For Your Perfect Pumpkin: Pup-Shaped Stencils!

This Halloween turn your pup into a pumpkin! No, not à la Cinderella, but by using a free, downloadable dog-shaped stencil from Better Homes and Gardens. Designed for a variety of pooches — 13 breeds including dachshunds, Chihuahuas and German shepherds — the pumpkin-carving stencils are tricky to use, but with a little patience, can produce some seriously stunning results.

After picking your breed of choice online at bhg.com, you can download and print your stencil (and vote for your favorite breed!). To get started, attach the stencil to your pumpkin, and follow the directions — carve along solid lines and just pierce along the dots. From there, you can get as detailed as you like, adding whiskers, shadows or any other effects your creative side desires.

Your dog-stenciled pumpkin may not be able to roll over or fetch, but it's one pup that can sit—and look awfully cute as a jack-o'-lantern!

Click here to see our photo gallery of animal-themed jack-o-lanterns!

See more Halloween fun on PEOPLEPets.com:
SNEAK PEEK: Martha Stewart's Pet-tacular Halloween Show!
Hallow-WOW! 5 Tips for Photographing Your Pet in Costume