What age group is this costume for?
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Estimated time required to make this costume:
45 minutes

Difficulty level:
Quick and easy - no sewing required

Items you will need: (Hit your return key to start a new line)
Face Paint
Press pass, or lanyard you can use to make a fake press pass
Dog Ears (use your favorite method of making them)
Collar and tag (optional)
Picture of self with face painted like a dog (if you can't find a press pass)
Gloves/mittens, sweatpants, and sweatshirt all of same color

Instructions:
First, find the mittens, sweatpants and sweatshirt. You can color these so that you're whatever kind of dog you like. Be sure to color paw pads onto the palm side of the mittens. Paint your face like a dog, again using whatever kind of dog face you like. Put on the dog ears.

Here's the "joke" of the costume: Everyone knows that dogs have tails. This is what your press pass is for. You could, if you know a reporter, just obtain any old pass, but the following way is more creative. A few days before you intend to wear the costume, paint your face the way you will paint it during the party/trick-or-treating or whatever. Take a picture and tape a small version of the pic to a small piece of paper. Give yourself a dog name (and a dog newspaper to write for) and write it under the pic. Laminate and punch a hole through the lamination. Now staple or hotglue your press pass "tail" to your pants. If you wish, add to the costume by putting on a dog collar. Go to your nearest Wal-Mart and make a dog tag with your "name" and "newspaper" on it. Now you're ready to go sniffing for stories!

Other information to consider:
Most reporters carry a cell phone with them at all times. If you're using this costume idea for your child, tell them this so they will keep it on them at all times, as it's part of the outfit. That way you can be in constant contact with them.