance, meaning that they’re not big shedders and won’t be a hamper on that roommate of yours with dog allergies. Convinced that the Bichon Frise is a unique breed worthy of study yet? Good. Because we’re about to focus on the individual characteristics of this French breed that will help you to understand why so many people walk around with Maltese-looking dogs that actually have all the positive qualities of that other breed, the Bichon Frise. This curious dog is known as the Bichon Frise, French for “curly white lap dog.” Origin The Bichon Frise is, predictably, a French breed. As you can glean from the root word “Bich,” the name of the dog has its root in quite literal and old French translations. Like the Maltese, the different Bich breeds came from the Mediterranean area and have a long history throughout the Europe and European trade. Sailors would bring similar breeds around with them and, thanks to its cheerful personality, these dogs would be a hit, especially in locations like Spain. Later on, Italian nobility found these breed types to be very enjoyable and no doubt gave them plenty of lap time. This background in sailing can still be evidence as the breed can sometimes enjoy swimming and retrieving, although the Bichon Frise is certainly not a hunting or retrieval dog. Throughout history, the Bichon Frise has enjoyed French attention from the courts of Napoleon III to the streets of Paris. The breed was formally recognized in the recent centuries just as many dog breeds have been. Pedigree

If Your Dog Eats Fast, Green Interactive Feeder Forces Him to Slow Dow

Does your dog eat fast? Slow down meals with this interactive feeder It’s no shock to learn that today’s pets are getting fatter. Besides diet and exercise, there are other measures you can take to help regulate your dog’s weight. If your dog eats fast and then starts begging for more food, an innovative product that can help is the Green Interactive Feeder. Remember how your parents always told you not to play with your food? Well, the same doesn’t hold true with your pets. If your dog eats fast, you know about the dangers of bloat or the risk of vomiting, gagging and unpleasant gasses. Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. How The Green Interactive Feeder Works No matter what size your pooch is, this interactive feeder fits perfectly. Designed to stimulate while slowing the eating process, Green resembles a patch of grass. Just pour your dog’s allotted mealtime kibble in between the blades of grass and watch him go to work. He’ll use is tongue and nose to get at those tasty morsels. Watch the video below to see a hungry pup in action… it’s entertaining to watch! Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. Green Pluses If your dog eats fast, Green prolongs meal time. This means there won’t be any puking, gagging or smelly gas issues to deal with. Even worse is the threat of bloat, an issue cause by fast eating that can result in death. While your pup is busy figuring out how to get at his din-din, you can sit down to yours without having to deal with a pair of pleading eyes looking up at you for scraps. The Green Interactive Feeder is made from hard plastic (without phthalates), can be used both indoors and out and is dishwasher safe. You can learn more about the product and where to buy it on the Green Interactive Feeder website. Does your dog eat fast or is he on a restricted calorie diet? Would you try a product like Green Interactive Feeder? Do you have tips to help dogs slow down while eating? Please leave us your comments in the section below. As well, watch the video of the Green Interactive Feeder in action – it’s fun to watch!

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Lawsuit Alleges Rachel Ray’s Dog Food Contains Pesticide

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Delicious Duke’s Delites Aids Pennsylvanian Community Members

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4 of the Most Popular Cat Cafés in the World

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Blennies

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Adoptable Dog of the Week- Cooper

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Teach Your Dog to Sit… Without Treats!

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Teach Your Dog to Love His Carrier

