| Some dogs love dressing up, and some people like | | | | from hot ground surfaces. Remember that while a |
| dressing their "best friends" to look like humans. Dog | | | | dog's pads are less sensitive than our own feet, they |
| clothes are an extension of their love for them, | | | | are still sensitive to extreme temperatures. If they |
| treating them like members of the family. | | | | start walking strangely, and it's a hot day, the ground |
| But why do dog lovers buy dog clothes? - I asked | | | | maybe hotter than you realise! |
| my customers and got the following answers: | | | | Getting your dog to accept wearing apparel |
| 1. Comfort for my dogs during winter | | | | Proper fit is key for getting your dog to accept dog |
| 2. Sometimes we think out dog is human | | | | apparel. However, ease of getting the garment on |
| 3. I like to dress my dog up so people will make a | | | | and off is a new experience for your dog. Start by |
| fuss over her | | | | putting the clothing item on and rewarding the dog |
| There are, however, real reasons to consider using | | | | with praise and they will come to enjoy the process. |
| dog apparel as well. Apart from our own desire to | | | | Leave the item on for a short period. The next time, |
| dress our dogs in human clothing, there are often | | | | try leaving the garment on for a longer period of |
| practical reasons to do so. | | | | time, again praising and rewarding your pet. Make a |
| Dogs that have had medical treatments that result in | | | | fuss over them in the process and they will come to |
| the loss of fur will often need at least some | | | | connect this to the clothing item. |
| protection from the weather until their fur grows | | | | Sizing can be important. Getting the correct fitting |
| back. This also applies to dogs that have been | | | | clothes for your dog is very easy. There are a few |
| shaved for agility and show reasons. | | | | simple ideas to help you get the correct size: |
| People who live in colder winter climates should keep | | | | 1. Take a string, a piece of yarn or your belt and |
| in mind that even though their pets have fur, they | | | | measure your pup, then compare it to a ruler for an |
| may need protection from the elements when they | | | | accurate measurement. |
| spend most of their time indoors, because they | | | | 2. Don't go by the Coat / Sweater / Tee/ etc. you |
| acclimate to their indoor surroundings. | | | | use today they will be very different |
| Short-haired dogs are almost bald on the chest and | | | | 3. Use more than One person to get an accurate |
| belly, so be sure to select dog clothing that covers | | | | measurement |
| the lower portions of their bodies as well as the top. | | | | 4. Allow one size bigger for thick coats |
| Most dogs don't like the rain, and if your pet spends | | | | As a general rule, measuring should be done along the |
| most of his time indoors, you probably don't enjoy | | | | dog's backbone from the Base of the Head to the |
| the musty smell or the water and mud. With some | | | | Base of the Tail, which is referred to as the "top line |
| water proof, quality dog clothes, almost all this can | | | | measurement". This is from the base of where the |
| easily be avoided. | | | | collar rests to where the tail is attached. |
| Polar fleece is also a good protective fabric; it | | | | It is best to start this training as a puppy, but older |
| insulates and keeps the dog warm while keeping the | | | | dogs can also easily be trained with a little more |
| skin dry. Booties are good for dogs in snow, ice and | | | | patience. Suitable dog clothes can make your pet |
| rain. | | | | happy and healthy resulting in less trips to the vet |
| Booties can also be used to protect a dog's pads | | | | and additional savings in money and time. |