subject: Train Your Dog to Wear Clothes [print this page] Train Your Dog to Wear Clothes Train Your Dog to Wear Clothes
Learn how to train your dog to wear clothes. Clothes for dogs are unnatural but pet training can get a lot easier with these simple tips on dog training. Although domestic dogs are found to be more adaptable and have adjusted to wearing clothes over the years, it is perfectly normal for a dog to not like wearing clothes or shoes or jackets or accessories for that matter. Training a dog to wear clothes is similar to training them to do just about anything. Read on to learn how to train your dog to wear clothes.
Training your dog to wear clothes takes time and patience. Remember how long it took to train him to sit and walk on a leash, you should expect to spend as much time training clothes as was done with everything else.
You need to start them when they're young so that they are raised with the understanding that wearing clothes is normal.
Start with something easy like a loose shirt. Let them wear it around the house and do daily activities like eating, playing and sleeping. Make sure it's not too loose, or it will tempt them to bite and pull.
Start by putting a coat on your dog every time you leave the house, this will signal to them that the coat goes on every time they wear a leash.
Make sure to use clothes with natural fibers so they do not irritate your dog's skin and also to suite the weather the best. Like a thin breathable fabric for summer or an insulated coat for winter. A t-shirt fabric is a perennial favorite for most dogs.
It is important to make sure clothes are not too tight for providing flexibility and comfort. Remember dogs are not used to the clothing.
Place the dog outfit over the dog's head first and as the dog outfit sits around the dog's neck, align the dog clothing. Be soft and gentle while putting on or pulling off the clothes, your dog might resist in his own way. Remember that it is a skill you want to learn and they should be able to obey you.
Make sure you give them lots of praise so that they don't see clothes as a punishment.
A caress, caressing or fondling of the head are large positive signals to your pup. The most effective rewards are words of praise that are used in an affectionate and enthusiastic tone.
Edible rewards can also be used, but the behavior should not be dependent on the prize.
Remember even if you're not in favor of dogs clothing or dog costumes it still might be important that your dog wear a coat on cold winter days or during walks in the rain. If they shiver or hold their paws in the air on a cold day, you should consider buying a dog coat for them to wear while outside. Keeping your dog warm is important to the health and care of your best friend.