Have dog, will travel. Just make sure your dog is as excited about the trip as you are! Follow these guidelines to teach your dog to love his carrier. It’s getting increasingly easier to take your dog with you to hotels, cafes, bars, and all kinds of shopping. If subway, train, or even air travel are needed to get there, first you’ll have to teach your pup how to travel comfortably in a bag. Choosing a Carrier Here in New York City, even large dogs are permitted to travel on the subways, provided they are enclosed in a bag, stroller, or crate. Look for a bag that zips fully closed and can handle your dog’s weight. Zipping your dog in the bag ensures he won’t jump or fall out, and also puts dog-averse passengers at ease knowing you’re being a responsible owner. If you must choose the tote-style bag with an opening for the head, ensure the top can close and there is a built-in tether that attaches to the dog’s harness. (For safety, don’t attach the tether to a collar or head halter. Can you imagine the damage to your pup’s neck if he tumbled out?) Before taking his first ride, your dog needs to learn how to get (and stay) in his carrier. The steps here are just a guide. You may find your dog leaps right into the bag, or on the other end of the spectrum, he might be suspicious of this dog-devouring monster for a while. Work at your dog’s pace, even if it’s slower than you’d like. How to Teach It Get your dog interested in the carrier. Sprinkle several treats (or his entire meal, if dry food) in the bag. Put it on the floor, and walk away. If your dog can’t access the opening, rest the bag on its side to make it easier. Let your dog interact with the bag at his own pace for five minutes. Repeat this activity until your dog is confidently diving his head in for the food.If the bag’s shape permits, lure your dog with treat into the carrier, and then give him several treats while he’s inside. Otherwise, pick him up and gently put him inside the bag. Before he gets fed up, lift him out of the bag. Practice this until it’s smooth. Put it on cue. Say a word or phrase, such as “get in your bag,” and guide him in as before. Practice several times.Now, start lifting and briefly carrying the bag with your dog in it. At first, just gently carry it (or roll it, if a stroller type) around your home, dropping a treat into the carrier every few seconds. Release him from the bag before he gets uncomfortable.Hit the road! For your first outing in the carrier, go somewhere your dog will love: the park, the pet supply store, or a friend’s house… not the vet’s office! Bring a long-lasting chewy to keep him busy, so he won’t get overwhelmed by the sounds or movement on the train. If your dog gets startled by a sudden noise or movement, immediately drop a few pieces of an extremely high value treat into the carrier. This keeps the situation positive. If people want to pet your dog, it’s best to politely decline. After a few rides to the park, your dog will learn that the travel bag and even the noisy train are to be loved, not feared. Happy travels!

How to Teach a Rock-Solid Stay

The doorbell rings. Lola starts frantically barking, jumping, and clawing to get the door open. You howl, “Lola, sit… stay. Stay! STAY!!” to no avail. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to give your dog’s Stay a makeover. Many dogs learn to stay when it’s convenient for them. This may include waiting politely while you prepare her food or standing still for brushing. But when your dog is faced with an intense distraction, such as a ringing doorbell or food that’s fallen from the table, Stay becomes much harder for her to maintain. Nailing these more challenging Stays starts with teaching relatively easy ones and gradually working your way up to high level distractions. We’re going to follow the popular method of teaching Stay using the Three D’s: Duration, Distance, and Distraction. This method isolates one variable (or “D”) at a time, so your dog won’t get overwhelmed or stressed. Phase 1: Duration This is an important warmup for the more challenging Stays ahead. Ask your dog to stand, sit, or lie down (whichever is most comfortable). Then, say “stay” once and hold out your palm like a traffic cop. Drop your hand. Look away and count one second in your head. It’s important to look away, so your dog learns to stay put even when you’re not actively watching her. When you look back to your dog, is she still in the Stay position? If so, mark (“good dog!”) and reward while she is still doing Stay. Then, release with “okay!” However, if she gets up at any point, say “oops!” and remove your reward. Start over. With each successful rep, add one more second to the Stay. Don’t step away from your pup yet, as we’re focusing on Duration, not Distance. Phase 2: Distance Now for the fun stuff. You will walk away from your dog while she is in the Stay position. Same as before, ask for a Stay and briefly extend your palm. Turn your head and torso 180 degrees or so, so you’re looking behind you. Only turn for a moment; don’t linger. When you turn back to your dog, mark and reward for staying. (If she got up, just say “oops” and next time, only turn 90 degrees.) Then release with “okay!”With each successful rep, start to walk away slightly more and more. It will likely be a quarter step at first, then a half step, then a full one, and so on. The first step or two are the hardest, so be patient. Tip: Make sure to turn your back to your dog (rather than shuffle backwards) as you depart. Also, always come back to your dog to mark and reward while she’s still staying, so she gets the reward while performing the Stay. Think of yourself as a boomerang. Phase 3: Distraction You can practice with any distraction by introducing it at a low intensity first, then gradually building it up. Here’s an example of having your dog stay while you pick up food that’s fallen. Ask for a Stay as before. Take about four steps away, and then bend your knees slightly. Return to your dog to mark and reward. Next time, bend down a little lower. After each successful rep, continue bending lower each time until your hand can touch the floor. Then, as you bend down, gently drop a few treats on the floor. Pick them up again and return to your dog to mark and reward. Vary the level of distraction by changing the distance, the food item you drop, and how far you bend. Only change one variable at a time. By practicing at a slow and steady pace, your dog will learn Stay no matter what kind of distraction he encounters. Remember that developing impulse control is a lot of work for a dog, so reward him sufficiently for a job well done!

