How to Know if Your Dog is Really A Werewolf

While the werewolf may be a figment of our imaginations, they are wolves nonetheless. So it makes sense to mention the werewolf on a blog about dogs during the spookiest month of the year.

With their superhuman strength and canine senses, werewolves embodiment of both man and beast. In fact, even the name “werewolf” comes from the root “wer” meaning male man, and wolf.

Stories of the werewolf date back as far as the written word. In the original stories, which can be found in ancient Romanian and Greek pieces, the werewolf was able to change form at will. Modern pieces, such as Teenage Werewolf, Little Red Riding Hood, and Twilight have distorted character and appearance the traditional werewolf, however there are some similarities that are commonly carried from story to story. These similarities include the following, agreed upon features of a werewolf.

How To Spot A Werewolf

• Born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (considered a divine punishment for competing with Christ's birthday according to legend)
• Red Hair
• Unibrow
• Index and middle finger are the same length
• Appetite for raw meat
• Insatiable thirst for water
• Hair on the palms of the hand
• Strange sleeping habits and the tendency to restlessly circle around the bed before laying down
• Changes back to a human if a piece of iron or steel is thrown overhead in animal form

What can we learn from vigilantly scouting for a thirsty, raw-meat-eating human? Well, probably nothing, but you may never be able to look at a red-head with a unibrow the same again. And if you dog was born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you may not want to throw iron at them, because they might turn into something a little more scary than the hairy Michael J Fox in Teen Wolf.

Five Clever DIY Dog Costumes Made from Rad Dog Gear

Why should kids get to have all the fun on Halloween? Dogs are part of the family too! So, we decided to tap into our inner Pinterest and come up with some clever ideas for homemade dog costumes using our very own Rad Dog gear as part of the costume.

Here's what we came up with:

1. The Ball and Chain. Use a black Rad Dog Double Duty Leash and attach plastic "ball and chain" to the end of it (found at many dollar stores and costume shops, or just paint some foam ones from the craft store). Let your dog carry their own burden this Halloween!

2. Cold Weather Rescue Dog. Attach a mini-keg to your St. Bernard or Malamute by zip-tying it to their Release 'n Run leash/collar in one. Bonus points because you don't have to attach a separate leash to their costumed neck wear. You can even fill the keg with water, and carry around a pocket bowl for on the move, trick-or-treat hydration!

3. Skeleton T-Shirt. Cut your Rad Dog Unleashed T-Shirt into a festive skeleton or ghost design for you or your dog to wear. Or, make matching ones!

4. Doggie Park Ranger. Arm your dog with Rad Dog Waste Bags, a "Pick up Your Poop" sign, and a park ranger hat, and "Poof!" You have a clever, funny, and relevant dog Halloween costume. Just be sure to practice what you preach, and "leave no trace" behind on the sidewalks. 

5. Red Cross Doggie. What better costume than a dog willing to help another dog in need? Just add a red cross to their back, a feed bag full of emergency assistance food, and a stethoscope and you've got a First Aid doggie!

Remember, as with any article of clothing, gear, or accessory, be sure there is nothing attached to your dog's costume that could cause them any harm or danger such as loose pieces around their neck,  choking hazards, or items that will endanger their mobility. Keep a watchful eye on your dog when in costume, and, as tempting as it may be, keep them out of the candy bowl!

Happy Halloween, Raddies! Woof or Treat!