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