Teach the “Drop It” Command, For Safety’s Sake

You’ve heard the horror stories where dogs eat anything they find on the ground. Teach you pup a reliable Drop It cue before you have a traumatizing story of your own. “Drop It” instructs the dog to immediately spit out whatever is in his mouth. In extreme cases, it can mean the difference between life and death. The problem is, your dog put that half-eaten pepperoni pizza slice in his mouth for a reason — he wants it! Once it’s firmly in his mouth, it’s really up to him whether he will drop it or not. So it’s your job to convince him that spitting out the pizza is actually more fun and rewarding than eating it. Here are three levels of Drop It. Work your way up by increasing the difficulty in very small increments, to ensure your dog is successful at every step. In real life, do not tell your dog to “drop it” unless you are almost certain he will. If your dog is still a the beginner levels of Drop It and he picks up something delicious (to him) on your walk, use the Level 1 method to handle snacking emergencies. Level 1: Emergency Drop It This is a starting point for dogs with unreliable Drop It skills. Use this method for real-life emergencies until your dog fully learns to drop things on cue. Remember to bring extra tasty treats on your walks, in case such an emergency should arise. When your dog grabs a chicken bone or other dangerous item, immediately dump all of your extra tasty treats on the ground. Scatter them in all directions.Your dog, seeing this treat explosion, will spit out the chicken bone and start vacuuming the treats.While he’s doing this, remove the chicken bone from your path and then continue on your walk. Level 2: Share an Item This teaches the principle of Drop It, showing your dog that spitting out an item will get him something even better in return. Repeat this activity with as many different (safe) items as you can find. Share a long toy (like a rope toy) or long chewy (like a bully stick) with your dog. Do not let go.Before he gets too invested in the toy, say “drop it” once. Immediately trade the toy for a “surprise” treat from your pocket. He will spit out the toy when he sees the treat. Mark “good dog!” and reward with the treat.Practice this no more than three times. Do a few short sessions for several days, until he’s dropping items with ease.Now, delay the reward. Say “drop it” and wait for him to spit it out. When he drops it, dig into your pocket for the reward. Level 3: It’s All Yours (for the Moment) Now you will give your dog the entire item, rather than share it. To ensure success, start with a very boring object to drop. You can also put him on leash to prevent him from running off. Give the dog full possession of a low-value item, only for a second or two. Say “drop it” once and wait for him to spit it out. When he does, reward with an even better treat or toy. (If he doesn’t drop it, go back to level 2.)Practice in short sessions, inside and outside, using a variety of (safe) items to drop. By convincing your dog that Drop It is a actually fun game with big rewards, you can turn your sidewalk snacker into a master of spitting things out.

