DIY Stranger Things Demodog Costume
Freakishly adorable meets frightfully fun in this DIY Stranger Things Demodog costume—perfect for fans of Hawkins, Halloween, and hot glue guns!
Have you guys ever seen anything as adorable as our three pound chihuahua, Thunder, dressed up as a Demodog?! I seriously cannot get enough!
When we went full Hawkins-mode for Halloween this year and created this DIY Functioning Demogorgon Mask for Cam, I knew I couldn’t let those leftover craft supplies go to waste. Naturally, our tiny doggo became the Upside Down’s smallest but sassiest monster.
I mean, he’s fuzzy, he’s fierce, he’s three pounds of pure Stranger Things chaos, and we’re absolutely here for it. So friggin’ adorable!
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Why You’ll Love This Project
Whether your pup is a pint-sized protector like Thunder or a chill couch potato, this easy dog costume idea is equal parts spooky and adorable. It’s also a creative, budget-friendly way to reuse supplies and get your four-legged friend in on the Stranger Things action.
This project is especially perfect if your kids are already rocking their own DIY Demogorgon costume—because what’s better than matching family Halloween looks, right? Plus, it makes for epic Instagram-worthy photos and giggles for years when scrolling through Halloween throwbacks.
Be sure to check out our functioning Demogorgon mask tutorial or this DIY Demogorgon Stranger Things mask tutorial if you have a human who wants to dress up as a Demogorgon this year. Or simply make this yummy Stranger Things pull-apart cake to celebrate.
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How to Make a Demodog Costume
This tutorial will show you exactly how to make a costume for a dog that is perfect for the Upside Down.
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Supplies
- Craft foam
- Acrylic paint – Reds, grays, browns, and a little white for drama.
- Paint brush or foam brush
- Hot glue sticks
- Hot glue gun
- Air-dry modelling clay
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
Bonus points if you already have some of these from making the human-sized DIY Demogorgon mask!
1. Cut the foam into five large petals and a strip that is 1” wide and long enough to fit around your dog’s neck comfortably like a collar.
2. Paint the front of the petals red. We used a combination of red, black, brown, and a touch of white for depth.
Optional: For added creepy texture, lightly score or “burn” lines into the foam.
3. Paint the foam strip and the sides/back of the petals gray. We used a sponge brush and a combination of black, white, green, and brown paint for that mottled Demodog skin look.
4. Roll and shape 50-70 little teeth out of clay (about ½ inch each). Let them dry, then paint them a cream color.
5. Glue the teeth to the petals, then seal the whole thing with a layer of glossy Mod Podge for that shiny finish. Form the foam strip into a circle and glue the collar together. Glue the petals to the collar strip, trimming the petal tips for a cleaner look.
Leave those hot glue strands hanging for an added stringy, drool effect.
Place on your dog and enjoy the shenanigans! Be sure to supervise your pet whenever they’re wearing a costume, just in case they get stuck or caught on something.
Tips and Tricks
- Let the clay teeth fully dry for 24 hours to avoid crumbling mid-Halloween parade.
- Use flexible craft foam to make it easier for your pup to move their head around.
- Add a little Velcro to the collar ends for a secure but easy-to-remove fit.
- If your pet’s not a fan of headpieces, keep the petals lightweight and skip extra embellishments.
- Spray a clear sealer over the final piece to protect it from slobber or light weather.
Clearly, Thunder stole the show as the most adorable Demodog ever! We’re lucky that he’s a good sport when it comes to costumes. A few years ago, he made the cutest Chewbacca to add to our Star Wars ensemble.
If you’ve got a furry friend who’s ready to join your Stranger Things crew this Halloween, this DIY costume project is where it’s at.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a costume for a dog at home?
Start with something your dog already wears (like a harness or collar) and build the costume on top using lightweight, safe materials like foam, felt, or fabric.
Can you tell me how to make a dog mask out of paper?
Trace a basic dog face shape onto cardstock, cut out eye holes, and decorate with markers or paint. For comfort, attach with soft elastic or skip the mask and go for accessories instead.
What are some easy dog costume ideas?
Try superhero capes, simple bandanas with printed designs, dog cone costume hacks, or themed headpieces like this Demodog costume made from foam petals.
Can I turn this dog costume into one for kids?
Totally! With some size adjustments, the petals could be added to a hoodie or headband to fit a child.
Where can I find pet costume patterns?
Check crafting websites, Pinterest, or create your own by tracing your pet’s harness onto paper and building from there.
Do you dress up your doggo for the holidays? We’d love to see YOUR costume!
If you love this DIY Stranger Things Demodog costume, please help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too!
Looking for more Halloween costume ideas? Check out a few of our favorites.
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Wow. So inventive. I love Stranger Things and this DIY demogorgon dog costume is too cute. WHat a fantastic job you did on the texturing with the clay. Great idea!
Thank you so much!