Dog clothes: Are dog owners really THAT strange?

Some dogs love dressing up, and some people likemaybe hotter than you realise!
dressing their "best friends" to look like humans. DogGetting your dog to accept wearing apparel
clothes are an extension of their love for them,Proper fit is key for getting your dog to accept dog
treating them like members of the family.apparel. However, ease of getting the garment on
But why do dog lovers buy dog clothes? - I askedand off is a new experience for your dog. Start by
my customers and got the following answers:putting the clothing item on and rewarding the dog
1. Comfort for my dogs during winterwith praise and they will come to enjoy the process.
2. Sometimes we think out dog is humanLeave the item on for a short period. The next time,
3. I like to dress my dog up so people will make atry leaving the garment on for a longer period of
fuss over hertime, again praising and rewarding your pet. Make a
There are, however, real reasons to consider usingfuss over them in the process and they will come to
dog apparel as well. Apart from our own desire toconnect this to the clothing item.
dress our dogs in human clothing, there are oftenSizing can be important. Getting the correct fitting
practical reasons to do so.clothes for your dog is very easy. There are a few
Dogs that have had medical treatments that result insimple ideas to help you get the correct size:
the loss of fur will often need at least some1. Take a string, a piece of yarn or your belt and
protection from the weather until their fur growsmeasure your pup, then compare it to a ruler for an
back. This also applies to dogs that have beenaccurate measurement.
shaved for agility and show reasons.2. Don't go by the Coat / Sweater / Tee/ etc. you
People who live in colder winter climates should keepuse today they will be very different
in mind that even though their pets have fur, they3. Use more than One person to get an accurate
may need protection from the elements when theymeasurement
spend most of their time indoors, because they4. Allow one size bigger for thick coats
acclimate to their indoor surroundings.As a general rule, measuring should be done along the
Short-haired dogs are almost bald on the chest anddog's backbone from the Base of the Head to the
belly, so be sure to select dog clothing that coversBase of the Tail, which is referred to as the "top line
the lower portions of their bodies as well as the top.measurement". This is from the base of where the
Most dogs don't like the rain, and if your pet spendscollar rests to where the tail is attached.
most of his time indoors, you probably don't enjoyIt is best to start this training as a puppy, but older
the musty smell or the water and mud. With somedogs can also easily be trained with a little more
water proof, quality dog clothes, almost all this canpatience. Suitable dog clothes can make your pet
easily be avoided.happy and healthy resulting in less trips to the vet
Polar fleece is also a good protective fabric; itand additional savings in money and time.
insulates and keeps the dog warm while keeping thePaul Easton is a self confessed dog lover who sells
skin dry. Booties are good for dogs in snow, ice andDog clothing online- The Non Glamour Clothes for real
rain.dogs- wet or dry, indoor or out.
Booties can also be used to protect a dog's padsSign up for the Dog Care newsletter and get your
from hot ground surfaces. Remember that while a"FREE Dog Care Help- discounts and specials, special
dog's pads are less sensitive than our own feet, theydiscounted offers, bonusfree items and more- every
are still sensitive to extreme temperatures. If they2 weeks!
start walking strangely, and it's a hot day, the ground