As long it doesn't scare them or pose a danger, I think it is great. I also think you are right.....it is a bonding experience for pet and their human. Abuse is getting a dog and expecting it to provide endless of hours of entertainment without any kind of interaction and when the dog doesn't, letting it live a lonesome, uneventful life. You go with all of that pampering and fun you are having with your pet. Don't let the ignorant people of the world influence you and your care of your dog.

As long as its not restricting, hurting or upsetting the dog I see no harm in having fun on Halloween dressing up your dog and yes it is a bonding thing.  Any time you spend time with your dog for whatever reason it's a bonding experience.  I don't dress mine up on Halloween but they do wear sweaters when it's cold and rain jackets in the rain. =)

I dress Boston up as Batman every chance I get.

 And Belle is usually dressed up by Ryan as Under Dog...so NO it's not abusive...they love the attention.

I got sooooooo many treats to sit with this cape on for about 15 minutes!!  I have been told I appear to look pretty happy in this photo too!!  I tend to think that people that dress up their pets for Halloween and otherwise also tend to spoil them overall ;)  Just this Super Shiba's opinion!!  Happy Howl-O-Ween!!

  Wags & Smiles, Kitsu

Kes likes to dress up and get attention, she sits still and poses and then dances pretty and wants you to take her photo. Gracie is not as happy about it, she gives you her sad eyed expression that says " What I do for you crazy mommie" then she wants her cheese.Then she's happy again wagging her tail. Pearl just wanted to play , she thought it was all a fun new game.. lets see which part of this getup I can chew up first.. my wig looks mighty tasty...Mom nearly laughed herself silly during the photo session. When we were done it was a bonding experience.. they keep going over to the table where their costumes are and look at me as if saying " Are we going to do something with those again?" " We want some more cheese".  Mom's going to dress them up again for the grandkids to see on Halloween night , maybe even go on a "Trick or Treat " walk with them before it gets too dark outside. That way they won't bark too much at all of the kids when they ring the doorbell. I think that costumes are harmless fun and may help dogs understand a bit about little ones or even adults dressing up. I agree with safety being very important, I would never make them wear something too restrictive or dangerous, either from blocking their vision or making it difficult for them to walk in. My girl's costumes hems are adjustable, I'll shorten them up for outside weather and their wigs probably will be optional for the entire evening. Especially Pearl's.

It's a silly human past time......but it's fun ;-) As long as the dog is notin danger of being hurt.