Wearing clothing doesn’t come naturally to dogs, and their happiness is your No. 1 priority. So how do you get them to accept-and even enjoy-wearing apparel? Try these trainer-approved tips for how to get your dog to wear clothes.
How To Train Your Dog To Wear Clothes or Costumes
We can all agree that no photo op is worth stressing out your furry friend, right? So it’s important to slowly acclimate your dog to any apparel you’d like them to wear. In other words, we don’t recommend just tugging a shirt or dress over their furry little bodies and calling it a day. You’ve got to take your time, watch their body language and, above all, respect their comfort level.
Consider your pet’s general tolerance of being handled and past experiences wearing clothes (if you’ve tried this before). Not every dog enjoys wearing costumes or can be trained to do so, and it’s not ideal to force it.
Think your dog's ready for a style upgrade? Follow these steps.
1. Measure Your Pup
Measure your dog for clothing to ensure a comfortable fit before purchasing. You want to make sure the clothes fit properly and cannot get caught on anything. Check out our guide to measuring dogs for clothes and costumes: be.chewy.com/h...
2. Slowly Introduce the Item
Introduce the item to them, especially if it’s unusual like a headpiece or booties. You want to slowly desensitize your dog to wearing the item in advance, using tactics like:
Showing your dog the apparel so they can examine it and smell it
Placing the item next to them so they get used to its presence
Letting them interact with it
Let your dog explore the clothing at their own pace, and only move on to the next step when they seem comfortable touching it and having it near them.
3. Slowly and Gently Put the Costume On
Slowly put the garment and accessories on, and use some tasty treats along the way. If your dog’s not feeling it, don’t force it. Instead, try again another day by repeating the same.
Back off and try again later if you see common signs of discomfort and anxiety in dogs, including:
Lip licking
Head turning
Tail tucked
Stillness
Running away
Growling
Barking
If your dog ends up allowing you to put the garment on them, success. If not, you may need to default to a simpler accessory like a collar.
4. Practice Wearing the Garment for Short Periods
Once you’ve got the garment on them, have them wear it during mealtime or playtime-times when your dog is likely to be distracted from this funny new thing on their body. Take it off right afterward. Keep practicing, gradually increasing the amount of time they’re in the garment while monitoring for signs of stress or discomfort.
5. Wear It Out!
On the day you want your dog to wear the clothing, accessory or costume, put it on them as you’ve practiced before and reward them with a treat. By this point, they should be fully comfortable wearing the clothing item. Be on the lookout for signs they’re ready to take the garment off and remove it as needed.
How To Find the Perfect Clothes and Costumes for Your Pup
Keep these features in mind as you shop for dog clothes:
Fit matters: Make sure you’ve properly measured your dog, and have them in the correct size of clothing or shoes. Items that are too small can feel restrictive, while items that are too loose can catch on objects, leading to potential injuries or accidents.
Easy on/off: Look for garments that are simple to put on and remove. Consider adjustable straps, Velcro closures, stretchy fabric, snap buttons, wide neck openings and zippers with guards.
Pet comfort: When the apparel is just about being cute, put comfort high on the list. Look for soft materials and a high-quality fit. Adjustability also comes in handy when you have a dog who is extra long, extra short, short-legged or barrel chested.
Water resistance: If you live in an area where it often rains or snows, look for water-resistant garments for your dog.
Reflective materials: Those who take their pups on night walks should consider choosing garments with reflective materials. This makes your pet more visible, which improves safety.
Cooling material: Consider cooling apparel for your pup, especially if you live in a hot climate. These are garments made with mesh fabrics to both keep the dog cool and protect against the sun.
Shop dog apparel: www.chewy.com/...
Learning how to get your dog to wear clothes is all about practicing patience, respecting their wishes and choosing garments that are comfortable and safe. Take your time and enjoy the adorable results of your efforts.
#chewy #chewtorials #dogtraining #dogclothes #dogcostumes
11 окт 2024
