As more dogs join our families, we humanize them, often treating them like hairy children rather than descendants of wolves. In fact, it's no longer uncommon to see dogs wearing shirts, dresses, hats - even jewelry.
There are several reasons why you might want to dress your dog in clothing. Perhaps your pet is a functional Yorkie who needs clothing to protect him from bad weather. Or maybe your dog is a pampered beauty who wears designer clothes because you like to dress up your pet.
However, you can teach your pet to feel comfortable in new clothes using patience and positive reinforcement. Here's how to train your pet to be the best dressed dog on the block.
Start early and simple
Yorkies are more likely to tolerate clothing if they are taught from puppyhood that it is just a part of life.Even if you don't plan on dressing your dog up regularly, it's best to get your puppy comfortable with wearing clothes while he's small in case he needs a change of outfit at some point in his life, either for a special occasion or to maintain the right body temperature.
But if your dog missed out on early training as a puppy, it's not too late to get him used to moving around with his clothes on.
Whether you're working with a puppy or an adult dog, it's best to start with simple, comfortable clothing that doesn't cover the back legs, legs, and head. Start with midriff-baring clothing that can be buttoned both across the chest and under the belly. This will prevent you from having to pull clothing over your dog's head, which can be scary for some puppies.
Teach your dog a positive association with clothing before he wears it by taking out the clothing and giving your dog a treat just for looking at it. If he sniffs it, mark this moment with the word “good” and a reward. Next, hold the clothing up to your dog and reward him for standing still as you gently touch the clothing to his side. Fasten the clothes on your dog's back for a couple of seconds and reward him for standing still. Then fasten the belts on the belly and chest and reward the dog for being calm.
Start by keeping your pet in clothes for only 10 to 60 seconds. Focus your dog's attention on something productive that will take his mind off the clothes, such as eating clumps from a food puzzle, doing tricks, or playing.
Once the clothes are off, the amount of treats, praise and fun should be reduced so that the dog understands that clothes mean fun and games.In the end, your dog will not only tolerate wearing the clothes, but will also enjoy it.
Expand his wardrobe
The next step is to dress your dog in a T-shirt or sweater, which involves sticking his head through the hole in the neck. Start by rewarding your dog for staying still while you hold out the T-shirt. With one hand, pull the neck hole over the dog's nose and head, while with the other hand continue giving the treat. After a few seconds, remove your shirt and try again. Finally, stick your paws through the shirt, rewarding and praising your dog for each step.
To train your pet to wear a hat, start with something simple, such as a bobby pin or hair clip. Place this object on your dog's fur and reward him for being calm. You can also reward your pet for staying still while you place the hat on his head without fastening it. Until the animal calms down, fasten the hat and focus his attention on something else, such as rewarding him for standing on his paws or following the “down” command. Keep the hat on for a short time at first and remove it before signs of struggle appear.
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