Cheerleader Costumes for Dogs

Some might say that our dogs are silent cheerleaders on a daily basis, rooting for us from the sidelines and sticking with us through the good and the bad. You could demonstrate this idea to the world with a literal interpretation by dressing your dog in a cheerleader costume. Be warned, however, that the dog may feel less inclined to cheer for you from behind a pair of pompoms.

  1. Some Things to Consider

    • Before your dog suits up to begin its career as a cheerleader, think about its dignity. Some dogs enjoy wearing costumes; others are visibly embarrassed by or uncomfortable at the idea. Avoid subjecting your pet to an experience you feel might be unpleasant. On a similar note, take your dog's gender into account; will Fido forgive you for making him wear a skirt in public? If you don't mind subjecting your male dog to a feminine costume, go with a traditional cheerleading outfit. Otherwise, ditch the skirt and choose a male version of a cheerleader costume, either subbing in pants or shorts, or simply giving your dog a peppy shirt to wear.

    Costume Design

    • Decide how you want your dog's costume to look, considering color, size and overall design. Plenty of generic cheerleader costumes are on the market, so if personalization isn't a concern to you, this may be your best bet. If you'd like to customize your dog's costume, add personal touches to a manufactured item or make the garment from scratch. Some ideas could include adding the dog's name to the uniform or incorporating colors that complement your dog's physical characteristics. If you decide to make a costume, don't forget essential equipment like pompoms or a megaphone.

    Sizing

    • Choose a cheerleading outfit that will fit your dog comfortably. If you plan to purchase the costume, bring the dog with you to gauge the fit of the uniform before you buy it. Otherwise, take your dog's measurements at home; measure the dog's neck circumference, the length of its back from the base of the neck to the tail, and the girth at the widest part of the chest. If your dog is on the heftier side or is in-between sizes, go up one size.

    Dressing the Dog

    • This part can be tricky, because most dogs don't enjoy being made to sit still, let alone wear clothing for extended periods of time. Distract him with a fun toy while you put the cheerleader costume on him, or praise him if he's being cooperative while you put on the costume. After you have the costume on, offer him a treat for being a good sport.