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Miniature Australian Shepherd BasicsSometimes you want an athletic working dog that isn’t big enough to qualify as a roommate. Thankfully, they are widely available. So, if you are looking for a small and compact dog with the strong work ethic of a much larger breed, consider the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed is a smaller form of the Australian Shepherd that is rapidly increasing in popularity. So, you’ll get everything that you could possibly want out of an Australian Shepard, without having to sacrifice the space that you’d need for that big boy. Owing to the place of origin, these dogs are recognized by the AKC under the name Miniature American Shepherd.Not only are Miniature Australian Shepherds small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train. It may sound too good to be true, but trust us – these dogs are truly fabulous! They really live up to all that hype. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be trained for a wide variety of dog sports including agility, herding, obedience, disc dog, fly ball, and many more, as they excel in them just as the original Australian Shepherd dog does. If you are on the lookout for a smart, trainable, and family friendly dog, look no further than the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed will provide everything that you are looking for. And then some!While looking cute and being smart is more than enough to win over any potential owner, it’s not the only thing these dogs can offer. The Miniature Australian Shepherd – or Miniature American Shepherd, if you want to get technical about it – is also quite friendly, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to their family. One could say that these dogs are really the whole package! Not only is the Miniature Australian Shepherd small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train.OriginThe Miniature Australian Shepherd is a fairly new breed. Believe it or not, this breed was actually developed in 1968. Back then, Doris Cordova of Norco, California began a breeding program with the dream of developing a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. By using small Australian Shepherds, Cordova and a handful of other breeders were successful in creating a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd. Yet, throughout the short history of the breed, there has been a great deal of controversy. The National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR) considered the Miniature Australian Shepherd a size variant of the Australian Shepherd, while the Australian Shepherd Club of America considered it an entirely separate breed. For many years, it was impossible to get these two organizations on the same page. Both the AKC and the UKC grouped the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd together. Things finally changed in 2011. That’s when the AKC at long last admitted the Miniature Australian Shepherd to the Foundation Stock Service (under the name Miniature American Shepherd). Then in 2015, they granted full recognition to the breed. It took a while, but it happened. Still, no matter how you look at it, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a truly wonderful dog, whether they consider it a new breed or not.Pedigree

Goberian

Goberian BasicsImagine a dog with a lovely golden coat and stunning blue eyes. That combination is possible when you breed a Siberian Husky with a Golden Retriever (although the Goberian can feature a variety of coat colors and patterns, it isn’t just limited to that golden sheen). As with any mixed breed dog, the charming Goberian will vary in looks, from sporting thick fur to wheaten locks or from having clear blue eyes to warm chocolate ones. You’ll never quite know what to expect with crossbreeding Huskies and Retrievers (even amongst puppies born to the same litter) and that’s only a part of the Goberian’s unique appeal! This is a special designer dog that is unlike any other. Only a few minutes in this pup’s presence will confirm that.The Goberian is a popular and quite attractive designer breed, but it’s not just good looks alone that led to this pup being so beloved. Mixing these two specific breeds also resulted in a dog with great temperament as well. There’s beauty above and below the surface with the Goberian. Friendly, lively, and exceptionally affectionate, Goberians have a lot to offer to the right owner. They are energetic and smart, and will do well in dog sports or as companions to outdoorsy and active families. The Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever mix is quite versatile and can adapt to a variety lifestyles, as long as they have been trained and socialized on time. So, will this remarkable designer dog breed fit in with you and your family? There’s only one way to find out and fortunately, you’re in the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll on to check out the information below and determine if a Goberian is the furry friend that you’ve been searching for.The Goberian is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky.Origin

Top 10 Black and White Dog Breeds

It’s not all black and white… unless you’re one of these pooches! Of you’re stuck on these two colors, check out our list of Black and White dog breeds.From author Truman Capote’s famed “Black and White” ball at New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel to the obsession of Disney’s fictional fashionista Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, the allure of this stylish two-tone color palette just never seems to wane.The striking contrast of monochromatic two-color coats remains popular now as ever, with dog owners all over the world. Now for those of us who appreciate a splash of drama in our own lives, we already know what a big bold statement a black and white dog can make. Whether he’s large or small, spotted, patchy or looks like he’s just slipped into a snappy tuxedo, your best buddy sure is a head-turner when you arrive at the dog park. Am I right?To be clear, all pooches collect a little snow on the roof as they age and many pure black dogs come with a whiff of a white bib or chin patch that adds a quirky sense of charm to their appearance. But we’re not talking about those fun little blips. We’re talking iconic black and white breeds where their stark coloring is as important a part of their “brand” as their ability to hunt, herd or guard. Sure, a black and white coat might not dictate their personality, skills, or predispositions for certain tasks, but it does make them stand out in the canine world when it comes to appearance. There are many black and white dog breeds out there, but we’ve selected the 10 most popular ones, both for their bold and dashing looks as well as their lovable personalities. Read on to learn which of these black and white beauties is the perfect match for your family! 

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