Depending on your dog’s personality, you may find they eagerly put on the clothes you have for them or run away at the sight of them! You never really know if your dog is going to be easygoing, a fashionista, or completely against wearing more than the fur they were born with! But suppose you have dreams of your furry friend being your sidekick at the costume competition or are simply worried about their little toes becoming too cold with the dropping temperatures. In that case, there are some tricks (and treats) that can help you dress up your dog from the fun to functional!
Training Your Puppy to Wear Clothes
1. Familiarize your Dog with the Unknown
As with most new things that your pup is unfamiliar with, it’s best to go slow and reward positively. The more resistant your puppy is, the more patient you’ll need to be. To use this concept with clothes, first try putting the new item beside them, petting them with it, or laying it on their back while you’re relaxing together. Indulge their natural curiosity by allowing them to sniff it. If your puppy has entered their teething phase or is a natural chewer, it’s really important to inspect for choking hazards. The costumes made for your furry friend are unfortunately often going for cuteness over safety. If this is the case it doesn’t mean you can’t use it. Just don’t have your pup be in reach of the item or wear it without your supervision.
2. Trying Clothes on Your Dog
After familiarizing your puppy with their new outfit— it’s time for them to try it on! Try putting it over their head and then give them a treat. If it’s booties then just try one on while hanging out. Don’t force them to walk around in it. You could cause stress which will negatively impact your progress. Just hold them in your lap while they familiarize themselves with the sensation of wearing something new. If they immediately become agitated take it off and say “Good Boy!”. Continue to have them try the item on daily, wearing more and for longer periods. Make sure to reward them with a treat while they are wearing it. This will ensure they associate it positively and reinforce the item as a good thing, not something to fear or dislike.
3. Have Patience With Your Pup
It is a rare dog indeed who will immediately be cool with clothes especially the little booties to keep their toes protected in cold temperatures. However, if you start exposing them to the idea before winter begins then your little buddy may just understand and appreciate why you are dressing him in a coat and shoes of his own come wintertime. If you can achieve this you may find that your puppy is less likely to refuse to go outside when you need them to for potty breaks. Anytime a dog is timid it’s best to be encouraging, relaxed, and break down the process into slower, smaller increments of exposure.
Is it Okay to Dress Up Your Dog?
Clothes for dogs, and especially costumes are not always made with the wearer in mind and your pup deserves to be as comfortable as they can while making your fashion dreams a reality.
It is your job to make sure they can safely move and breathe no matter what you choose for them to wear, so select items that allow them to move their legs, head, and tail without any restrictions. It should be loose enough for comfort, but snug enough not to fall off or shift out of position. Check to make sure where it may be tight, especially in the under-leg areas, that there is no rubbing occurring as your pup moves. Keep in mind a sweater shouldn’t be left on for more than 4-6 hours. Your dog’s skin will need to breathe to prevent rashes or chafing. Lighter clothes can be worn for up to 8 hours.
Many consider clothing on dogs to be cruel and unnecessary, but this is only the case if you go too fast and force the process without proper patience, positivity, and preparation. Items such as life jackets are a must for dogs that love water but are not strong swimmers. A backpack can be just what a working dog needs to expend the wealth of energy they naturally have, but even these need to be introduced with care and safety in mind. Choose to start with an item that is the right fit and easy to put on and take off. Exposing them to this idea of clothes during the puppy years can lead to not only accepting them but eagerly putting them on.
