Dog Clothes are Fun!

"Will my dog have fun wearing dog clothes when we go out together?"

That's a good question. For those who might wonder about whether a dog clothing will fit, fall off, or be scratchy for their pet, it might be the most important question to answer to help them venture boldly into the world of doggie fashion!

When your dog first starts wearing clothes, he might find them a little unsettling and try to take them off. Or, he might have no problem adjusting to them at all.

My dog Kera, who is a service dog in training, is required to wear a vest when she goes out in public, whether it's to the supermarket or shopping mall. This vest is just like a simple dog coat or dog sweater. It slides on over her head and buckles under her belly. Overall, the fit is fairly loose, but it stays on just fine, and she has never had a problem fighting against it.

I would say the most important key to teaching your dog to accept his dashing new duds is to introduce your dog gradually to his new clothes. Let him sniff them, and examine them before you put them on your dog.

When you do put your dog's clothes on him, remember to adjust them so they are comfortable and not too tight. If your dog starts to scratch or roll to try to get the clothes off, simply distract him with a ball, a treat or a new friend. He will forget all about his new outfit when he sees his favorite toys and treats!

Be sure you make the introduction of your dog's clothing a pleasant experience and not an angry confrontation or standoff.

These days Kera LOVES wearing her vest. She jumps in the air when I bring it out because she knows we're going to go somewhere fun and she's going to get a lot of good attention!

When you are selecting clothes for your dog, it's important to examine the manufacturer's sizing requirements. Most clothes designers offer their selections in a variety of sizes from small to large with an emphasis on making more dog clothes available for small dogs. Large dogs do have clothing options, but generally they tend to be more casual/sportswear oriented and less cutsie. ;)

Most dog clothes offer sizing charts that incorporate the length of the dog's back, the width of his neck and the distance around his belly. Some clothes have sleeves, and some don't. If you have a short-legged breed of dog, such as a corgi or basset hound, some long-sleeved designs which might otherwise seem appropriate based on your dog's measurements, may not fit through the sleeve.

You'll want to measure your dog, weigh him, and look at a breed sizing chart if it's available.

If you have a hard-to-fit dog, or can't find the right style in your dog's size. You might want to have your dog clothes custom made for your dog.

When compared to clothes for people, dog clothing is really quite inexpensive. Of course, like everything else, you get what you pay for, but in general, you can find a cute one-time outfit (like a dog Halloween costume, for example) for under ten dollars. If you would like something for your dog to wear more regularly, it might pay to invest in higher quality. Something that will wear well, launder well, and fit comfortably for your dog. Still, you can find very nice quality dog clothes for about $20-40 a piece. So the key is not deciding whether you can buy a dog outfit, the question is just deciding HOW MANY outfits and accessories you'd like for your dog.

Do you want him to have dog clothes or accessories for every day, or just for a special occasion or party? That brings us to our next question.

The answer: Your dog can wear clothes everywhere he goes, with a few exceptions. If your dog is going to be rough-housing, with children or other dogs, it is best that he do so unadorned, so that no one gets stuck or caught up in the extra clothing.

If your dog is going to be engaging in a very physical activity, such as swimming or hiking, he may find that his clothes get in the way. Best to leave them at home unless they're specifically designed for outdoor dogs. Something like a dog life jacket or hunting jacket, or perhaps a backpack filled with dog food for a backcountry adventure.

If your dog is going out in inclement weather, it's fine for him to wear clothes. In fact, if it's rainy, snowy, muddy or slushy out, clothes can serve a very important function. Many dogs who spend a lot of their time indoors do not develop heavy coats, and can get chilly when going out for a walk in the snow or rain. Special dog boots can keep their paws dry (and clean for when they come back indoors) and a rain jacket will keep them from getting soaked when out in the elements. If it's a cold, clear day, a simple dog sweater might be the only thing they need to protect them.

Aside from the many functional aspects of dog clothes, one of the things most dogs really enjoy about wearing clothes is the extra attention it garners them when they go out.

Whether they're trotting through the park in a dapper golf jacket, or sporting their patriotic pride wearing red, white and blue, there's no question that dogs in clothes just plain have more fun!

So, the very best place for your dog to wear clothes is when he will be around people who will see him and lavish him with praise and pats!