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Here are some things to consider when purchasing Halloween dog costumes:

Will the fur fly?

Sometimes even the most docile dog will simply NOT want to put on that cute Halloween dog costume you've searched high and low for. So if your little darling is being a diva, then keep it simple - find a dog costume that is minimalist and will still let her strut her stuff. Or if she simply must dress up, then give her some time to get used to it - put on one piece at a time, starting about a week before Halloween. Put it on for just a few seconds at first, then take it off and give her a treat. Build up the time as the days pass, and pretty soon your pooch will be proud of her new Halloween dog costume! Size matters

It used to be that dressing up was just for small dogs. However, Halloween costumes for dogs now come in all sizes - even up to 100 lbs.! It's important to choose the right size so your dog doesn't become entangled when trying to move (too big) or is uncomfortable with a tight fit (too small). Responsible dog costume websites will post sizing charts that will help you measure correctly to choose just the right size for your pet.

Don't spoil the potty

Most professionally мейд costumes leave plenty of room for potty breaks. If you're planning to sew a Halloween dog costume yourself, be sure you find a pattern or copy a design that allows your pet to go to the bathroom safely and comfortably.

Shop now

The two best-selling Halloween costumers for dogs last year were Doggie Designs' monkey and lion. In fact, the monkey was so popular that the manufacturer sold out well before Halloween. If you know now that you want to purchase a dog Halloween costume, you should start shopping soon if you want access to a full selection online. If you purchase early, you can also ensure a perfect fit by giving yourself time to make an exchange should your first choice be the wrong one.

New Halloween dog costume designs

There are several new Halloween dog costume designs this year, including a penguin, chili pepper, fuzzy duck, pink flower, witch, pirate, clown and pink hippo. Some of the old favorites are back as well, including the panda bear, raccoon, punk zebra, shark, bunny, ladybug, bumblebee, turtle, frog, lion and monkey.

Whatever Halloween dog costume choices you make, remember to make it safe and fun for both you and your pet!

Ginger Ziccardi is a founder of BowWowsBest, the best place for forward-thinking fashion hounds on the Web. Her two Halloween hounds will be sporting the new witch and killer whale costumes this year from the 2009 Halloween dog costume collection at .