Finding perfect dog clothing is only half the battle.  If you think you are going to put together the most perfect ensemble and instantly play dress up with your faithful companion, you’re sure to be let down.

When you first try and dress your dog, he’ll likely immediately try and get out of it.  Some dogs will simply paw at it and some will really freak out.  If you want your dog to wear a sweater or costume without it stressing him out too much, you need to take the time to prepare him for his big debut.

The first thing you should do is make sure your dog is accustomed to wearing simple things like sweaters.  If he won’t even let you dress him in a sweater, there’s no chance he’s going to wear a tux and top hat.  After he’s comfortable with a sweater, you can prepare him for more elaborate dog clothing like a costume by using something you might not have thought of, hair bands.  That’s right, if you want him to be comfortable wearing a costume, starting with something as simple as hair bands.

I would use several varieties.  Here’s how I start.  I take a large band.  One that is large enough to loosely fit over what ever part of his body that you would like to put the article of clothing on.  It’s likely that he’ll reach his paw up and try to scrape it off.  That’s okay for now.  Keep trying.  Tell his he is a good dog each time you put it on.  Be really careful not to praise him as he is rubbing it off.  This is a sure fire way to train him to undress himself  just as fast as you dress him.

Proper timing is EVERYTHING when it comes to training your dog.  At first you praise him in his favorite way just as you put the hair band on him.  Maybe your dog is crazy for affection and a happy voice or maybe your pooch will do anything for a cookie or a chance to play with a squeak toy.  It’s important to reward him with something that he’ll really appreciate.   Each time he keeps it on a bit longer, praise him more being sure to praise him while he is wearing it and not when he’s fussing or trying to get it off.  Be sure and work in short intervals.  At first accept one second as a win.  Then two seconds, then three, etc.  Don’t fall victim to going from five seconds to one minute all at once.  You want to be sure and take advantage of every chance to tell him he is a good boy.  I would put the hair band on him for a second or two and tell him that he is a good boy.  Then take it off and do something else with him for a minute.  Now put it back on, leave it for a few more seconds, praise him with love or a cookie, and take it off.  You want him to have as many good experiences as possible.  If you leave it on too long and he gets stressed out, he might develop a strong fear of being dressed and wearing clothing.  I’m sure you don’t want that.

If you are patient and take things slow, your pampered pup will be proudly showing off his new costume in no time.

Thanks for visiting my dog clothes blog.

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