Wearing clothes is not natural to dogs, but if their breeding, health, age, or coat condition does not cope well with the climate, wearing a dog coat can assist them in adjusting. Hair cleaning keeps the dog’s body neat and clean; it has been noticed that dogs’ blood circulation is cut off by the underwear they are wearing, which prevents any movement from their back/back legs. Hairless breeds regularly dress to stay warm. And a dog that has recently had surgery may need to wear clothing to protect the incision site.
Whatever your reason for dressing your dog, it’s essential to move with caution and use some positive support so that you do not make your dog upset. A wide variety of dog clothing options are available in the market, from custom big dog pajamas to custom bandanas that offer a rewarding experience to you both. Read on to know some of the do’s and don’ts of dressing your dog.
Here are some do’s and don’t’s of dressing your dog:
1. Keep it simple
Until your dog is familiarized with wearing elaborate costumes, keep it simple, realizing that dog clothing can look strange, make strange noises, and rub them in ways they are not used to. If your dog isn’t used to dolling up, skip the elaborate costumes and opt for something simpler like a simple t-shirt, hat, or bow tie instead.
2. Get the right size
Always make sure everything you put on your dog is sized to fit appropriately. This is true for both the clothes and collars. Make sure the costume your dog wears isn’t too tight (or too loose) and doesn’t inhibit his ability to move, breathe, or jump.
3. Start early
Leave your dog early to the idea of wearing an outfit where he can see and smell it. After a while, lay the cloth on its back for a few moments to let your dog get used to it. Be sure to give reward your dog with treats or play time so he can connect the clothes with positive things.
4. Use positive reinforcement
When your dog becomes used to a piece of clothing, you can try dressing him in it. Immediately after you dress him, let him play with his favorite toy or give him some high-value treats. Your dog will soon realize that the outfit will not paralyze him, and he can freely move around in it. Give your dog lots of compliments, and tell him how happy you are to see him in his new sweater.
5. Never leave a dressed dog unattended
If your dog has clothes on, never leave them unattended. Dogs should only be dressed under your supervision to make sure nothing happens. A dog left alone in clothes may try to get out of them and eventually wear a shirt around its waist or stick its leg out through an arm-hole. None of these scenarios are fun for your best friend.
6. Watch for signs of stress
Some dogs will accept wearing clothes without a problem (some like it!), while others will tuck their tails, bite and paw, or even try to hide. If it’s clear that your dog is uncomfortable, take off the clothes and start again with something more accessible. Don’t give stress to your dog by doing too much, too fast. If you remain slow and steady, your dog will wear the outfit.
When Shouldn’t You Put Clothes On Your Dog?
When the clothing is restrictive – When picking out clothes for your dog, ensure they are not restrictive, and your dog has a full range of movement when wearing clothes. Your dog should be able to jump, run and play without any problem.
If your dog is scared – There is a better time than others to get your dog dressed – if your dog is in a new setting or is feeling intimidated, you may feel even more uncomfortable trying to dress him in a cute outfit. If you got a new dog who doesn’t completely trust you yet, attempting to force him to play dress-up could damage your relationship.
Overview
So next time you dress up your dog, make sure to look through these points to avoid any hindrances. If you want handmade custom dog clothes, you should reach out to Fur Rescue Fashion. Keep your dog happy and warm with their dog outfit selection.
